Heather Kuzmich | |
|---|---|
| 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 anAmericanfashion model. She was a contestant onAmerica's Next Top Model, Cycle 9, in which she was one of the top five competitors. During the show, it was revealed that Kuzmich hasAsperger syndrome.[2]
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 ofAmerica'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 watchCycle 7.[4]
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 theJournal 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 toPeople.[3] During the show, while filming a commercial, she "flubbed her lines", and later got "hopelessly lost" inShanghai during an episode where she was expected to meet with five designers and managed to only meet with one, according to theNew York Times.[2]
Kuzmich became one of the top five contestants onAmerica's Next Top Model, Cycle 9 and was the viewer favorite for eight weeks.[2][8] According to theNew York Times, during the show,Tyra Banks,Twiggy andNigel Barker "marvel" at Kuzmich's "ability to connect with the camera", and she was selected byEnrique Iglesias for a featured role in a music video.[2] She also won a photo shoot byMatthew Rolston to be directed byMary J. Blige.[6]
Kuzmich won nine CoverGirl of the Week awards, including one after she was eliminated.[citation needed]
During the show, Kuzmich was not allowed to give interviews until after the show finale.[3] Afterwards, she appeared onGood Morning America andAccess Hollywood,[2] and gave an interview toPeople.[9]
Kuzmich signed to the women's division ofElite Model Management inChicago andHong Kong.[10][unreliable source?] A challenge win duringTop Model allowed Kuzmich to participate in a special photoshoot art-directed byMary J. Blige forCarol's Daughter.[11]Kuzmich also did a photoshoot for the July 2008 issue ofWedding 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' ofANTM cycle 12. The short clip featured her photo shoots including the cover ofSpectrum magazine.[citation needed]
In 2008, she was one of the nine women featured inAmerica's Next Top Model: Exposed on the CW.[15][better source needed] She has also appeared twice onThe Tyra Banks Show, once in a "Where are they now?" episode and for the Fiercee awards.[citation needed]
