Heather Kuzmich: Difference between revisions
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| birth_place = [[Valparaiso, Indiana|Valparaiso]], [[Indiana]], U.S. |
| birth_place = [[Valparaiso, Indiana|Valparaiso]], [[Indiana]], U.S. |
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| height = {{height|ft=6|in=0}}<ref name=FansOfRealityTV>{{cite web|url=http://www.fansofrealitytv.com/forums/america-s-next-top-model-9/70129-america-s-next-top-model-9-interview-heather-12-03-07-a.html|title= |
| height = {{height|ft=6|in=0}}<ref name=FansOfRealityTV>{{cite web|url=http://www.fansofrealitytv.com/forums/america-s-next-top-model-9/70129-america-s-next-top-model-9-interview-heather-12-03-07-a.html|title=America's Next Top Model 9: Interview with Heather|publisher=FansofRealityTV.com|date=December 3, 2007|access-date=2007-12-07|archive-date=2007-12-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071217161906/http://www.fansofrealitytv.com/forums/america-s-next-top-model-9/70129-america-s-next-top-model-9-interview-heather-12-03-07-a.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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'''Heather Kuzmich''' |
'''Heather Kuzmich''' is an [[Americans|American]] [[fashion model]]. She was a contestant on ''[[America's Next Top Model, Cycle 9]]'', in which she was one of the top five competitors. During the show, it was revealed that Kuzmich has [[Asperger syndrome]].<ref name="ParkerPublic"/> |
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== |
==Early life and education== |
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Kuzmich is from Valparaiso, Indiana.<ref name="Perry 2007">{{cite news |last1=Perry |first1=Beth |title=She's a Top Model—and Autistic |url=https://people.com/archive/shes-a-top-model-and-autistic-vol-68-no-17/ |access-date=17 April 2023 |work=[[People (magazine)|People]] |date=October 22, 2007 |language=en}}</ref> During her childhood, she was teased for some of her behavior and not invited to many social events.<ref name="Perry 2007"/> Kuzmich was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome when she was fifteen years old, around the time her father died.<ref name="WPInterview">{{cite web| title = Interview: Heather Kuzmich of America's Next Top Model| url = https://wrongplanet.net/interview-heather-kuzmich-of-americas-next-top-model/| format = Interview| publisher = [[Wrong Planet]]| date = 2007-11-29 | access-date = 2007-12-08| last = Plank| first = Alex}}</ref> Kuzmich graduated from Valparaiso High School in 2005.<ref name="Potempa 2007">{{cite news |last1=Potempa |first1=Philip |title=Readers eager to contact Valparaiso 'Top Model' Heather Kuzmich |url=https://www.nwitimes.com/entertainment/columnists/offbeat/article_a535d4a7-f5c6-5dbf-81d9-44f26c1ab24d.html |access-date=17 April 2023 |work=[[The Times of Northwest Indiana]] |date=December 6, 2007 |language=en}}</ref> |
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Kuzmich was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome when she was fifteen years old (mistakenly reported as thirteen by [[Tyra Banks]] on ''ANTM''), around the time her father died. She has stated in interviews that it wasn't the easiest time in her life.<ref name="WPInterview">{{cite web |
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| title = Interview: Heather Kuzmich of America's Next Top Model |
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While she was a student at the Illinois Institute of Art in Chicago, she participated in Season 9 of [[America's Next Top Model (season 9)|America's Next Top Model]].<ref name="Potempa Oct 28 2007">{{cite news |last1=Potempa |first1=Philip |title=Valpo's Heather Kuzmich a TV 'Top Model' |url=https://www.nwitimes.com/entertainment/columnists/offbeat/valpos-heather-kuzmich-a-tv-top-model/article_a19935a6-1596-5073-9c55-8a06ccd291ee.html |access-date=17 April 2023 |work=[[The Times of Northwest Indiana]] |date=October 28, 2007 |language=en}}</ref> According to Kuzmich, she has always wanted to model. Initially, she was hesitant about trying out for the show but finally agreed to do it after a friend convinced her to watch [[America's Next Top Model, Cycle 7|Cycle 7]].<ref name="WPInterview"/> |
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| url = http://www.wrongplanet.net/article355.html |
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| format = Interview |
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| publisher = [[Wrong Planet]] |
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| date = 2007-11-29 | accessdate = 2007-12-08 |
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| last = Plank| first = Alex |
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}}</ref> Living with Asperger syndrome, Kuzmich has stated that she struggles with approaching people and communication skills.<ref name=WPInterview /> |
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==Participation in ''America's Next Top Model''== |
==Participation in ''America's Next Top Model''== |
