Nicky and Chrissy Taylor: The Tragic Fate of the 90s Supermodel Sisters (9 photos)

From the outside, success seems easy. But in reality, it usually hides hard work, numerous failures, and, often, tragedies. Sisters Niki and Chrissy Taylor were among the most striking models of the 90s. But alas, life was merciless to beauties, and Niki lost her sister, her family, and her health. Fortunately, she proved strong and withstood the trials with honor.





Niki Taylor was born on March 5, 1975, in Florida. Three years later, her younger sister, Chrissy, was born. When Niki turned 13, her mother arranged a photo shoot for her in fashionable outfits. This gave the beautiful teenager the impetus to further development. The girl spent all her pocket money on glossy magazines and learned to pose, emulating the stars of the catwalk.



Nika's mother sent photos of her daughter to several modeling agencies, but was rejected by them all. But she didn't give up and sent her portfolio again and again. Eventually, one Miami Beach agency, which had already rejected her once, became interested in Nikika.

At first, Nikika was photographed only for catalogs, but then she won the Fresh Faces modeling competition in New York. After that, she was offered her first serious contract for $500,000. At the age of 14, Niki Taylor graced the cover of the popular magazine Seventeen. A year later, she posed for the cover of Vogue, becoming the second-youngest model after Brooke Shields to receive this honor.





Thus, Niki Taylor entered the modeling business. With her striking appearance and charisma, the beautiful young woman conquered the fashion world, and the most famous brands collaborated with her. Her face was constantly on the covers of glossy magazines, and her chiseled figure graced advertising posters in New York, Paris, and London. The girl became one of the most recognizable models of the 90s and a role model for millions of girls around the world.

A Brilliant Career

Niki Taylor's younger sister, Chrissy, saw her sister's success. She, too, wanted to shine on the catwalk and win hearts. She, too, was blessed with good looks, so Chrissy Taylor also became a model and soon landed several major contracts.



Niki's career was simply dazzling. By the age of 16, she had become the face of L'Oréal, becoming the youngest model to sign a multimillion-dollar contract. A year later, CoverGirl offered her a partnership, which also earned her millions.

Niki Taylor worked alongside A-listers like Naomi Campbell, Helena Christensen, and Christa Turlington. But despite her stunning success, Niki remained a schoolgirl. From every show and shoot, she returned home to her family.

"I always came home; I didn't move to New York or Los Angeles to go to school, play sports, and be normal. My family helped me remember my roots and who I really was."



Niki Taylor

It seemed like Niki and Chrissy were living the most fulfilling and vibrant lives and had achieved everything they wanted. But their success had a downside. Having quickly burst into the modeling industry, Niki soon began to feel the pressure of the industry. She was also plagued by personal setbacks. All these circumstances had a profound impact on her, and her career was in jeopardy. Her younger sister, Chrissy, who had even less life experience, soon faced a similar fate.

Blow after Blow

After reaching adulthood, Niki Taylor met former football player Matt Martinez. They began an affair, and just three months later, the couple married. A year later, they had twin sons. The birth was difficult, and the model took strong painkillers for a long time. But the marriage was not a happy one, and soon the relationship with Martinez began to fray. The couple argued constantly, and eventually divorced.



Niki Taylor

During this difficult time for Niki, another blow awaited her. At 20, she discovered the body of her younger sister, Chrissy, on the floor of the family home in Florida. Her death was unexpected – the cause was an acute heart condition called arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD). Niki spoke of this loss in an interview with Oprah Winfrey:

"The greatest tragedy and loss of my life was the passing of my little sister. We were together through everything. I miss her very much."

After this tragedy, Niki began taking the medications she had been prescribed after giving birth again. She soon developed a serious addiction to these drugs. But she continued to work, and in 1996, her photos appeared on the covers of Allure, Vogue, ELLE, Marie Claire, Self, and Shape.



Niki Taylor

Car Accident

Six years after the loss of her sister, another tragedy occurred. Returning home late at night from visiting friends, Niki was in a serious car accident. Her boyfriend lost control of the car and crashed into a pole. The girl didn't immediately realize she had sustained serious injuries.

"He wasn't driving fast, and I thought everything would be fine until I got out of the car and felt a deafening pain in my stomach. I was immediately taken to the hospital, where doctors discovered my seat belt had severed my liver."



Niki Taylor

An examination revealed serious damage to her lung and spine. Over the next 24 hours, Nikki underwent three surgeries, and twice she was on the brink of death. Nikki's life was saved, but her health was irreparably damaged. For the next three years, she rarely left the hospital. She underwent over 50 surgeries, one of which involved the implantation of two steel pins in her spine.

In 2001, Nicki moved with her sons from Florida to Tennessee. A year later, fate brought her to meet country singer Keith Urban. They began a serious relationship, and the couple even got matching tattoos reading "Love Conquers All." Nicki starred in Urban's music video for "Somebody Like You."

Against All Odds

Taylor could no longer work as a model, but she refused to leave the fashion industry. She founded Begin Enterprises, Inc., launched her own perfume and clothing line, and established a charitable foundation. Her relationship with Urban ended spontaneously after two years. Taylor said they were both too busy with their careers and rarely saw each other.



Niki Taylor now

In 2006, each of them found new loves. Keith Urban married actress Nicole Kidman, and Nikki married former NASCAR driver Bernie Lamar. In this marriage, Taylor gave birth to daughter Syl and son Rex. In 2016, the '90s star found the strength to continue her modeling career and appeared in Harper's Bazaar and Vogue. She's doing well now—she's loved, sought after, and happy.