Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Kate Upton

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 10, 2025

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

Kate Upton is an American model and actress, known for her appearances in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, including being a cover model in 2012, 2013, and 2017. She also graced the cover of Vanity Fair's 100th-anniversary issue, solidifying her status in the fashion and entertainment industries.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2008: Signing with Elite Model Management

In 2008, Kate Upton attended a casting call in Miami for Elite Model Management and was signed the same day.

2009: Equestrian Success with Colby

In 2009, Kate Upton won 14–18 Western Riding with her 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.

April 2011: Viral Dougie Dance Video

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 Participation

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

November 2011: Acting Debut in Tower Heist

In November 2011, Kate Upton's acting debut was in the film Tower Heist, where she played 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, was featured in the body paint section, and was named Rookie of the Year for the issue.

2011: Appearance in Tower Heist

In 2011, Kate Upton appeared in the film Tower Heist.

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2011: First Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue Appearance

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

February 2012: Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue Cover Release

In February 2012, Kate Upton appeared on the cover of the 2012 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. She was subjected to criticism and felt she had been objectified.

April 2012: Viral Cat Daddy Dance Video

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

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November 2012: Vogue Italia Cover

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

2012: Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue 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 Vogue UK cover.

June 2013: Vogue Cover Appearance

In June 2013, Kate Upton landed the Vogue cover by Mario Testino.

October 2013: Vanity Fair 100th Anniversary Cover

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

2013: Sports Illustrated Antarctic Photoshoot

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.

2013: Second Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue Cover

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

April 2014: Appearance in The Other Woman

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

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2014: Appearance in The Other Woman

In 2014, Kate Upton appeared in the film The Other Woman.

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2014: Sports Illustrated 50th-Anniversary 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.