He Used to Be Once One of the Worlds Highest-Paid Male Models — And at 67, His Transformation Has People Doing a Double Take — 25+ Photos
The once-iconic model, known for his long hair, used to grace the covers of books worldwide, but his recent look has sparked a mix of reactions among fans.
Photographs from the 1990s to 2025 reveal how the Italian model transitioned from a heartthrob to a mostly retired individual with a private life and some quirky habits. His latest appearance, however, has shifted enough for many to question if they were looking at the same person.
Early Modeling Career and Major Breakthrough
His journey in modeling began in Milan when he was just 14 years old. While at the gym, he caught the eye of famous photographer Oliviero Toscani, who suggested he pursue a modeling career.
Unaware of Toscani’s prominence, the young model handed over his father’s phone number. Toscani made the call, got parental consent, and secured him a prestigious campaign, launching a career that would take him far beyond Italy.
At 19, he made his way to New York City and walked into the Ford modeling agency uninvited. He emerged with a contract.
The next day, photographer Barry McKinley enlisted him for the Gap’s U.S. launch. The model later reflected that while leading male models earned around $120,000 a year, his first assignment in America paid nearly $150,000.
"So I set new standards."
Before gaining widespread recognition, he was already making more from a single job than many top male models earned annually. Soon after, he worked with Versace and other renowned brands, but a surprising form of fame awaited him in the publishing world.
Recognition from Romance Novels
In 1987, he began modeling for romance novel covers, oblivious to the fact that some books featuring him had already been published.
His first inkling came during a night out at a Miami club when three women approached him, insisting he resembled the man from their novels. Initially, he thought they were flirting.
About 20 minutes later, the women returned with the novels, making the resemblance undeniable. Upon seeing the covers, he exclaimed, "Oh my God, that’s me. Yeah, that’s me. That’s weird."
This unexpected revelation opened a new chapter in his career. His long hair, strong physique, and romantic poses adorned over 1,300 book covers, making him a key figure in the genre.
These images allowed readers to visualize the heroes they fantasized about. Reflecting on this connection in January 2025, he stated that romance novels enabled individuals to escape from their unhappy realities briefly.
His fame extended well beyond literature, leading to fitness videos, hair-care collaborations, and a clothing line at Sam’s Club, along with roles in films like "Dude, Where’s My Car?" and "Zoolander."
He essentially became an influencer before that term existed, though ironically, he would later distance himself from the very platforms that birthed modern influencers.
Fabio: The Iconic Model
The mystery figure on those covers was Fabio Lanzoni, more commonly referred to as Fabio. Hailing from Milan, he became a well-known figure in 1990s pop culture, with just his first name conjuring images of flowing hair and an open shirt.
His exaggeratedly romantic persona made him an easy target for parodies, but in reality, he lived a disciplined life away from the spotlight. He consistently trained and maintained the physique that contributed to his fame even beyond his modeling heyday.
His popularity made him a memorable face in advertising. From 1994 to 2016, he was the face of "I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!" and featured in numerous commercials that made the brand name a household phrase.
Reportedly, Fabio took that endorsement to heart. In 2016, he shared that he would bring around 25 to 30 tubs back to Italy during visits since his parents, who loved the product, couldn’t find it there.
"They put it on pasta with some Parmesan cheese."
However, beneath the lighthearted commercials, Fabio’s family faced tragic hardships. His sister passed away after battling advanced ovarian cancer, treated by Dr. Stanislaw Burzynski.
Burzynski’s experimental treatment methods later drew scrutiny from journalist Liz Szabo. During an interview in 2014, Fabio continued to support the controversial doctor despite the loss of his sister.
Fabio’s public persona also included a serious incident years prior. In late 2007, he found himself in a confrontation with George Clooney at a Beverly Hills restaurant, after Clooney allegedly accused women with Fabio of taking photos of him.
The women had won a charity raffle linked to Fabio’s company, and he intervened when he felt Clooney was disrespecting them. Fabio later recounted the heated exchange to the Guardian, claiming he could have easily overpowered the actor.
Clooney would later concede that picking a fight with Fabio would not have ended in his favor. This unusual celebrity encounter only enhanced the image of the romance-cover hero as more than just a pretty face.
An Unfinished Romance
During his prime, Fabio was deemed one of the most desirable bachelors. Notably, in 1993, a date with him sold for $16,000 at an auction.
Beneath the playful bachelor facade, however, lies a past relationship he has come to see differently over time. The woman was also a model, yet Fabio has never revealed her name.
He admitted that his own actions led to their relationship’s demise; she sought a stable future while he was not ready to commit. She ultimately married someone else and had three daughters, a life he chose not to disrupt, even if feelings lingered.
