Danielle Herrington: 5 Shocking Facts About The SI Swimsuit Legend Who Made History

Danielle Herrington, the model who captured global attention as the 2018 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover star, continues to redefine her career with major milestones, including a high-profile return for the magazine's 60th anniversary. As of today, December 13, 2025, Herrington is celebrated not just for her historic cover—making her only the third African-American woman to achieve the feat—but also for her recent induction into the prestigious class of SI Swimsuit Legends in 2024.

Her journey from Compton, California, to becoming a fashion icon and mother is a compelling story of ambition, resilience, and breaking barriers in the modeling industry. Herrington's latest features and personal life updates offer a fresh look at one of the most successful models to emerge from the SI Swimsuit franchise.

Danielle Herrington: Full Biography and Profile

Danielle Herrington, whose full name is Danielle Nicole Herrington, has built a career that spans historic magazine covers, major fashion editorials, and a recent return to the spotlight as a veteran in the industry.

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• Full Name: Danielle Nicole Herrington
• Date of Birth: May 26, 1993
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 32
• Birthplace: Compton, California, USA
• Nationality: American
• Height: 5' 10½'' (179 cm)
• Measurements: Bust: 34'', Waist: 25'', Hips: 36''
• Modeling Agencies: Elite Model Management (New York and Los Angeles)
• SI Swimsuit Debut: 2017
• SI Swimsuit Cover: 2018 (Photographed by Ben Watts in the Bahamas)
• SI Swimsuit Legend Status: Initiated in 2024 for the 60th Anniversary Issue
• Current Residence: Los Angeles, California
• Family Status: Mother to a son
• Estimated Net Worth: Approximately $1 million (as of recent estimates)

The Historic 2018 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Cover Story

The moment Danielle Herrington landed the cover of the 2018 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue was a landmark event that reverberated across the fashion and media industries. She became only the third African-American model to grace the cover in the magazine’s decades-long history, following in the footsteps of icons like Tyra Banks (1997) and Beyoncé (2007, for a non-traditional cover).

Breaking Barriers from Compton to the Bahamas

Herrington's cover shoot, photographed by Ben Watts in the Bahamas, was an immediate sensation. The image, featuring the model in a pink Mikoh bikini, was a powerful symbol of diversity and representation.

The significance was not lost on Herrington herself, who described the achievement as a "dream come true." Her journey from Compton, California, to the global spotlight served as an inspiration, showcasing that high fashion and mainstream success are attainable regardless of one's background. The issue itself focused heavily on female empowerment and body diversity, themes that Herrington’s presence amplified.

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Herrington’s debut in the 2017 issue paved the way for her cover success. Her striking beauty and natural charisma quickly made her a fan favorite and a clear choice for the coveted 2018 cover.

Danielle Herrington’s Current Career and 2024 "Legend" Status

Unlike many cover models whose careers peak and fade, Danielle Herrington has maintained a strong presence, culminating in her recent recognition as an SI Swimsuit Legend. This ongoing relevance makes her story particularly compelling and a source of fresh news for fans.

The 60th Anniversary Feature and New Life as a Mother

The biggest update to Herrington’s career is her feature in the 2024 SI Swimsuit 60th Anniversary issue. This special edition honored her by officially initiating her into the class of "SI Swimsuit Legends." Her 2024 feature saw her photographed by Yu Tsai in Hollywood, Florida, showcasing a mature and confident look that speaks to her veteran status in the industry.

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This return to the magazine is significant because it highlights her enduring impact and the evolution of her personal life. She now lives in Los Angeles with her son, a new chapter that she manages alongside her demanding modeling career. Her ability to balance motherhood with high-profile work resonates deeply with her audience, offering a modern perspective on the working model.

Modeling and Personal Passions

Beyond the SI Swimsuit pages, Herrington continues to work with Elite Model Management, frequently updating her profile with new digitals, as seen in a September 2024 update. This confirms her active status in the competitive world of high-fashion modeling.

In her free time, Herrington reveals a creative side, enjoying painting as a personal outlet. She also openly embraces her astrological sign, describing herself as a "true Gemini"—bright, witty, and creative—qualities that undoubtedly contribute to her success and unique persona.

5 Shocking Facts About Danielle Herrington’s Journey

Danielle Herrington’s path to becoming a fashion legend is filled with inspiring details and unexpected turns. These facts underline her impact and the significance of her career.

1. She is the Third African-American SI Swimsuit Cover Model: Before Herrington in 2018, only two other African-American women—Tyra Banks (1997) and Beyoncé (2007)—had been featured on the cover. This solidified her role as a trailblazer for diversity in the industry.
2. She Was Initiated as an SI Swimsuit Legend in 2024: Just six years after her cover debut, Herrington was honored in the 60th Anniversary issue, a rare and prestigious title that recognizes her enduring contribution to the franchise.
3. Her First SI Shoot Was in Fiji: Her debut appearance in the 2017 issue was photographed in Fiji, setting the stage for her cover success the following year in the Bahamas.
4. She is a Compton, California Native: Herrington proudly hails from Compton, a city not typically associated with high-fashion modeling, making her success story a powerful narrative of defying expectations and achieving global recognition.
5. She is a Working Mother Living in L.A.: Herrington currently balances her career with raising a son in Los Angeles, proving that models can successfully navigate motherhood while maintaining a high-profile, active career in the industry.

Danielle Herrington's legacy is secure. Her 2018 cover was a moment of history, and her 2024 "Legend" status confirms her long-term impact. She continues to be a powerful figure in modeling, using her platform to inspire others while embracing the next chapter of her life as a mother and artist.