Confessions of a 51 Year-Old Supermodel. ~ Jodee Anello
Well, I’m not really a supermodel, but I’d like to be.
No, that isn’t true either, but I would like to make some extra cash on the side so I can go on a vacation once in awhile. I have a real job, Monday through Friday, with flexibility to take a few days off here and there for bookings, but I’ve only had four in the past two years.
That is not cutting it for vacation money because all of my modeling money goes to Botox. Before you judge me, hear my story. I’ve had no other “work” done, unless you count wrinkle removal via Photoshop.
I need more modeling to come my way, so I’m soliciting myself. I’m not sure why I don’t get more bookings. Granted, I’m not in New York—though I’m willing to travel—and I have a wonky face, but I don’t think that’s it.
My agent tells me I’m an oddity. I look youthful, but I have gray hair. I can’t be a granny, nor can I be placed in anything where they want a young woman. Bullshit. Why can’t I be featured in the editorial section of Vogue?
Okay, I know that’s a stretch, but I also know there is work out there. How about pharmaceuticals? I can do that. Viagra? Cialis? Come on, I’m still hot! Men who need those drugs would want to have sex with me, right?
I started modeling in my teens and had a pretty successful career going. I was 31 and married when my husband was transferred to Philadelphia, and just when I started shopping for an agent there, I was struck with Bell’s Palsy. That resulted in complete facial paralysis on the right side.
Normally people fully recover within a few weeks from this, with no lasting effects. Not me. Mine did not begin to reverse itself for four months, and by then I had permanent nerve damage. Hence the wonky face.
Gone was my perfect symmetry. Complete devastation. My face was my livelihood. I had no other career.
On top of incomplete recovery, I was left with a condition where the nerves cross, called synkinesis. When I smiled one eyebrow went up. When I chewed food my eye would wink. I’ve had more than one strange man wink back at me from across a restaurant.
Joking aside, it was a horrible time for me, but I had to get on with my life. No more modeling. This really did a number on my psyche. I knew I was 
still attractive, but the camera was no longer kind to me. Big f*cking deal, I thought: you had your run, get on with your life. And so, I did.
Fast forward to me at age 48.
My husband and I were living apart due to his job, and with the arrival of another woman into the mix, I came to the realization that I might be on my own for the first time in 20 years. I needed to do something when agitation and worry set in. I took up running. As I felt my body getting stronger and in good shape, so was my mind.
I decided I was going to reinvent myself. I was going to be a model again.
My plan was: lose a few pounds, stop dying my hair, (I thought gray would make me more marketable), Botox injections (I had recently read that Botox could help with the lasting effects of facial nerve damage), and have some photos taken. Judge for yourself after you see the photos, see if you think you can pull it off, I thought.
For close to a year, I followed my plan. Going gray was the most difficult part. I looked like a raccoon. I tried a rinse once that turned the gray to a lovely shade of purple. People actually thought I did that on purpose and complimented me.
When I was ready, I reached out to a photographer friend of my son. I was hesitant. It had been almost 20 years since I felt comfortable in front of the camera.
After seeing the photos I was encouraged. I emailed them directly to two agencies: FORD, and another in San Francisco. Both responded, so I scheduled meetings the same day. I was a nervous wreck that morning, old insecurities were surfacing. Hoping for FORD, I scheduled them last. I thought if the first one went well, it would give me more confidence, and it did.
I was truly expecting them to say, “What’s wrong with your face?” Instead, I heard, “You are stunning,” and “We love your hair.” They signed me, and boy, did my ego need this, but truthfully I was stunned.
F*ck that other woman, I’m a FORD model.
Still waiting for that national commercial, though.
~
Editor: Jennifer Cusano
Jodee Anello lives in Healdsburg, CA, where upon arriving there three years ago, was finally cured of a near fatal case of wanderlust. She works at a popular winery while she tries to figure out if modeling will ever work out, but even better would be writing, which is her passion. She uses her blog to improve her writing skills with poetry, memoir and personal essays. She is a runner and cyclist and enjoys home improvement projects, landscaping and making garage wine with friends.
Photography Credit: Paige Craig
Incorrect source, offensive, or found a typo? Or do you want to write for Elephant?
elephant journal is dedicated to "bringing together those working (and playing) to create enlightened society." We're about anything that helps us to live a good life that's also good for others, and our planet. >>> Founded as a print magazine in 2002, we went national in 2005 and then (because mainstream magazine distribution is wildly inefficient from an eco-responsible point of view) transitioned online in 2009. >>> elephant's been named to 30 top new media lists, and was voted #1 in the US on twitter's Shorty Awards for #green content...two years running. >>> Get involved: > Subscribe to our free Best of the Week e-newsletter. > Follow us on Twitter Fan us on Facebook. > Write: send article or query. > Advertise. > Pay for what you read, help indie journalism survive and thrive—and get your name/business/fave non-profit on every page of elephantjournal.com. Questions? info elephantjournal com
If you liked this, you might like these:
Conscious Activism (or how to completely disrupt your life & see what happens).