"When you really love a person, it’s forever. It’s my fault, and I take full responsibility. All she wanted was to have a future with me, but I was too wild back then."
Years earlier, he expressed similar sentiments to the Guardian, stating that he believed many women no longer pursued relationships for love. "Not bitter. I had true love once. I know what true love is. True love is forever," he remarked when asked if he held resentment.
By 2021, Fabio was still in the dating scene and hoped for marriage and children. One recent outing included a dinner and a ride in one of his impressive selection of cars, though his collection was not enough to compel him to settle down.
He was looking for a fun, down-to-earth partner who appreciated nature and wasn’t afraid of bugs. Most importantly, she should not be overly involved with social media. "There is quantity, but I want quality," he stated regarding his ideal partner. "I still want to have kids."
Fabio’s Lifestyle with Pets and No Online Presence
Fabio prefers a partner who isn’t engrossed in social media, as he himself lacks a presence on those platforms. He has been vocal about his disdain for the constant urge to share every moment online.
"Something right now that drives me crazy is people are always taking a selfie," he expressed. "You have to take a selfie and post it, ya know, ‘Look at me, I’m on Fifth Avenue. Now I’m on Sixth Avenue. Now I’m on Seventh.’ Who cares?"
He feels that the obsession with phones prevents individuals from truly experiencing their lives. This preference for presence over online attention helps explain why he has stepped back from the celebrity spotlight.
Nonetheless, distancing from social media does not mean he has withdrawn from what he enjoys. After his 65th birthday, Fabio described himself as semi-retired, noting that he remains active and health-conscious, exercising daily and eating cautiously.
Living with eight Rottweilers and possessing a collection of 31 sports cars, modeling is mostly behind him now, although he jokingly mentioned that a significant payday might make him reconsider.
Television could still be in his future, as he envisions a modern take on "Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous," focusing on extravagant cars, motorcycles, yachts, and other luxuries.
Unique Anti-Aging Secrets Behind His Looks
Fabio attributes his youthful appearance to routines he has followed for years. He exercises up to seven days a week, avoids sugar, and has never touched cigarettes or alcohol.
His choice to refrain from drugs and alcohol stemmed from personal tragedy; when he was 16, a friend passed away from a heroin overdose.
He also claims to sleep in a hyperbaric chamber rather than a traditional bed, believing it helps reverse aging. While this detail may appear fitting for someone whose image relies on a timeless look, Fabio insists he has never resorted to common cosmetic enhancements.
In 2021, he confirmed that his iconic hair was entirely natural and that he has never had plastic surgery. However, he is not particularly sentimental about his long locks, despite their significance to fans, and is open to cutting it.
When he recreated his famous 1993 People cover in 2024, the similarities were striking. His long hair remained unchanged, and his dedication to fitness was evident in the new image.
In a separate interview with People, he expressed contentment with his mostly retired lifestyle. He remains healthy, single, and surrounded by the things and animals he loves.
However, reactions to later photos varied greatly. While some viewers recognized the handsome romance icon in his older self, others were skeptical about whether they were seeing the same individual.
As images of the now 67-year-old Fabio circulated in 2025, fans commented on changes in his hair, facial features, and his notably more private lifestyle. Responses on an Instagram post ranged from affectionate to critical.
One fan remarked, "Still handsome and living his best life❤️🙌." Meanwhile, another expressed a more somber perspective, stating, "He became a hermit. What a sad life."
His hair garnered suggestions, with one person noting, "Still handsome, just needs a haircut and to let his natural color grow in." Another defended him against unflattering portrayals: "Oh please… I see him all the time. He looks great! Bad pictures happen to all of us."
Adoration persisted with comments like, "He’s still pretty hot! 😍🔥😍" Yet, one doubtful observer insisted, "That’s not the same person, different lips and eye color to start [sic]."
Someone who seemed to know him personally offered a warmer evaluation: "Legend and a GREAT guy. Nicest person in real life! [sic]" An additional comment was simply, "He looks happier."
These comments mirrored reactions to a previous encounter. In 2021, when influencer Natalie Rose bumped into Fabio, a surprised follower commented on her Instagram post, "I cannot believe this!" Though it could have also been a humorous nod to his butter commercials.
Another admirer recognized his face immediately, saying, "I remember him from the early 80s. He still looks the same."
Fabio’s look has certainly evolved since his days dominating romance novel covers, but the photos still capture the elements that made him unforgettable. Approaching 70, he retains long hair, a disciplined physique, and a sense of contentment living out of the spotlight.