Trailblazing Model and Activist Dayle Haddon Dies at 76

Trailblazing Model and Activist Dayle Haddon Dies at 76 \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Dayle Haddon, a former “Sports Illustrated” model, actor, and advocate for women’s education and age inclusion, has died at age 76 from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning. Known for her groundbreaking career that spanned decades, Haddon redefined beauty standards, became a spokesperson for aging women, and founded WomenOne, an organization supporting marginalized women and girls worldwide.

Dayle Haddon’s Legacy: Quick Looks

• Cause of Death: Carbon monoxide poisoning from a faulty gas heating system at a Pennsylvania home.
• Iconic Career: Modeled for Vogue, Cosmopolitan, and Sports Illustrated in the 1970s and 1980s.
• Film Roles: Appeared in about two dozen films, including Bullets Over Broadway.
• Advocacy: Pioneered representation for aging women in beauty campaigns with Clairol, Estée Lauder, and L’Oréal.
• WomenOne Founder: Advanced educational opportunities for women and girls in marginalized regions.
• Tribute: Daughter Ryan Haddon called her mother “an inspiration to many” with “a life well lived.”

Deep Look

Dayle Haddon’s Passing and Carbon Monoxide Incident

Dayle Haddon, a trailblazer in the modeling and beauty industries and a dedicated activist, passed away on Friday at age 76 in Solebury Township, Pennsylvania. Local authorities believe her death resulted from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by a faulty flue and exhaust pipe in the home’s gas heating system.

Haddon was found in a second-floor bedroom after emergency responders were called to the residence for an unconscious person. Walter J. Blucas, a 76-year-old man identified as being at the property, was hospitalized in critical condition.

Responders detected dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide in the home, which also exposed two medics and a police officer to the gas. The medics required hospitalization, while the officer was treated at the scene.

A Trailblazing Modeling Career

Born in Toronto, Dayle Haddon began modeling as a teenager to pay for ballet lessons. Her passion for dance led her to join the Canadian ballet company Les Grands Ballet Canadiens. However, it was her modeling career that skyrocketed her to fame.

Haddon graced the covers of Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Elle, and Esquire during the 1970s and 1980s and appeared in the 1973 Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue. She became a global symbol of beauty and sophistication, pushing the boundaries of what was possible for models of her era.

After giving birth to her daughter, Ryan, in the mid-1970s, Haddon temporarily stepped away from modeling. However, following the death of her husband in 1991, she returned to the industry, only to face age discrimination. “At 38, you’re not viable,” Haddon recalled being told.

Reinventing Beauty Standards

Determined to challenge the industry’s outdated standards, Haddon began reaching out to cosmetic companies, advocating for representation of aging women in beauty campaigns. She successfully secured contracts with Clairol, Estée Lauder, and eventually L’Oréal, where she promoted anti-aging products for over a decade.

“I kept modeling, but in a different way,” Haddon explained, embracing her new role as a spokesperson for women embracing their age. Her groundbreaking work inspired cosmetic brands to recognize the buying power and beauty of aging baby boomers. She also hosted beauty segments on CBS’s The Early Show, further cementing her role as an advocate for women’s confidence and self-care at any age.

From Hollywood to Advocacy

Haddon also had a successful acting career, appearing in about two dozen films between the 1970s and 1990s. Her credits include the 1994 movie Bullets Over Broadway, starring John Cusack.

In addition to her work in entertainment, Haddon founded WomenOne in 2008, an organization dedicated to providing educational opportunities to girls and women in marginalized communities. WomenOne has carried out impactful initiatives in countries such as Rwanda, Haiti, and Jordan, focusing on improving access to education and empowering women to achieve their potential.

A Tribute from Family and Fans

Dayle Haddon’s daughter, Ryan, paid a heartfelt tribute to her mother in a social media post, calling her “everyone’s greatest champion” and “an inspiration to many.” Ryan celebrated Haddon’s “pure heart” and her ability to touch countless lives, writing, “A life well lived. Rest in Light, Mom.”

Fans and colleagues have echoed these sentiments, praising Haddon not only for her accomplishments but also for her resilience and generosity. From her groundbreaking modeling career to her tireless advocacy for women’s rights, Haddon leaves behind a powerful legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.

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