So What? I’m Still a Rock Star. ~ Jodee Anello
Artist Creates Drawings of Women Based on Both Their Perception of Themselves & the Descriptions from Strangers. {Video} ~ Tawnya Wagner
MyFord: this will be the death of Cyclists everywhere.
“Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.” –Albert Einstein.
Great blog post (love the honesty) and I look forward to seeing you on tv and in magazine pages shortly.
Thanks, Steve! We met once. Do you remember? Appreciate the comment.
Of course I do, but just for a minute inside my fave restaurant Scopa.
Best article yet, and the bonus is, we got to know you better. Thank you for sharing, Jodee, and best of luck to you in all your endeavors. If I hear of anything down this way, I will definitely let you know!
Thank you, Kelly. Your support is always appreciated. xo
Gee, I really like this post. So honest, frank and potent. Thanks for sharing and telling your story.
I am 40…but once was a pageant beauty queen. There are only 19 other people (including me) who ever held the title. For me, it was not a road I followed..but instead moved to Korea at 25.
Big directional change…and started teaching.
What you have shared and done takes a whole lot of balls, gusts and courage. You look great…I suspect much of that comes from an inner attitude.
You have also given me a new idea about NOT pulling out my own gray hairs…..:-0
Thank you Heather! I truly appreciate your thoughtful words. You are right, this wasn't easy, but I'm glad I went for it and hearing from you makes me feel even better about it. Now, leave that gray alone.
Really? Way to go to you…a million times over….I am sure it was not easy…but that's OK….
But as for the gray………………………………………………hmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Wow Jodee! I never knew how much you've been through. I applaud you for rising above the adversity and pursuing your goal. And yes, you're a FORD model!
A very prestigious title indeed.
Thank you, Joseph! Writer is the title I ultimately seek, so this was a very, very good day.
I absolutely love this post. Jodee, you ARE stunning…and an inspiration! I'm now beginning to think I might skip my next dye job and see what nature has to offer me. Best of luck to you…looking forward to seeing you on a cover soon!
Ha! Thank you, Lynn!
[...] confessions-of-a-51-year-old-supermodel–jodee-anello Share this:ShareFacebookPrintEmailLike this:LikeBe the first to like this post. From: Whatever Comes to Mind ← Click No comments yet [...]
Love your essay. Look out David Sedaris and all the good essayists.
You write from the heart. The title is such a good hook. I initially thought good. Jodee is finally going tell me about her days modeling in New York and aboard. I am going to hear about the inside world of modeling and fashion.
Then you just continue to amaze me with life stories of marriage, family, heartaches, illness and struggles with dreams and goals. Then you peal off the layers of life. A life I relate to, such as being 51, gray hair and Botox. Then you make the story unique about being recognized for your beauty and all told by being gifted writer with a most wonderful and beautiful heart. I really look forward to reading you essays. Thank you for sharing.
I love you, Val!
Jodee,
You rock on so many levels. Go get 'em girl!
Shared your blog on Elephant FB page: https://www.facebook.com/elephantjournal
Cheers,
Jeannie Page
Jeannie! Thank you so much! And I loved your little intro on the Elephant FB page!
What an inspiring story. Jodi for all you’ve ieen through and what you’ve accomplished, it shows no matter what, we can all persevere. I find this inspiring and it really gets to the heart of women who haven’t realized their dreams. It’s never too late. You look amazing.. You definitely look like a model so there’s absolutely no reason why you should ever have low self esteem. I’m sure you’re doing well in that department. I’m very happy for you and this story is extremely endearing, humbling and most of all as stated earlier inspiring to all women.
Thanks for the encouragement!
Christina, Thank you so very much for your kind and thoughtful words. I truly appreciate everything you said.
You encourage me to embrace my changes and let go of my ego that keeps insecurities in place. I have hair almost exactly like yours that I continue to color every three weeks. I think I am finished now. You're beautiful.. Thank you for sharing .
Oh, that is awesome. I can't tell you how freeing it was to let those three to four week appointments go. Not to mention the money saved! The transition is difficult, but I promise, you won't regret it. Karen, thank you for your comment.
first of all,after the first sentence (“not a supermodel”) my thought was “well she should be”. I can’t see anything wrong with your face, I agree with others, hope to see that face more often! Congratulations and good luck.
Thank you!
You are beautiful! My sis Stacy does your hair in PS and had told me about you. I went gray too and she totally supported me in that decision… best one I ever made. I get compliments all the time and
I was just at an electronic music concert in NYC and some random 20 something kid came up to me with a high five and said “you f**king rock!” You can be young and fun AND gray!!!
I’m sure you do too
Amen, Sister! I remember our email exchange when I was thinking about going gray. Stacy encouraged me for several years before I was finally ready to go for it. I should have done it sooner! You are beautiful, Jan. Thanks for writing.
