Twiggy: Biography

Pencil-thin British fashion model Leslie Hornsby, better (and appropriately) known as Twiggy, burst onto the fashion scene when she was a mere 17. For several months, Twiggy was the personification of "Swinging" London (or Mod London, if you prefer); she adorned the cover of virtually every magazine except Field and Stream, and was on hand for all the "in" parties and public events always decked out in the trendiest frocks. A 1967 TV special revealed this supermodel to be a giggly, somewhat airheaded cockney kid, but this "everygirl" quality only enhanced her charm. In 1971, Twiggy was chosen to star in Ken Russell's expensive filmization of the old stage musical The Boy Friend, acquitting herself quite nicely. Twiggy continued to play leading roles in films and TV productions into the late '80s. Never an award-winning actress, she was always a pleasing screen personality, with a disarming sense of humor regarding her 15 minutes of fame in the 1960s. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide