Georgina Cooper, the beloved British supermodel who captured hearts with her iconic gap-toothed smile, has tragically passed away at the age of 46. Known for her prominent role during the 1990s ‘Cool Britannia’ fashion era, Cooper's sudden death occurred during what was supposed to be a joyful vacation with her husband, Nigel, on the picturesque Greek island of Kos.
The couple had recently tied the knot just months prior, celebrating their wedding near Cooper's hometown. Friends and family are mourning the loss of the vivacious model who, according to reports from numerous sources including Us Weekly and The Mirror, died from complications related to long COVID, following her battle with health issues stemming from the illness.
Details surrounding this heartbreaking tragedy reveal Cooper had fallen ill just one day before she was scheduled to return to the UK. Friends close to the model have described her as funny and full of life, calling attention to her warm personality and relentless spirit. Dean Goodman, her former agent, expressed disbelief at the news of her passing, emphasizing how genuine and special Cooper was. "Georgina had plans for the future. She had just married and was looking forward to her life. Everybody is devastated. She was a genuine superstar," he stated.
Cooper’s career took flight at just 15, when she appeared alongside Bon Jovi in the music video for "Always.” From there, she climbed her way to success, gracing the covers of renowned magazines like Vogue and The Face. She worked with prestigious fashion houses such as Stella McCartney and Alexander McQueen, and was recognized as the original “gap-toothed girl”—a title she wore with pride.
Though she found immense fame later on, Cooper made the personal choice to step back from modeling to focus on raising her son, Sonny. She shared her thoughts on this decision during interviews, stating her deep connection to motherhood motivated her to pursue opportunities outside the fashion industry. “After I had my son, I just couldn’t bear to leave him alone, and I wanted to be there for him,” she revealed.
The model’s sudden illness had become apparent to those closest to her after she encountered health issues during the COVID-19 pandemic. She had been hospital-bound intermittently over the past few years, which made her tragic passing even more heartbreaking for her loved ones. Just before her trip to Greece, friends expressed optimism for her future, noting Cooper's resilient spirit and plans for new adventures with her husband.
Initial reports of her passing broke through social media on November 8, 2024, with popular British models like Jade Parfitt and Erin O'Connor sharing their grief online. Parfitt noted, “Georgina was one of the funniest and naughtiest, never mind most beautiful friends, we all wanted to hang out with George backstage.” O’Connor echoed these sentiments, emphasizing Cooper’s warmth, her humor, and the incredible joy she brought to those around her.
The circumstances of her final days hint at the struggle Cooper faced as she battled her health complications. Reports indicate she spent five days receiving treatment at the hospital on the island before being airlifted to Crete, where she remained hospitalized until her death.
Friends of Cooper have taken to social media to share tributes and express their shock and sadness over her loss. Many have painted the picture of Cooper as not only a beautiful model but also as someone with vivacity who brought everyone around her joy. "Seeing the outpouring of love for her is beautiful and shows what a special person she was. A naughty, funny soul, and a smile to light up any room," noted one friend.
Cooper’s legacy will undoubtedly live on, not only through the campaigns she graced, the runways she strutted, and the memories shared among friends and family, but as inspiration to countless aspiring models and individuals whose lives she touched. Survived by her husband and her son, Cooper’s contributions to both the fashion world and her personal life as a devoted mother and friend will be remembered fondly.
With such heartbreaking news hitting the fashion industry, Cooper's passing is yet another reminder of the human experience behind the glamorous lifestyle often portrayed. Her life and legacy will remain cherished by those who knew and loved her, and her influence will always be recognized within the fashion arena she helped shape.
