Bo Derek: What True Beauty Is All About...At Every Age
For the last three weeks, I’ve been staring at an invoice on my desk in the amount of $487. It was sent to me by my pest control company who is preparing for the onslaught of manick pet owners desperately seeking their yards to be sprayed this Spring -- freeing them from fleas and ticks. The service, of which I speak, is totally “green” and non-harmful to animals and pets, mind you.
Being the valued customer and loving pet owner of a very sweet and active Chihuahua, named Ramsey, as well as an enormous Tomcat, named Gary, I cut a check and sent it off, adding to the $62.75 billion that pet owners will be spending this year on their pets. To put that number in perspective - bolstering the gasp that you've already taken - that number comprises approximately two-thirds of what the United States spent on Obamacare in 2016...and we would have spent more if required. “Hey, these are our pets that we are talking about!”
No doubt, Bo Derek is with me on this. Not only is the lady a superstar and natural beauty, but ‘nature’ also seems to be her calling (beyond ‘acting’ that is) as Bo has taken her love for animals and turned into a business -- one which makes it easier and more enjoyable to care for your pets. Yup, Bo Derek is taking the pet product industry by storm - just like she did Hollywood, fans, and both John Derek’s and John Corbett’s hearts - and she’s having an enormous amount of fun doing it...near close to what you will be having in reading her interview, below.
What is your personal mantra?
“Am I having fun?”
It sounds shallow, I know, but it doesn’t have to be. This is my father’s mantra and it’s served him and me well. Whatever I take on, whether it’s a birthday party or public service, if I’m not enjoying myself, I’m not going to do it well.
What is the biggest change she has endured over the years?
I don’t think I’ve changed much as far as my core goes. But I’m always growing and learning and taking on new adventures. As I look back on my life, it’s, more and more, like a book with chapters. As one chapter closes and I move on to another I have to be careful to keep in touch with the friends I’ve made and who have been good to me.
What kept you centered throughout your career?
Animals! They aren’t fooled by what you look like, how much you have or pretense. You have to be honest and earn their respect and love. Especially horses. They are so sensitive; they can feel your intention as you walk up to them.
Everyone has that one thing they wish they could change about themselves. What is yours?
Every year, the top of my New Year’s resolution list begins with “Don’t Procrastinate!” And yes, it still there at the top of 2017. I’ve taken up meditation with Headspace and I feel it’s helped me organize my thoughts and life in general.
Did you find it difficult to fall in love again after John Derek? Explain.
It wasn’t difficult at all…although it took 5 years. I was so busy making my own life that I wasn’t looking for love. I kept telling my friends, “Don’t worry (they were more concerned than I was), when it happens - it happens”. Honestly, I had given up and was settling into my solo life that was so full of good friends and projects that it took me by surprise when I opened a door and fell in love at first sight fifteen years ago.
Who are you with John Corbett, who you weren't with John Derek?
I was seventeen when I met Derek, so I became who I am now with him and, in many ways, because of him. Now, I am so much more opinionated and difficult than I was with Derek. I think it takes a very secure man to be with a woman who is ‘adult’ and has already formed her character.
What makes life meaningful for you, today?
The very same thing that has always done so. Those I love -- both two and four legged.
Discuss your "Bo Derek Product Line" product line. Why did you create it?
Born of necessity! Fifteen years ago, I had a dozen smelly dogs that I wanted to live in the house with me. I worked with chemists to create shampoos and conditioners that are quick and easy to use and also make dogs coats so soft, you can’t keep your hands off them -- which, when you think about it, is a win-win for both of you. (www.boderekpetcare.com)
What makes it different than other pet product lines?
It’s all about the patented fragrance that actually nuetralizes malordors. Its brilliant!
What's next for you?
I am now in Guthrie, Oklahoma, working on a ‘family’ Christmas movie called “Southern Christmas”.
Share a social cause or cause-based organization close to your heart.
Where to begin? I never set out to be an activist, but you never know who you might sit next to at a dinner party and I’ve sat next to some truly admirable people who are doing historic, life-changing work. These are my heroes and, sometimes, they ask for my help. I’ve loved serving on the board of WildAid and helping them reduce the demand on endangered wildlife. I served as a commissioner on the California Horse Racing Board for seven years working on horse welfare and safety issues from the inside of the industry. And the best thing I’ve ever done is serving for eight years as Chair of the Special Rehabilitation Event for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Six annual therapeutic and rehabilitative events designed to help veterans overcome their disabilities through sports and competition. It’s an honor to spend time with these brave men and women.
When all is said and done, how would you like to be remembered?
I don’t. Really, I don’t
Bo Derek is proving that “cats aren’t the only ones that have nine lives, folks.” People do too. Superstars may even have twelve or so. And although, she doesn’t want to be remembered, Bo will, undoubtedly, go down in history as one of the most beautiful women who ever lived, for reasons she had nothing to do with (genetics) as well as those she had everything to do with (caring for our furry friends and Veterans).
Many thanks to Bo Derek and Reeder Brand Management for making this interview possible