Kash posted this on Facebook, I'm happy to hear you are doing well! Tara Thomas (the former Mrs. Schnetter).
Ha! Hi Tara! Great to hear from you! Thanks for the note. Gave me a big smile.
Love, Love, Love.
Jodee, My cousin Teri (your cousin too) sent this along. It's great. I'm envious of people who know how to manipulate the written word. Great job.
Thank you so much, Ken!
I love hearing your story, Jodee. And it shows your bravery to tell it! Congratulations on Ford, and on the many adventures ahead. I agree that you are stunning, with such unique beauty any agency would be crazy not to sign you.
Thank you, sweet Emily. xoxo
Jodee, I've shared your story with my fan page: https://www.facebook.com/JeanniePageWriter
It's such a great story of empowerment and of re-inventing one's life. They will be inspired by it.
Cheers again,
Jeannie
I can't thank you enough, Jeannie! Seriously, this has been thrilling. I'm overwhelmed by all the love coming my way from so many people. Those I know, and those I don't. Cheers to you!!
[...] the fact that one of the fellow participants in this project experienced a major milestone. She had one of her pieces published on elephantjournal.com. Her first published piece. I was so excited for this woman I’ve [...]
51 is the new awesome, no?
You Are Beautiful!!!
Jodee, I am thirty four and have been modeling since I was sixteen; I say you are what I hope to look like at fifty. If you want to book commercials, you must move to Los Angeles, that is were most of the good ones for women like us are booked. I think you are absolutely stunning, and if you need representation help in Los Angeles, I would love to help; I am with Wilhelmina for print and NTA commercially.
Thanks, Leah, but I really don't want to move. I know living where I am prohibits me in many ways, but I can't imagine moving at this point. I am with FORD in LA. I was with them in San Francisco as well, but they recently closed the SF office. I'm trying to decide my next step with representation in SF. I meant for this piece to be a somewhat humorous story about my struggles, overcoming them and moving forward and not so much a true solicitation of myself. Thank you so much for your nice comments and I'm glad things are going well for you in LA.
Jodee, you look a little like Lauren Bacall, an ageless beauty. Inspirational! I don't think I will succumb to grey until I'm seventy or so, but it looks great on you! I will be fifty next year, and I think my present to myself will be a tasteful nude photo shoot (maybe in black and white) so when I'm ninety, I can remember what a babe I was at fifty – haha! Good luck with your career, I'll check out your blog! Peace – Alexa M.
Thank you, Alexa! I say, go for that photo shoot!
Thank you for sharing Jodee, you are gorgeous! I also suffered from Bell's Palsy for a few months (however I did recover almost fully) and I too have decided to stop dying my hair which is about half silver despite my young age (33). Lucky for me it seems to look pretty cool so far. Let's start a silver hair movement!!!
Thank, Bee! So happy you recovered from the BP. And love that you are going gray at such a young age. I wish I had done it sooner. Thanks for commenting and all the best to you!
Jodee, this is a great blog post. I'd think More magazine would love to feature you as a model. I also think you have the makings of a new career: writer. Memoir. With the aging of America, yours is the type of story we want to read about. Best of luck to you. Looking forward to seeing your beautiful face gracing the pages of many magazines and reading more of your work.
Lynn, Thank you so much for your very kind comment! I'm doing my best to proactively discover which direction my life is going to go at this stage. Encouragement helps, so thank you!
Fabulous post. Thank you for sharing
Love your story Jodee! You go girl! You are beautiful at any age or with any color of hair! I didn't realize that you had bell's palsy. I am just getting over it myself. Talk about a strange affliction. Fortunately, mine is almost gone and only took about two weeks. I was very lucky.
Thanks, Debbie! So happy to hear you mended quickly. It's a tough thing to go through.
[...] [...]
Jodee, Your story is compelling. Your writing is enthralling. Your adventure is inspiring. Your beauty is eternal. Your spirit is your strength. And, may you know that those who have been blessed to have known you will ALWAYS love you.
"Dr. V"
[...] [...]
[...] of a near fatal case of wanderlust. She works at a popular winery while she tries to figure out if modeling will ever work out, but even better would be writing, which is her passion. She uses her blog to [...]
idk? active all of them… i cognise for a fact that their was atleast 3 college profs. present that daylight
Alert Christmas to you besides
)
He’s an cocksucker!? Criminal!!!!! And BTW. Alert CHRISTmas!
In the Algid Action, 1980′s, the US opts to offer assistance to the Mujahideen, a immunity fighters grouping warring against the Russians, attempting to take command of Afghanistan. The weapons we offered allowed the turn of the tide, but also indellibly divine them to? now deprivation war with us. We are not at conflict with Afghanistan or Iraq (scorn beingness called the Iraq/Afghanistan Wars), they are a edifice of war, against an barbarous, religiously fanatic, and insane grouping of murderers and thugs.