Archives for January 2021

Modeling involves much more than just wearing clothes. It requires poise, confidence, and the ability to perform under pressure. It might be surprising to learn, therefore, that several models, including top supermodels, were at one time or are still shy. Quite frequently, women who are models were teased as adolescents for being overly tall and skinny — attributes that serve them well in the modeling world but that made them stand out early in life.

Below is a list of some famous models who are also shy. Although not a model, Anna Wintour is included because she is a prominent figure in the fashion industry.

1. Adriana Lima

Adriana Lima is a Brazilian model best known for her appearances in Guess ads as well as Victoria’s Secret fashion shows. Known as one of the world’s top fashion models, Adriana was discovered at age 13 when she won second place in the Ford Supermodel of the World contest.

Adriana describes how her mother helped her cope with shyness at a young age: “She helped me a lot because I used to be very shy. When I first started, I had to go to a casting, and I had to go in a bikini. When I saw all the girls, I thought,”What am I doing here” The girls were so beautiful. I said to my mother,”There’s no way that I am going in – I didn’t like my body before; I thought I was too skinny. And she said, “No, you are going and you’re going to get this job. – I was so nervous, but I went in and I got the job! I couldn’t believe it. And that’s how I started.”

2. Claudia Schiffer

German model Claudia Schiffer was discovered in a night club at the age of 17. She later went on to model for Chanel and became known as one of the five “supermodels.” Claudia felt awkward and shy growing up as a teenager in a small town because she was tall and skinny. Even during her the early days of her modeling career, she describes herself as “a bit of a loner, as I was still quite shy.”

Claudia feels that modelling helped her overcome her shyness: “Modelling has been a great type of therapy for me. Working with so many different personalities – good and bad – has forced me to come out of my shell. Obviously all the travelling has taught me to become very independent and I’ve also learnt to live each day like it’s my last.”

3. Heather Graham

Heather Graham is an American actress and former spokesperson and TV model for Garnier hair products. Heather was born in Wisconsin and moved frequently with her family during childhood due to her father’s career with the FBI. Heather was shy as a child but showed promise in acting and was voted most talented by her senior class in high school. She has starred in over 50 movies, including the well-known films “Boogie Nights,” “Austin Powers: The Spy who Shagged Me,” and “The Hangover.”

4. Kate Moss

Kate Moss is an English model who was discovered at the age of 14 by a modeling agency representative while traveling through John F. Kennedy Airport. Kate is known for her signature “waif” look and is heralded as one of the world’s top fashion models.

Photographer Mario Testino describes Kate: “Believe it or not, she is shy. I go to events with her and I am, like, what’s the matter with you? And she is, like, shaking, nervous.” Like many shy actors, Kate talks about becoming someone else while at work: “I feel like I become somebody else when I do the pictures. I don’t like doing pictures as myself. I like to be made into somebody different.”

5. Rene Russo

Rene Russo is an American model and actress who was discovered during a Rolling Stones concert. She started her career with Ford Models and then took up acting in her 30s. Rene is known for films such as Lethal Weapon 3, Tin Cup and Ransom. Her shyness developed during childhood and adolescence; fellow high school classmate Ron Howard has said that she walked with her head down and was shy. Rene was tall as a teenager and suffered with scoliosis, which led to teasing by other kids.

6. Anna Wintour

Anna Wintour is very successful and has worked for a variety of publications including Harper’s Bazaar (as Fashion Editor), British Vogue (as Editor-in-Chief), and currently, American Vogue (Creative Director and Editor-in-Chief). Although known for throwing frequent parties, Anna rarely stays past the first 10 minutes, preferring to be in bed before 10:00 pm. Anna is known as shy; her shyness is sometimes mistaken for coldness.

Celebrities with social anxiety include those who have been diagnosed with social anxiety disorder (SAD) such as Donny Osmond, Barbra Streisand and Ricky Williams, and others who have dealt with social anxiety issues such as Susie O’Neill and Kim Basinger. Read more about celebrities with social anxiety and how they have learned to cope.

1. Donny Osmond

At the tender age of 6, Donny Osmond recalls the beginnings of what would later develop into a full-blown case of SAD. While performing in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” Osmond’s stage fright became overwhelming. No longer able to cope, he sought help and received both medication and therapy as part of a treatment program. Osmond has spoken openly about his experiences in his autobiography and in interviews.

2. Barbra Streisand

During a concert in New York’s Central Park, Barbra Streisand forgot the lyrics to a song. Terrified of having it happen again, she did not perform publicly (with the exception of charity events) for nearly another 30 years. Streisand eventually returned to performing and has since reported using medication to manage her symptoms of social anxiety; despite this, she is still one of the most successful singers of all time.

3. Ricky Williams

Professional football player Ricky Williams has battled a crippling case of social anxiety disorder throughout his career in the NFL. Often judged as strange and aloof, Williams was known for leaving his helmet on during interviews and avoiding fans. On the suggestion of a friend, he entered therapy and began taking the anti-anxiety medication paxil (paroxetine). Williams has shared his story openly with the hope of helping others with SAD.

4. Zack Greinke

Zack Greinke took a leave of absence from his position as pitcher with the Kansas City Royals in 2006 to deal with SAD. A combination of treatment from a sports psychologist and anti-depressant medication allowed Greinke to return 7 months later. Greinke has since performed exceptionally well, winning the Cy Young Award in 2009, and appearing on the cover of Sports Illustrated.

5. Dontrelle Willis

Dontrelle Willis is a professional baseball player who was placed on the disabled list in 2009 due to SAD. Willis’ brief departure from his position of pitcher for the Detroit Tigers was met with skepticism by some; his diagnosis was based on a blood test and Willis denied having any feelings of anxiety.

6. Khalil Greene

Khalil Greene, shortstop for the St. Louis Cardinals, was placed on the disabled list for SAD in 2009 and 2010. Greene was known for having a long-standing pattern of emotional difficulties and had already been in treatment for anxiety issues.

7. Susie O’Neill

Olympic gold medalist swimmer Susie O’Neill spoke publicly about her problems with social anxiety both in her book “Choose to win: Achieving your goals, fulfilling your dreams”, and in an interview with the Australian Women’s Weekly. O’Neill’s fears included standing on the podium after a win, and being chosen to participate in team events.

8. Kim Basinger

Actress Kim Basinger was so shy and withdrawn as a child that her parents had her tested for autism and other disorders. Basinger has since managed to develop a successful Hollywood career despite battling panic disorder, agoraphobia, and social anxiety. The HBO film “Panic: A film about coping” features commentary from Basinger about her struggles with anxiety.

9. Sir Laurence Olivier

Actor Sir Laurence Olivier battled a severe case of stage fright during the last 10 years of his stage career, despite appearing in over 120 stage productions. His primary fear was of forgetting his lines. He coped with this fear by using avoidance strategies to shield himself from the audience and his fellow actors.