5 Decades Later: The Enduring Power And Controversy Of Bo Derek’s Iconic Braids

The image of Bo Derek emerging from the ocean with perfect, beaded cornrows is one of the most indelible and controversial moments in cinema history. Featured in the 1979 romantic comedy *10*, the hairstyle instantly cemented her status as a global sex icon, defining a generation's standard of beauty and sparking a "Bo Braids" trend that swept the Western world. Yet, nearly five decades later, the look remains a flashpoint for discussions on cultural appropriation, a dialogue that has only intensified in the modern era. This deep dive, updated for December 13, 2025, explores the full story behind the iconic look, from the film's set to its lasting cultural legacy, and provides a complete look at the life and career of the woman behind the braids, actress and producer Mary Cathleen Collins, known professionally as Bo Derek.

Bo Derek: A Complete Biography and Recent Life Updates

Bo Derek, born Mary Cathleen Collins, has maintained a career in Hollywood spanning over five decades, transitioning from a model and icon to a respected actress, producer, and passionate animal rights advocate. Her breakthrough role in *10* led to a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best New Actress and established her as a major celebrity.

• Full Name: Mary Cathleen Collins
• Date of Birth: November 20, 1956
• Birthplace: Long Beach, California, USA
• Current Age: 69 (as of late 2025)
• Spouse (1): John Derek (married 1976; widowed 1998)
• Spouse (2): John Corbett (married December 2020)
• Breakthrough Role: Jenny Hanley in *10* (1979)
• Notable Filmography: *Fantasies* (1981), *Tarzan, the Ape Man* (1981), *Bolero* (1984), *Ghosts Can't Do It* (1989), *Tommy Boy* (1995), *Malibu's Most Wanted* (2003), *5 Weddings* (2018), *The Last Sharknado: It's About Time* (2018).
• Current Work/Advocacy: Active in animal welfare, particularly horse rescue, and a spokesperson for various causes.

The Genesis of the Iconic Hairstyle in the Film *10*

The image of Bo Derek in cornrows is intrinsically linked to Blake Edwards' 1979 film *10*. The movie tells the story of a middle-aged composer, George Webber (played by Dudley Moore), who becomes obsessed with a beautiful young woman, Jenny Hanley (Bo Derek), whom he rates a perfect "10."

The defining scene, a fantasy sequence on a Mexican beach, features Derek running in a nude-colored swimsuit, her signature long blonde hair styled in elaborate, beaded cornrows. This single shot, often cited as one of the most seductive in cinematic history, instantly propelled Derek to international stardom and transformed the traditional African hairstyle into a mainstream fashion statement.

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The hairstyle was not a random choice. Derek herself has credited her then-husband, director John Derek, with the idea, inspired by images he had seen of African women. The look was intended to evoke an exotic, natural, and timeless beauty. However, the immediate and widespread popularity of the "Bo Braids" among white women in the early 1980s quickly led to a larger, more complex cultural conversation.

The Enduring Cultural Appropriation Controversy

While the "Bo Braids" were lauded in the mainstream press as a stunning fashion moment, they simultaneously ignited a decades-long debate about cultural appropriation. Cornrows, or braids, are a traditional protective hairstyle with deep historical and cultural significance in various African and Black communities, tracing back thousands of years to ancient Egyptian queens.

Critics argue that when a white celebrity like Bo Derek wears the style, it is suddenly deemed "chic" and "fashion-forward," while Black individuals wearing the exact same style often face professional discrimination, negative stereotypes, and are told the look is "unprofessional." This phenomenon highlights the double standard where Black culture is often commodified and celebrated only when adopted by white figures.

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The Kim Kardashian Incident and Bo Derek’s Response

The controversy was dramatically reignited in 2018 when reality television star Kim Kardashian wore a similar style, referring to them on social media as "Bo Derek braids." This reference, which erased the hairstyle's African origins (often specifically identified as Fulani braids or similar traditional styles), drew massive backlash.

In a surprising and rare public comment, Bo Derek herself weighed in on the social media storm. She attempted to settle the dispute by stating on Twitter, "Hey! It's just a hairstyle that I wore in the movie 10." She later added that she hoped an ancient Egyptian queen would be "flattered" by the style's resurgence. While Derek’s comments were intended to downplay the issue, they underscored the difficulty many public figures have in acknowledging the historical context and cultural weight of the hairstyle.

The incident served as a powerful reminder that the legacy of the *10* hairstyle is now viewed through a modern lens of social justice. Today, the conversation is less about the beauty of the actress and more about the historical context, cultural ownership, and the politics of hair.

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Life Beyond the Braids: Bo Derek Today

While the image of her in braids remains her most recognizable cultural contribution, Bo Derek has successfully navigated a quieter, yet fulfilling, life and career. After the death of her first husband, John Derek, in 1998, she began a long-term relationship with actor John Corbett in 2002.

The couple, known for their private life in California, surprised fans when Corbett revealed in August 2021 that they had secretly married in December 2020 after nearly two decades together. This personal update brought a fresh wave of positive attention to the star, showcasing a stable, enduring relationship far removed from her 1980s "sex symbol" persona.

Professionally, Derek continues to take on roles in various projects, including the satirical comedy *Malibu's Most Wanted* and the made-for-TV movie *The Last Sharknado*. However, much of her passion is dedicated to her work as an animal activist. Her commitment to horse rescue and her advocacy for veterans through various organizations demonstrate a focus on charitable work that defines her current legacy far more than her controversial hairstyle.

In conclusion, the image of Bo Derek with braids from *10* is a complex cultural artifact. It represents a peak of 1980s glamour, a defining moment for a Hollywood star, and an ongoing, necessary conversation about cultural appropriation. As of late 2025, Bo Derek's enduring image continues to trend, proving that the simple act of wearing a hairstyle can carry a profound and lasting cultural impact.