Models Taking on New Challenges
Colin Egglesfield is quite a name—just as striking as the man himself. Yes, he’s a male model.
“I was kind of awkward as a kid. You know, skinny, with braces,” he reflects. But everything changed after I hit 26 and grew six inches. I heard about a talent search at my university. After my shift as a waiter, I visited my agent. Calvin Klein spotted my photo, and before I knew it, I was modeling underwear for eight years. Then came campaigns with Versace and Armani. Once I transitioned into acting, I found myself at previews receiving clothes from designers.”
“There was a time I totally botched an outfit. It was at this major Cynthia Rowley show in Grand Central Terminal with all the celebrities present. I wore these super tight leather pants that made movement a challenge, especially with the runway being up a staircase.”
“I rushed up and something gave way. With everyone watching, lights flashing, music playing, and a big air conditioner blowing right towards me, I felt the fabric tear down to my ankle. I just kept going. What was I going to do? Run away? At the end of the runway, I spotted Kristin Davis from *Sex and the City.* She was grinning at my mishap. Without stopping, I trudged on. Definitely one of the most embarrassing moments in my modeling career.”
So, what happens when you age out of modeling?
“Well, I’ve shifted to acting. I began with *All My Children,* portraying Erica Kane’s son for three years. Then, I spent six years on *Rizzoli & Isles* and starred in a film called *Something Borrowed* alongside Kate Hudson. I was her fiancé in that one and even created a TV series with Jennifer Love Hewitt.”
What about keeping a fit physique?
“I indulge in donuts, chocolate chip cookies, and cheeseburgers—just not all at once. As a three-time cancer survivor, I’ve really looked into diet and health. My meals mostly consist of protein: chicken, beef, pork, and fish. Add in some mashed potatoes, green beans, nuts, and dark chocolate—all as unprocessed as I can manage. I steer clear of anything with more than five ingredients.”
One male model recounted feeling disrespected by female models who saw him as lesser.
“It’s not that bad. It’s just part of the job. I got $600 for a day’s work, which is decent for just modeling. Of course, Naomi Campbell was earning $25,000 that day, and a lot of the attention was on her. The women were often annoyed. I think we’re generally viewed as second-rate. I once shot a commercial with Gisele Bündchen for Victoria’s Secret. I felt like I could’ve been invisible; when I walked in, people reacted like, ‘Who’s that?’”
“And then Gisele arrives, looking like royalty, and everyone just jumps up, bowing as if she’s a saint.”
So, for those of us who aren’t models, what can we do to look better? Moisturizing? Maybe a facelift?
“A good SPF and staying hydrated go a long way. But honestly, kindness is what truly shines through—it goes deeper than looks. So, drink water, eat healthily, hit the gym, and get that blood flowing. And hey, a little romance never hurts either.”
Scene Stealers
Not all performers are treated equally. Do actors working alongside major stars face different levels of respect?
Kevin Bacon expressed disappointment at the lack of recognition for his contributions. In *Mystic River,* co-stars Tim Robbins and Sean Penn received Oscar nods while he felt overshadowed. He was even removed from the film’s poster. “It stung to see that,” he recalls. “One day, I opened the newspaper and it was like I was completely erased.” There’s no resentment on his part, just a lingering hurt.
And then there are stage actors, who often don’t see fair compensation. I once heard about a theater critic named Clive Burns who realized the plays he reviewed felt the same. During a break, he ran up the aisle to smoke, only to remember he doesn’t smoke.
Such is showbiz, kids—just showbiz. A thank you to Johnny Oleksinski for the mention. Much appreciated.