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Early scenes from the show included some competitors loudly whispering about Kuzmich, criticizing her, and laughing at her.<ref name="ParkerPublic"/><ref name="Perry 2007" /> According to Marie-Agnès Parmentier and Eileen Fischer in the ''[[Journal of Consumer Research]]'', she was an example of the "underdog character type."<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Parmentier |first1=Marie-Agnès |last2=Fischer |first2=Eileen |title=Things Fall Apart: The Dynamics of Brand Audience Dissipation |journal=[[Journal of Consumer Research]] |date=1 February 2015 |volume=41 |issue=5 |pages=1228–1251 |doi=10.1086/678907 |url=https://academic.oup.com/jcr/article/41/5/1228/2962093 |access-date=17 April 2023}}</ref> However, Kuzmich later said that "they didn't make fun of me that much" and that the show did not broadcast more "civilized" exchanges.<ref name="ParkerPublic">{{cite news | first=Tara | last=Parker-Pope | title=Asperger's Syndrome Gets a Very Public Face | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/04/health/04well.html | work=The New York Times | date=2007-12-04 | access-date=2007-12-04}}</ref> |
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{{BLP sources section|date=May 2016}} |
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Kuzmich was one of the final five contestants on ''[[America's Next Top Model, Cycle 9]]''. At the beginning of the competition, some of the other contestants bullied Kuzmich, making fun of her "awkward" behavior and talking about her behind her back. However, Kuzmich later reported that "they didn't make fun of me that much" and that the show's producers chose not to broadcast more "civilized" exchanges.<ref name="ParkerPublic">{{cite news | first=Tara | last=Parker-Pope | title=Asperger's Syndrome Gets a Very Public Face | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/04/health/04well.html | work=The New York Times | publisher=The New York Times Company | date=2007-12-04 | accessdate=2007-12-04}}</ref> |
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As the show progressed, "the on-set attitude" toward Kuzmich "softened", according to ''[[People (magazine)|People]]''.<ref name="Perry 2007" /> During the show, while filming a commercial, she "flubbed her lines", and later got "hopelessly lost" in [[Shanghai]] during an episode where she was expected to meet with five designers and managed to only meet with one, according to the ''[[New York Times]]''.<ref name="ParkerPublic" /> |
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According to Kuzmich, she has always wanted to model. Initially, she was hesitant about trying out for the show but finally agreed to do it after a friend convinced her to watch [[America's Next Top Model, Cycle 7|Cycle 7]].<ref name="WPInterview"/> |
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Kuzmich became one of the top five contestants on ''[[America's Next Top Model, Cycle 9]]'' and was the viewer favorite for eight weeks.<ref name="ParkerPublic"/><ref name="ABC 2007">{{cite news |title=Medical Condition Won't Stop Model From Competing |url=https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/BeautySecrets/story?id=3930462&page=1 |access-date=17 April 2023 |work=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]] |publisher=[[Good Morning America]] |date=November 29, 2007 |language=en}}</ref> According to the ''[[New York Times]]'', during the show, [[Tyra Banks]], [[Twiggy]] and [[Nigel Barker (photographer)|Nigel Barker]] "marvel" at Kuzmich's "ability to connect with the camera", and she was selected by [[Enrique Iglesias]] for a featured role in a music video.<ref name="ParkerPublic"/> She also won a photo shoot by [[Matthew Rolston]] to be directed by [[Mary J. Blige]].<ref name="Potempa Oct 28 2007" /> |
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Kuzmich's journey began when she was the 12th woman called to participate in the final 13. Early on, she was deemed to be the underdog of the competition, but this changed when she excelled in the photo shoots. At week five in which they had to pose as fashion gargoyles, Kuzmich was called late because the judges critiqued that she only took "profile" shots. With that critique the next week, while the girls had to portray recyclable material (Kuzmich wore aluminum cans), she gave all her shots face forward, causing the panel to be blown away by her stunning features. The next week, while filming a music video for [[Enrique Iglesias]], the artist was so taken by Kuzmich's haunting looks that he picked her and fellow contestant Lisa Jackson for featured roles, where both models were praised and were the first two called at elimination. |
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Kuzmich won nine CoverGirl of the Week awards, including one after she was eliminated.{{Citation needed|date=June 2023}} |
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Eventually, Kuzmich's strong portfolio could not compensate for her [[Asperger syndrome]], which began to affect her when having to communicate with others. During week nine, a runway challenge requiring her to speak caused her to freeze up in front of the audience and negatively affect her shoot with a burning car in the desert. Tyra Banks noted that while it was a good shot, it was her weakest. |
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The following week in [[People's Republic of China|China]], Kuzmich had problems delivering her lines for the CoverGirl Queen Collection commercial. Mr. Jay noted that while she looked gorgeous, Kuzmich could not say her lines well - even when he fed them line by line. Despite taking a great CoverGirl shot, she found herself in the bottom two because of her inability to deliver, even while being given help from Mr. Jay. |
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During the show, Kuzmich was not allowed to give interviews until after the show finale.<ref name="Perry 2007" /> Afterwards, she appeared on ''[[Good Morning America]]'' and ''[[Access Hollywood]]'',<ref name="ParkerPublic" /> and gave an interview to ''[[People (magazine)|People]]''.<ref name="Warrick 2007">{{cite news |last1=Warrick |first1=Pamela |title='Top Model's' Autistic Beauty |url=https://people.com/archive/top-models-autistic-beauty-vol-68-no-25/ |access-date=17 April 2023 |work=[[People (magazine)|People]] |date=December 17, 2007}}</ref> |
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She was spared for another week, but the following week saw her yet again landing in the bottom two. That week, the women went on go-sees in [[Shanghai]], and while the other four women made it to at least three or four designers, Kuzmich got lost and ended up only making it to one. The designer praised her look and strong photographs, but criticized her runway walk as well as her lack of eye contact. She was also disqualified because of her late return. Fans were angry when fellow competitor Jenah Doucette did not offer Kuzmich a ride back because she had lost her taxi, but she explained that it was against the rules.<ref name="BuddyInterview"/> That week, the two models who Banks deemed to take the strongest photos of the remaining women - Kuzmich and Doucette - were placed in the bottom two, both for their lack of good communication. Kuzmich was eliminated and became the ninth woman eliminated. |
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Kuzmich won nine CoverGirl of the Week awards, including one after she was eliminated. She also appeared on 'Top Models in Action' of ''ANTM'' cycle 12. The short clip featured her photo shoots including the cover of ''Spectrum'' magazine. |
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===Modeling career=== |
===Modeling career=== |
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Kuzmich |
Kuzmich signed to the women's division of [[Elite Model Management]] in [[Chicago]] and [[Hong Kong]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://community.livejournal.com/topmodel/2303647.html#cutid1 |title= Heather Kuzmich---SIGNED!|website=community.livejournal.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081207122431/http://community.livejournal.com/topmodel/2303647.html |archive-date=2008-12-07}}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|reason=This is a blog. Blogs are not generally accepted as a reliable source.|date=February 2023}} A challenge win during ''Top Model'' allowed Kuzmich to participate in a special photoshoot art-directed by [[Mary J. Blige]] for ''[[Carol's Daughter]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hs.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=212550&o=all&op=1&view=all&subj=8324482740&aid=-1&id=554383285&oid=8324482740 |title=Connexion |publisher=Facebook }}{{dead link|date=April 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> |
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Kuzmich also did a photoshoot for the July 2008 issue of ''Wedding Essentials'' |
Kuzmich also did a photoshoot for the July 2008 issue of ''Wedding Essentials.''<ref>{{cite web|url= http://all-antm.net/displayimage.php?album=40&pos=5|title= Wedding Essentials|publisher = all-antm.net}}</ref> Kuzmich has modeled for the clothing company "Blue Eyed Girl".<ref>{{cite web|url= http://all-antm.net/displayimage.php?album=40&pos=11|title= Blue Eyed Girl|publisher = all-antm.net}}</ref> She has also appeared on the cover and inside of Spectrum Magazine, a magazine for families and individuals who have autism.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://all-antm.net/displayimage.php?album=40&pos=2|title= Spectrum Magazine|publisher = all-antm.net}}</ref> She also appeared on 'Top Models in Action' of ''ANTM'' cycle 12. The short clip featured her photo shoots including the cover of ''Spectrum'' magazine.{{Citation needed|date=February 2023}} |
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In 2008, she was one of the nine women featured in ''America's Next Top Model: Exposed'' on the CW.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://0pandoras0tear0.deviantart.com/journal/17182576|title= 0Pandoras0tear0's deviantART Journal|date= 4 March 2008|publisher = deviantart.com}}</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=This looks like a blog and doesn't seem a reliable source.|date=February 2023}} She has also appeared twice on ''[[The Tyra Banks Show]]'', once in a "Where are they now?" episode and for the Fiercee awards.{{Citation needed|date=February 2023}} |
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===Press=== |
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Kuzmich received great press attention due to her Asperger syndrome, including talk show appearances (such as being interviewed on ''[[Good Morning America]]'' and an article in ''[[The New York Times]]'').<ref name="ParkerPublic"/> She plans to continue modeling, while continuing her education at the [[Illinois Institute of Art - Chicago|Illinois Institute of Art]] located in Chicago.<ref name=BuddyInterview/> In a recent interview at a viewing party, [[Paulina Porizkova]] stated that her favorite model was Kuzmich.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_7EO0KdfHI|publisher= YouTube|title = Exclusive look at the America's Next Top Model Party}}</ref> Kuzmich has appeared in [[People (magazine)|''People'' magazine]] twice, once in October 2007<ref>{{cite news |
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| title = Heather Kuzmich doesn't let Asperger's syndrome keep her from competing on America's Next Top Model |
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| url = http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20151881,00.html |
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| format = Table of contents |
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| publisher = [[People (magazine)|People]] |
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| date = 2007-10-22 | accessdate = 2007-12-08 |
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}} Note: Full text not available at time of citation placement</ref> and the second time in December 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://all-antm.net/displayimage.php?album=40&pos=1|title= People Magazine|date = December 2007|publisher = all-antm.net}}</ref> In 2008, she was one of the nine girls featured in ''America's Next Top Model: Exposed'' on the CW, during the filming of which she became close friends with Jael Strauss.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://0pandoras0tear0.deviantart.com/journal/17182576|title= 0Pandoras0tear0's deviantART Journal|publisher = deviantart.com}}</ref> She has also appeared twice on ''[[The Tyra Banks Show]]'', once in a "Where are they now?" episode and for the Fiercee awards. She plans on moving to [[New York City]] soon to pursue modeling.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.fansofrealitytv.com/forums/america-s-next-top-model/68551-heather-cycle-9-a-229.html|title= Heather - Cycle 9 - Page 229|publisher = Fans Of Reality TV}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://aspergerworld.blogspot.com/2008/06/do-you-know-heather-she-is-aspeger.html|title= Do you know heather? She is aspeger!|publisher = blogspot.com|date=June 2008}}</ref> |
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==References== |
==References== |
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== External links == |
== External links == |
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* {{cite web|url=http://www.buddytv.com/articles/americas-next-top-model/exclusive-interview-heather-ku-14299.aspx|last=Scarpa|first=Gina|title=Exclusive Interview: Heather Kuzmich of 'America's Next Top Model'|publisher=buddytv.com|date=2007-11-30|access-date=2007-12-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071203100331/http://www.buddytv.com/articles/americas-next-top-model/exclusive-interview-heather-ku-14299.aspx|archive-date=2007-12-03|url-status=dead}} |
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*[http://asperger-syndrome.me.uk/people.htm Heather Kuzmich] Famous people with Asperger Syndrome |
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110422203236/http://www.asperger-syndrome.me.uk/people.htm Heather Kuzmich] Famous people with Asperger Syndrome |
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*{{Fashionmodel}} |
*{{Fashionmodel}} |
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[[Category:1986 births]] |
[[Category:1986 births]] |
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[[Category:Living people]] |
[[Category:Living people]] |
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[[Category:Female models from Indiana]] |
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[[Category:People from Valparaiso, Indiana]] |
[[Category:People from Valparaiso, Indiana]] |
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[[Category:People with Asperger syndrome]] |
[[Category:People with Asperger syndrome]] |
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[[Category:America's Next Top Model contestants]] |
[[Category:America's Next Top Model contestants]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Illinois Institute of Art – Chicago alumni]] |
Latest revision as of 16:05, 3 July 2024
Heather Kuzmich | |
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Born | Valparaiso, Indiana, U.S. |
Modeling information | |
Height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)[1] |
Hair color | Brown |
Eye color | Green |
Agency | Elite Model Management |
Heather Kuzmich is an American fashion model. She was a contestant on America's Next Top Model, Cycle 9, in which she was one of the top five competitors. During the show, it was revealed that Kuzmich has Asperger syndrome.[2]
Early life and education
