Tiffany Haddish, the acclaimed comedian and actress, has realised her long-held aspiration of becoming a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover star for 2026. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, she reflected on her journey, revealing how her modelling experience has significantly altered her self-perception and relationship with her body.
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As Haddish recounts, the seeds of her dream were sown during her days as a track and field athlete. “When I used to do track and field, I thought I would be on the cover because I would be the highest jumper of all time,” she shared. However, life took her on a different path, and after pursuing a career in stand-up comedy, she believed that the modelling ambitions she once held had faded away.
Her perspective shifted dramatically after sustaining injuries to both of her knees while filming her 2019 comedy special, “Black Mitzvah.” Facing challenges with her body and gaining weight during recovery made her reconsider her aspirations. She recalled meeting Olympic gold medalist Al Joyner, who played a crucial role in her rehabilitation. “He said he could help me heal my knees and get me back into shape. And as I was getting back into shape, I had put in the back of my mind that I’m a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model,” Haddish explained. With renewed determination, she vocalised her ambitions. “I could be a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model. I just need to put that out there,” she declared emphatically.
Transitioning into the modelling world proved to be a transformative process for Haddish. The experience of posing for the iconic magazine enhanced her awareness of her body. “It really got me in tune with listening to my body and being able to push it like I used to,” she reflects. This newfound appreciation instilled a sense of pride within her. “My body popped into alignment and did everything it was instructed to do,” she noted, celebrating the strength and resilience of her physique.
However, Haddish’s journey was not entirely smooth. She candidly mentioned the hurdles she faced during the shoot, including minor injuries. “There were a few times I scraped my knee on the lava rocks and I was bleeding,” she admitted. Her light-hearted comment captured her surprise at the rigours of modelling. “Modeling is a lot harder than I thought it was,” she said.
Preparation for the shoot also contributed to Haddish’s nerves. Yet, she credited the supportive atmosphere created by the crew with making her feel comfortable. “Everybody was so cool, so real, so down to earth, so comforting that it felt like I was just back in my track uniform, ready for whatever,” she expressed. Music played a pivotal role in helping her relax—Rihanna provided the soundtrack to her shoot, enhancing her mood and spirit throughout the process.
In a vibrant orange and yellow bikini, Haddish showcased her fit physique during the photo session, which was photographed by James Macari in Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Despite her excitement, she humorously described her apprehensions regarding wardrobe malfunctions, particularly in the presence of the ocean. “The ocean likes to take your clothes off,” she joked, conscious of the potential for mishaps.
Amidst these challenges, Haddish found resilience through self-affirmation. “In my mind, I’m telling myself I’m some kind of goddess,” she revealed, embodying confidence with declarations of her own greatness. This inner dialogue reinforced her belief that anyone could achieve their dreams, regardless of age or circumstance. “I hope that they take away that you can transform, that we’re constantly transforming and that you can be and look like whatever you want,” she added, reinforcing an empowering message for women everywhere.
Haddish’s journey from stand-up comedy to the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit signifies a remarkable personal transformation and serves as an inspiring reminder that dreams can manifest at any stage of life. “I can be a swimsuit model and be over 30,” she proudly affirmed, encouraging others to embrace their own narratives of growth and self-discovery. As the world awaits the release of this iconic issue, Haddish’s determination and vulnerability highlight the essence of resilience and the celebration of one’s body, regardless of societal standards.