Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Kate Upton

Discover the career path of Kate Upton, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Kate Upton is an American model and actress. She gained prominence after appearing in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in 2011. She was a cover model for the same issue in 2012, 2013, and 2017, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in the fashion and entertainment industries. She also graced the cover of Vanity Fair's 100th-anniversary issue.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2008: Signed with Elite Model Management

In 2008, Kate Upton attended a casting call in Miami for Elite Model Management and was signed the same day, marking the beginning of her modeling career.

2009: Equestrian Achievements

In 2009, Kate Upton won 14–18 Western Riding with her second horse Colby and was included in the top 5 in 14–18 Horsemanship and 14–18 Western Pleasure.

2010: Face of Guess

In 2010, Kate Upton became the face of Guess clothing brand.

April 2011: Dougie Dance Video Viral

In April 2011, a video of Kate Upton doing the dougie hip-hop dance at a Los Angeles Clippers game went viral, increasing her popularity.

June 2011: Tosh.0 Appearance

In June 2011, Kate Upton made an appearance in an episode of Tosh.0.

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July 2011: Taco Bell All-Star Legends & Celebrity Softball Game

In July 2011, Kate Upton participated in the Taco Bell All-Star Legends & Celebrity Softball Game at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona.

November 2011: Tower Heist Film Release

In November 2011, Kate Upton's acting debut was in the film, Tower Heist, as Mr. Hightower's mistress. The film was released in November 2011.

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2011: Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue Appearance and Rookie of the Year

In 2011, Kate Upton appeared in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and was named Rookie of the Year.

2011: Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue Appearance

In 2011, Kate Upton first appeared in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.

2011: Appearance in Tower Heist

In 2011, Upton appeared in the film Tower Heist.

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February 2012: Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue Cover

In February 2012, Kate Upton appeared on the cover of the 2012 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Following this, she experienced negative aftereffects, including criticism and feeling objectified.

April 2012: Cat Daddy Dance Video Viral

In April 2012, a video of Kate Upton performing the Cat Daddy dance to the song of the same name by The Rej3ctz also went viral.

November 2012: Vogue Italia Cover

In November 2012, Kate Upton appeared on the cover of Vogue Italia, photographed by Steven Meisel.

2012: Sports Illustrated Cover Model

In 2012, Kate Upton was the cover model for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.

January 2013: Vogue UK Cover

In January 2013, Kate Upton landed the cover of Vogue UK.

June 2013: Vogue Cover Appearance

In June 2013, Kate Upton appeared on the Vogue cover, photographed by Mario Testino.

October 2013: Vanity Fair Cover

In October 2013, Kate Upton was photographed by Annie Leibovitz for the October 2013 100th anniversary cover of Vanity Fair.

2013: Sports Illustrated Cover Model

In 2013, Kate Upton was again the cover model for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.

2013: Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue Cover and Filming in Antarctica

In 2013, Kate Upton was the cover model for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue for the second consecutive year. Parts of her 2013 Sports Illustrated pictorial were filmed in Antarctica and Upton suffered from failing hearing and eyesight due to the extreme cold.

April 2014: The Other Woman Film Release

In April 2014, Kate Upton appeared with Cameron Diaz, Leslie Mann, and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau in the comedy The Other Woman as Amber, one of Coster-Waldau's character's mistresses.

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2014: Sports Illustrated 50th Anniversary Issue Cover

In 2014, Kate Upton appeared on the flip-side cover of the 2014 50th-anniversary Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Part of her shoot took place at Cape Canaveral, capturing her in zero gravity.

2014: Lady Antebellum Music Video and Sexiest Woman Title

In 2014, Kate Upton starred with Tony Hale in Lady Antebellum's music video "Bartender". People named Upton its "Sexiest Woman" for 2014. Also in 2014, Upton was the centerpiece of a $40 million advertising campaign for Machine Zone's mobile app Game of War: Fire Age.

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