The National Horse Show in Madison Sqaure Garden in 1974 would be Matt's final collaboration with Harreus. And it would be at this show, of all places, where fate would intervene. With his plans dashed, Matt was still upset and visibly brooding; thus the signature look of the male model was born. Tall and lean, with sandy hair, dark eyes, strong cheekbones, and sullen demeanor, Matt caught the eye of none other than Wilhelmina Cooper, owner of the prestigious modeling agency. Unaware of the world of fashion, celebrity and painfully unaware of his own good looks, Matt almost gave her the brush-off. Figuring he didn't have much to lose, Matt relented and was signed on the spot to Wilhelmenia Models. At first, he merely agreed to two months worth of work, and even then, it would be between shows. Matt was put to work in various print ads, his brooding appearance and air of arrogance sold suits, cigarettes, beer, and "every shirt you can imagine. " Soon he earned $1,000 a day and two months then turned into 4 years. Matt posed with the popular models of the day, such as Cheryl Tiegs, Shelley Hack, and soon-to-be actress Rene Russo. He was also friends with and photographed by Herb Ritts. Matt even posed for posters, from the same company that released the iconic image of Farrah Fawcett in her bathing suit. Such things, he mused, were aimed at "the ironing board set. " Though not entirely satisfied with his line of work, the money and recognition allowed for Matt to branch out into minor film appearances and performing his own stunts in commercials. Even if he wasn't fond of being a model, many fans did, and Matt found himself flooded with fan-mail; 30,000 letters in a month, to be precise. Up to that point, his only major film role was a small part as Valentino in the Gene Wilder film, The World's Greatest Lover. Though brief, that part launched many offers Matt's way, all of which he turned down: soap opera roles, television series, and a seven year contract with Universal. Instead, Matt opted for more acting classes and signed with Allan Carr (Grease). Carr pitched to Columbia Pictures Televisionan idea to make a sitcom based on Matt's life, tentatively titled Million Dollar Smile and to star Edward Albert.
Matt Collins Biography, Age, Height, Wife, Net Worth, Family
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