Eileen Ford, Co-Founder Ford Modeling Agency, Dead at 92

The industry pioneer helped discover a wealth of modeling talent, including Brooke Shields and Naomi Campbell

Eileen Ford pictured in 2000.
Getty Images

Eileen Ford, co-founder of Ford Models, has passed away at 92.

The Long Island native was hospitalized last week after falling in her New York Home.

Ford founded the Ford Modeling Agency — as it was originally called — with her husband Gerald W. Ford in 1946, and it quickly grew to become one of the biggest and most renowned agencies in the world.

The industry pioneer was a famed modeling executive with an eye for talent. She helped launch several notable careers through the years, including Candice Bergen, Ali MacGraw, Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington, Rachel Hunter and Brooke Shields (who was signed on to the agency at the age 0f 8.)

Also read: Sid Caesar, Pioneer of American Comedy, Dead at 91

“Eileen Ford was an industry icon and pioneer and everyone in the Ford Models family will miss her dearly,” said a spokesperson from Ford Models in a statement to TheWrap. “Eileen’s contributions to the modeling and fashion industries are unmatched. She founded Ford Models 68 years ago and due to her unwavering passion, curiosity and drive, grew Ford into one of the world’s most prestigious agencies.”

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“We are incredibly proud and grateful for her revolutionary spirit and the values she instilled in Ford Models.”

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