Biography
Who is Ashley Graham?
Early life and education
Ashley Graham was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, on October 30, 1987. She was the oldest of three sisters. During her middle school years, her family relocated within Nebraska. She attended Scott Middle School between 1999 and 2002 before moving to Lincoln Southwest High School, where she studied from 2002 until 2005. As a youth, she faced challenges with dyslexia and ADHD.
Her career in the fashion industry began early. In 2000, while shopping at a mall in Omaha, she was scouted by the I & I agency. By the age of 12, she had started modeling. She soon signed with Wilhelmina Models in 2001 after attending a convention, and later transitioned to Ford Models in 2003. Her early professional appearances included features in YM magazine.
Modeling and television career
Throughout her career, Ashley Graham has collaborated with numerous international designers and brands. Her portfolio includes work for Michael Kors, Tommy Hilfiger, Dolce and Gabbana, H&M, and Prabal Gurung. She has appeared in campaigns for Marina Rinaldi, Levi's, and Addition Elle. In 2010, she was featured in a television commercial for Lane Bryant that generated significant attention and debate, leading to her appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
In 2016, she achieved a major milestone by becoming the first plus-size model to cover the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. She also served as a backstage host for Miss Universe and Miss USA pageants between 2016 and 2018. Also, she appeared as a judge on the VH1 series America's Next Top Model. Her television work continued with hosting duties on American Beauty Star in 2019 and participating in the Spike show Lip Sync Battle.
Advocacy and writing
Beyond runway and print work, she is a vocal advocate for the body positivity movement and the Health at Every Size philosophy. She has used her platform to discuss taboo subjects, such as cellulite and insecurity, encouraging self-acceptance. Her 2017 book, A New Model: What Confidence, Beauty, and Power Really Look Like, outlines her experiences as a model and her views on the evolution of body image. She also delivered a TED Talk focused on self-acceptance.
Her creative projects often align with her advocacy. In 2022, she collaborated on the film Big. Strong. Woman. To combat female stereotypes. She has also designed lingerie lines for Addition Elle and developed clothing collections for JCPenney. In 2025, she was set to make her Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in the musical Chicago.
Personal life
Ashley Graham met her husband, Justin Ervin, at church in 2009. They married the following year. The couple has three sons together. She gave birth to their first child in 2020 and welcomed twin sons in 2022. She has openly discussed her interracial relationship with Ervin, noting in a 2017 interview that it initially caused tension with her family.
Outside of her professional life, she has engaged in missionary work in South Africa with the Themba Foundation. She maintains a significant presence in media through her work on various platforms and continues to advocate for size inclusivity within the fashion industry.
Birthday and age
Ashley Graham was born on October 30, 1987, which makes Ashley 38 years old today. That birthday falls under the Scorpio sign. Ashley shares the date with 21 other famous people.
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