Katherine Elizabeth Upton is an American model and actress who rose to international fame after becoming a cover star for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in 2012, 2013, and 2017. Known for redefining mainstream beauty standards with her confident, curvy figure and playful personality, Kate quickly became one of the most recognizable faces in modern fashion and pop culture.
Beyond modeling, she has appeared in Hollywood films such as Tower Heist, The Three Stooges, The Other Woman, and The Layover. Before entering modeling, Kate was a competitive equestrienne, winning multiple championships—an athletic discipline that shaped her discipline, confidence, and work ethic.
| Kate Upton Quick Info | |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 10, 1992 |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in |
| Weight | 66 kg |
| Age | 33 Years |
| Zodiac Sign | Gemini |

Born Name
Katherine Elizabeth Upton
Nick Name
Kate Upton
Age
33 years (as of 2025)
Date of Birth
June 10, 1992
Sun Sign
Gemini
Born Place
St. Joseph, Michigan, United States
Nationality
American
Education
Kate Upton attended Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy in Melbourne, Florida, a college-preparatory school where she balanced academics with competitive horseback riding before transitioning into modeling at the age of 15.
Occupation
Model, Actress
Family
- Father – Jeff Upton (High School Athletics Director)
- Mother – Shelley Upton (Former Texas State Tennis Champion)
- Uncle – Fred Upton
- Great-Grandfather – Frederick Upton
Manager / Agencies
- IMG Models (New York, London, Milan)
- Chadwick Model Management (Sydney)
- MGM Models (Hamburg, Düsseldorf)
Build
Voluptuous
Height
5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
Weight
66 kg (145.5 lbs)
Boyfriend / Spouse (Detailed)
- Mark Sanchez (2011)
Kate briefly dated NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez in late 2011 during the early phase of her modeling rise. - Kanye West (2011 – Rumored)
She was rumored to be romantically linked with rapper Kanye West in 2011, though neither confirmed the relationship. - Sean “Diddy” Combs (2013 – Rumored)
In 2013, Kate sparked dating rumors with music mogul Sean Combs after being spotted together at public events. - Blake Griffin (2013 – Rumored)
She was briefly rumored to be dating NBA star Blake Griffin in mid-2013. - Maksim Chmerkovskiy (2013)
Kate dated professional dancer Maksim Chmerkovskiy from June to December 2013; the relationship attracted attention due to their age gap and high-profile public appearances. - Justin Verlander (2012; 2013–Present)
Kate met Justin Verlander while filming an MLB commercial in 2012. After an initial breakup, they reconciled in late 2013. The couple got engaged in April 2016 and married on November 4, 2017, in Tuscany, Italy. They welcomed their daughter Genevieve Upton Verlander in November 2018 and are regarded as one of sports and fashion’s most enduring power couples.
Race / Ethnicity
White
Hair Color
Blonde
Eye Color
Blue
Sexual Orientation
Straight
Distinctive Features
- Signature mole above her upper lip
- Curvy, athletic physique
- Confident and expressive presence
Measurements
39-28-36 in (99-71-91.5 cm)
Dress Size
8 (US)
Bra Size
34DD
Shoe Size
8.5 (US)
Religion
Anglican / Episcopalian
Best Known For
Her iconic appearances in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue
First Film
Tower Heist (2011)
First TV Appearance
Tosh.0 (2011)
Personal Trainer
Justin Gelband
Kate Upton Facts (50 Detailed Facts)
- Kate Upton began modeling at just 15 years old after being discovered at an audition in Miami.
- Before modeling, she was a championship-winning equestrienne, competing nationally.
- She won four major horseback riding championships with her horse Roanie.
- Kate became a household name after her 2011 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit debut.
- She was the back-to-back SI cover model in 2012 and 2013, a rare honor.
- Kate was voted “Sexiest Woman Alive” by People Magazine in 2014.
- She ranked No. 2 on AskMen’s “Top 99 Most Desirable Women” list in 2012.
- Her name was the 4th most searched term on Yahoo! in 2012.
- Kate helped normalize body positivity in high fashion.
- She has openly challenged unrealistic beauty standards in modeling.
- Kate starred in a zero-gravity photoshoot for SI in 2014.
- She trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo.
- Kate is a lifelong baseball fan.
- She frequently supports women in sports and athletics.
- Kate appeared in Lady A’s music video Bartender.
- She has graced American Vogue, Vogue Spain, V Magazine, and more.
- Kate prefers natural makeup over heavy glam.
- She is known for her candid, humorous interviews.
- Kate once joked she wished for smaller boobs—then laughed it off.
- She has a strong interest in fitness and functional training.
- Kate values comfort over trends in daily fashion.
- She adopted a boxer dog named Harley in 2011.
- Harley passed away in 2021, deeply affecting her.
- Kate believes athleticism shaped her confidence more than modeling.
- She enjoys sushi and Japanese cuisine.
- Kate dislikes extreme dieting.
- She advocates for mental health awareness.
- Kate has been vocal about online harassment.
- She enjoys photography behind the scenes.
- Kate balances motherhood with a demanding career.
- She relocated to Florida after marriage.
- Kate is not obsessed with social media fame.
- She prefers long-term brand relationships.
- Kate values loyalty in personal relationships.
- She credits her mother for discipline and resilience.
- Kate avoids overexposure in Hollywood.
- She enjoys quiet family life with Justin Verlander.
- Kate believes modeling is both art and business.
- She dislikes being reduced to a stereotype.
- Kate encourages young girls to embrace their bodies.
- She believes confidence is the most attractive trait.
- Kate has appeared in multiple comedy films.
- She prefers comedy over drama roles.
- Kate is naturally competitive due to her sports background.
- She supports animal welfare causes.
- Kate is selective with acting projects.
- She balances glamour with realism.
- Kate has redefined what a swimsuit model looks like.
- She values privacy despite fame.
- Kate Upton is widely regarded as a modern icon of body confidence, athletic beauty, and mainstream fashion evolution.