Beautiful and confident Elle MacPherson, Australian model and actress, is known as "The Body" for her wonderful physique. She was born Eleanor Nancy Gow (1964-) on this day in Sydney, the first of four children, a tomboy who loved climbing trees and the ballet.

"Even though I'm one of those people who is constantly being observed, I'm someone who really likes to observe more than anything," she admitted.

The tall (6') miss was 18 and contemplating law school when discovered while vacationing in Aspen and immediately signed with Click modeling agency. Her photos were an instant hit with Elle magazine and Victoria Secrets.

She had a record of four covers on the popular Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue. In 1986, Time magazine also featured her with cover story entitled "The Big Elle."

"I'm very fortunate that I have a brain inside this body," said the supermodel who studied pre-law in Sidney and has appeared in such films as If Lucy Fell (1996) and The Mirror Has Two Faces (Barbra Streisand, 1996).

"Acting is an enormous release for me creatively and emotionally," said MacPherson who has turned her attention away from modelling in recent years. With her own line of lingerie called Elle Macpherson Intimates, she has flourished as a successful mother and businesswoman.

"I'm a lot less attached to my image than I ever was. I don't pay attention to my hair, makeup and clothes when I go out into public. It's great not having the pressure of being perfect all the time," she said.

If ya got it, flaunt it.