Kuzmich is from Valparaiso, Indiana.[3] During her childhood, she was teased for some of her behavior and not invited to many social events.[3] Kuzmich was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome when she was fifteen years old, around the time her father died.[4] Kuzmich graduated from Valparaiso High School in 2005.[5]
While she was a student at the Illinois Institute of Art in Chicago, she participated in Season 9 of America's Next Top Model.[6] According to Kuzmich, she has always wanted to model. Initially, she was hesitant about trying out for the show but finally agreed to do it after a friend convinced her to watch Cycle 7.[4]
Participation in America's Next Top Model
Early scenes from the show included some competitors loudly whispering about Kuzmich, criticizing her, and laughing at her.[2][3] According to Marie-Agnès Parmentier and Eileen Fischer in the Journal of Consumer Research, she was an example of the "underdog character type."[7] However, Kuzmich later said that "they didn't make fun of me that much" and that the show did not broadcast more "civilized" exchanges.[2]
As the show progressed, "the on-set attitude" toward Kuzmich "softened", according to People.[3] During the show, while filming a commercial, she "flubbed her lines", and later got "hopelessly lost" in Shanghai during an episode where she was expected to meet with five designers and managed to only meet with one, according to the New York Times.[2]
Kuzmich became one of the top five contestants on America's Next Top Model, Cycle 9 and was the viewer favorite for eight weeks.[2][8] According to the New York Times, during the show, Tyra Banks, Twiggy and Nigel Barker "marvel" at Kuzmich's "ability to connect with the camera", and she was selected by Enrique Iglesias for a featured role in a music video.[2] She also won a photo shoot by Matthew Rolston to be directed by Mary J. Blige.[6]
Kuzmich won nine CoverGirl of the Week awards, including one after she was eliminated.[citation needed]
After America's Next Top Model
During the show, Kuzmich was not allowed to give interviews until after the show finale.[3] Afterwards, she appeared on Good Morning America and Access Hollywood,[2] and gave an interview to People.[9]
Modeling career
Kuzmich signed to the women's division of Elite Model Management in Chicago and Hong Kong.[10][unreliable source?] A challenge win during Top Model allowed Kuzmich to participate in a special photoshoot art-directed by Mary J. Blige for Carol's Daughter.[11] Kuzmich also did a photoshoot for the July 2008 issue of Wedding Essentials.[12] Kuzmich has modeled for the clothing company "Blue Eyed Girl".[13] She has also appeared on the cover and inside of Spectrum Magazine, a magazine for families and individuals who have autism.[14] She also appeared on 'Top Models in Action' of ANTM cycle 12. The short clip featured her photo shoots including the cover of Spectrum magazine.[citation needed]
In 2008, she was one of the nine women featured in America's Next Top Model: Exposed on the CW.[15][better source needed] She has also appeared twice on The Tyra Banks Show, once in a "Where are they now?" episode and for the Fiercee awards.[citation needed]
References
- ^ "America's Next Top Model 9: Interview with Heather". FansofRealityTV.com. December 3, 2007. Archived from the original on 2007-12-17. Retrieved 2007-12-07.
- ^ a b c d e f g Parker-Pope, Tara (2007-12-04). "Asperger's Syndrome Gets a Very Public Face". The New York Times. Retrieved 2007-12-04.
- ^ a b c d e Perry, Beth (October 22, 2007). "She's a Top Model—and Autistic". People. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
- ^ a b Plank, Alex (2007-11-29). "Interview: Heather Kuzmich of America's Next Top Model" (Interview). Wrong Planet. Retrieved 2007-12-08.
- ^ Potempa, Philip (December 6, 2007). "Readers eager to contact Valparaiso 'Top Model' Heather Kuzmich". The Times of Northwest Indiana. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
- ^ a b Potempa, Philip (October 28, 2007). "Valpo's Heather Kuzmich a TV 'Top Model'". The Times of Northwest Indiana. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
- ^ Parmentier, Marie-Agnès; Fischer, Eileen (1 February 2015). "Things Fall Apart: The Dynamics of Brand Audience Dissipation". Journal of Consumer Research. 41 (5): 1228–1251. doi:10.1086/678907. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
- ^ "Medical Condition Won't Stop Model From Competing". ABC News. Good Morning America. November 29, 2007. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
- ^ Warrick, Pamela (December 17, 2007). "'Top Model's' Autistic Beauty". People. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
- ^ "Heather Kuzmich---SIGNED!". community.livejournal.com. Archived from the original on 2008-12-07.
- ^ "Connexion". Facebook.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Wedding Essentials". all-antm.net.
- ^ "Blue Eyed Girl". all-antm.net.
- ^ "Spectrum Magazine". all-antm.net.
- ^ "0Pandoras0tear0's deviantART Journal". deviantart.com. 4 March 2008.
External links
- Scarpa, Gina (2007-11-30). "Exclusive Interview: Heather Kuzmich of 'America's Next Top Model'". buddytv.com. Archived from the original on 2007-12-03. Retrieved 2007-12-04.
- Heather Kuzmich Famous people with Asperger Syndrome
- Heather Kuzmich at Fashion Model Directory