Los Angeles: Supermodel Tatjana Patitz, who was one of the original supermodels and best known for her appearance in George Michael’s video for his monster hit “Freedom ’90,” has passed away of breast cancer, her agent confirmed. She was 56.
The Germany-born Patitz was among a handful of women of the era whose looks and style catapulted them to a global fame that transcended modelling.
She entered her first modeling contest at age 17 in Stockholm, taking third place. But a session with fashion photographer Peter Lindbergh that followed launched the main part of her career.
Along with Christy Turlington, Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell and Cindy Crawford, Patitz appeared in the smouldering video to George Michael’s 1990 hit “Freedom!”
The model appeared in British Vogue’s’ 1985 October issue and appeared on the cover six times before the now-iconic supermodels cover, which was photographed by Peter Lindbergh.
She also worked on campaigns for Chanel, Calvin Klein and Versace.
Tatjana previously dated singer Seal and former James Bond star Pierce Brosnan. She was married to Jason Johnson from 2003 to 2009.
She is survived by her son Jonah Johnson.
