Swedish
Marcus Schenkenberg is the highest paid male supermodel today. Born Marcus Lodewijk Schenkenberg van Mierop on August 4, 1968 in Stockholm, Sweden, Schenkenberg initially wanted to be either an NBA star or a fighter pilot. Bored with school, he and a friend went to the United States in 1987. Two years later, he was discovered by American photographer Barry King while roller skating in California. Within months after his very first pictorial, he began gaining the attention of the fashion world.
By 1991, he was modeling for the likes of Calvin Klein, Versace, and Donna Karan. He has also since graced countless fashion shows and appeared in renowned magazines, such as Vogue Italia and Elle. He also has movie credits to his name, such as in the 1997 picture Prince Valiant, the lead in Dinner Rush in 2000, and Meatballs and Macaroni. He also has appeared in television series and programs, such as VIP,
As the World Turns , and Never Mind the Buzzcocks, mostly in Italian television. Most recently, he is starring in an independent teen horror movie Perfect Woman. He is also spokesperson for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals or PETA. He also published a book entitled Marcus Schenkenberg, New Rules. The book contains photos and personal notes about his career as a male supermodel.
In 2005, Schenkenberg was cast in VH1 show
The Surreal Life season 4. The show features celebrities who are said to be past their primes and puts them in a Hollywood Hills mansion for two weeks. As if this is not enough, unforgiving cameras also follow their every move. In this season, Schenkenberg had to face challenges, such as starring in their own kung-fu movie and riding horses. Schenkenberg was actually quiet throughout the season, except perhaps around wrestler
Chyna , with whom he shared some memorable moments with.
(Photo courtesy of VH1)