From Runway to Reef: Supermodel Kathy Ireland Embarks on Commercial Fishing Career
A surprising new chapter has begun for one of the 1980s and ‘90s most recognizable faces. Kathy Ireland, the celebrated model and actress, has obtained her open-ocean commercial fishing license and is now working as a fisher alongside her husband, Dr. Greg Olsen, aboard the vessel 4th Watch.
Ireland, 62, revealed in July that she’s embracing the challenges of a life at sea, even while continuing her established career as a philanthropist, spokesperson, and entrepreneur. “Some say spouses shouldn’t work together, I think it will be great!” she shared on Instagram.
Her first voyage as first mate proved physically demanding, yet deeply rewarding. “Amazing! Lobster fishing is hard work! Sore from head to toe but a good kind of sore!” Ireland exclaimed, describing the experience as “non-stop from pre-dawn to post dusk” amidst “the most beautiful scenery everywhere and the most handsome captain!” She documented her work, sharing a photo earlier this month of herself on deck, “filling bait jars with warm squishy mackerel.”
The transition to commercial fishing, while unexpected, isn’t entirely out of character for Ireland, who shared with Fox News that she “grew up camping and fishing.” However, her recent foray into the industry has sparked a newfound appreciation for the business aspects, particularly alongside her husband. Dr. Olsen, a recently retired ER doctor after four decades of service, is now a full-time commercial fisherman.
“My husband, he’s been fishing since he was 3 years old,” Ireland explained. “I’ve always wanted to go out with him on the boat… This season, an opportunity opened up. And when the calendar allows, I go out there with him.” She emphasized the profound lessons she’s learning. “The lessons I’m learning from being out at sea are amazing,” she continued. “They’re powerful. Much of it aligns with business. And being out there in truly God’s country where we’re just surrounded by just the wide open sea — it’s beautiful. It’s hard work, but I have a renewed appreciation for what my husband and so many others do. I knew it was hard work. But I knew unless I experienced it, I wouldn’t fully understand why he has this passion.”
Ireland’s career trajectory has been remarkably diverse. She graced the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit a total of 13 consecutive times, and also appeared on the covers of Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Shape Fitness, Seventeen, Harper’s Bazaar, and Forbes magazines. Beyond modeling, she acted in over 40 films and television shows, including Necessary Roughness, Melrose Place, Mom and Dad Save the World, The Incredible Hulk, Boy Meets World, Once Upon a Christmas, Alien from L.A., and National Lampoon’s Loaded Weapon 1. She even competed on Dancing with the Stars in 2009.
Despite this new venture, Ireland remains actively involved in her established business empire. As CEO, founder, and chief designer of Kathy Ireland Worldwide (kiWW), launched in 1993, she continues to oversee a billion-dollar licensing operation encompassing fashion, home decor, furniture, health, wellness, and business solutions.
With a wry smile, Ireland offered a unique perspective on navigating challenging environments. “I have no fear of sharks, yet I have to say I much prefer the sharks in the ocean than I do those in business,” she joked to Fox News. “I’ll deal with those, but the ones in the sea, I love those ones.”
Ireland and Dr. Olsen have been married since 1988 and share three children. This latest career move underscores Ireland’s willingness to embrace new challenges and her deep connection with her husband and the natural world.
