Personal Details :
- Full Name: Jenny Lynn Shimizu
- Birth Date: June 16, 1967
- Birth Place: San Jose, California, USA
- Nationality: American
- Ethnicity: Japanese-American
- Height: 5 ft 7 in (170 cm)
- Hair Color: Black
- Eye Color: Brown
- Sexual Orientation: Lesbian
- Marital Status: Married to Michelle Harper (since 2014)
- Profession: Model, Actress, Activist
- Residence: New York City, USA
Social Media Presence :
- Instagram: @jennyshimizu
- Twitter: @jennyshimizu
- Facebook: Jenny Shimizu has an official page (name: “Jenny Shimizu”), though current activity and follower count are not public
Career Overview :
Jenny Shimizu began her modeling career in the early 1990s after being discovered while working as a mechanic in Los Angeles. Her breakthrough came with major campaigns for Calvin Klein’s CK One fragrance and Banana Republic’s “American Beauty,” which included prominent ads in Times Square. She became the first Asian model to open a Prada runway show and went on to walk for top designers such as Versace, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Donna Karan, Yohji Yamamoto, Anna Sui, Thierry Mugler, Levi’s, J. Crew, The Gap, L.A. Eyeworks, and United Colors of Benetton.
In addition to modeling, Jenny starred in the film *Foxfire* (1996) alongside Angelina Jolie, appeared in *Itty Bitty Titty Committee* (2007), and took roles in television series like *The L Word* and *Dante’s Cove*. She also served as a guest judge on fashion competition shows such as *America’s Next Top Model* and *Make Me a Supermodel*.
Her editorial and advertising work includes appearances in the Pirelli Calendar, campaigns for Clinique and Shiseido, and editorials in major magazines including *Italian Vogue*, *Harper’s Bazaar*, *Allure*, *Elle*, and *Marie Claire*. She has worked with top photographers such as Richard Avedon, Bruce Weber, Irving Penn, Steven Meisel, Mario Testino, and David LaChapelle.
In recent years, she has transitioned into talent management as an agent at Women Direct Modeling Agency, using her experience to guide and mentor new models in the industry.
Personal Life & Interests :
Jenny Shimizu was born on June 16, 1967, in San Jose, California, and raised in Santa Maria. She is of Japanese-American descent and is known for breaking boundaries as one of the first openly lesbian models in the fashion industry. Jenny has been romantically linked to high-profile figures such as Madonna and Angelina Jolie, the latter having publicly spoken about falling in love with her during the filming of *Foxfire*. In 2014, Jenny married fashion creative Michelle Harper. Beyond modeling and acting, Jenny is passionate about social justice and LGBTQ+ rights. She has been involved in activism through groups like ACT UP and Queer Nation and once expressed interest in becoming a police officer to serve her community in a new way. Jenny is also an automotive enthusiast and formerly worked as a car mechanic, a passion she continues to enjoy today.
Net Worth :
As of 2024, Jenny Shimizu’s net worth is estimated to be between $2 million and $3 million. She has earned her wealth through her successful modeling career, acting roles, and various endorsements. Jenny continues to work in the fashion industry and remains a highly sought-after model.
Awards & Achievements :
Jenny Shimizu has been recognized for her groundbreaking contributions to the fashion industry and her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. Notable accolades include:
- 10 Most Amazing Women in Show Business – Recognized by Power Up for her impact in the entertainment industry.
- 100 Most Influential Asian Americans of the Decade (1989–1999) – Honored by A Magazine for her influence and achievements.
- 2006 Lesbian Icon Award – Awarded by the Philadelphia International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival for her role in promoting LGBTQ+ visibility.
In addition to these honors, Jenny has been featured in prestigious exhibitions such as “The Model as Muse” at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and “Catherine Opie: American Photographer, Retrospective” at the Guggenheim Museum. Her work has also been showcased in the permanent collection of the Pirelli Museum in Italy.
Fun Facts :
- Jenny was discovered as a mechanic before becoming a top model.
- She was the first Asian model to open a Prada runway show.
- She has been romantically linked to Madonna and Angelina Jolie.
- Jenny appeared in both the 1997 and 2025 Pirelli Calendars.
- She is an outspoken LGBTQ+ activist and participated in ACT UP and Queer Nation.
- Besides modeling and acting, she is a motorcycle enthusiast and restores vintage cars.
- Jenny once considered becoming a police officer to serve her community.