Devon Aoki is a prominent name in the fashion industry, best known for her iconic modeling work in the late 90s and early 2000s. She made a name for herself in the modeling world and then made a smooth transition to acting. Aoki has since become a household name, featuring in popular movies like “2 Fast 2 Furious” and “Sin City”. In this article, we’ll delve deeper into the life of Devon Aoki and discover some lesser-known facts about the model and actress.
Early Life
Devon Aoki was born on August 10th, 1982, in New York City. She grew up in a mixed heritage household with her father, Rocky Aoki, being Japanese, and her mother, Pamela Hilburger, being of German and English descent. Her father is famously known for founding the Benihana restaurant chain in the United States, where he introduced hibachi to the country.
Rise to Fame
Devon Aoki started modeling at the age of 13, after being discovered by a scout at a concert in New York. She made her runway debut in 1997 and quickly caught the eye of fashion designers and photographers alike. Devon’s unique look, which was a mix of Japanese and European features, made her stand out in the industry.
Aoki’s career took off, and she became the face of high-end fashion brands such as Versace, Chanel, and Fendi. She was also a regular on the covers of fashion magazines such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Elle.
Acting Career
Devon Aoki made her acting debut in the 2003 movie “2 Fast 2 Furious”, where she played the role of Suki, a street racer. She later appeared in the critically acclaimed movie “Sin City”, where she played the role of Miho, a sword-wielding assassin. Devon has also featured in other movies such as “Dead or Alive”, “D.E.B.S”, and “Mutant Chronicles”.
Family Life
Devon Aoki became pregnant with her first child, a son named James Bailey, in 2009. James is now a Harvard graduate who co-founded Velos Partners, a private equity firm. Devon married her longtime boyfriend James Bailey in 2011, and they have since had three more children. She decided to retire from full-time acting to focus on raising her family.
Lesser-Known Facts
Despite her popularity, there are a few lesser-known facts about Devon Aoki. For instance, did you know that she has a famous brother? Her brother is none other than Steve Aoki, a renowned DJ and music producer. Devon’s father, Rocky Aoki, had over 70 Benihana restaurants at the time of his death, and both Devon and her brother Steve are set to inherit $50 million each when they turn 45.
Conclusion
Devon Aoki is a name that will always be synonymous with the fashion industry of the late 90s and early 2000s. Her unique look and undeniable talent helped her rise to the top of the industry, and she went on to achieve success in the acting world too. Despite being a public figure, Devon Aoki has managed to keep her personal life private, and it’s admirable that she chose to retire from acting to focus on her family. We wish her all the best for her future endeavors!