Reagan Wilson: The ‘60s Icon Whose Beauty Touched the Stars

Some icons don’t just define an era—they transcend it. With smoldering eyes, a sculpted 40-25-35 figure, and confidence that seemed effortless, one woman went from small-town girl to a global sensation. Her beauty wasn’t just admired—it was historic. So much so, her image even hitched a ride on Apollo 12. That’s right—a photo of her literally flew to the Moon.

Her name? Reagan Wilson. But her journey was far more than a footnote in lunar trivia. It was a story of fame, freedom, and the quiet choice to step back from it all. So, where is she now? Let’s take a deep dive into the fascinating life of one of the most unforgettable women of the ’60s and ’70s.

From School Desks to Star Power

Reagan Wilson was born on March 6, 1947, in sunny Torrance, California. She spent her early childhood in Santa Monica, soaking up the beach-town energy until her parents’ divorce turned life in a new direction. Along with her mother and two younger siblings, she moved to Missoula, Montana. From palm trees to mountain valleys—talk about a lifestyle switch.

In Missoula, Reagan blossomed. She attended college with dreams of becoming a journalist, studying hard and imagining a future filled with stories and headlines. But destiny had other plans. Her path would take her not to newsrooms, but to photo studios and movie sets.

Video : Playboy playmates 1967 | Color photos and short info

The Modeling Moment That Changed Everything

In October 1967, Reagan Wilson appeared as a featured model in a now-iconic men’s magazine. Photographed by Ron Vogel, her spread became instantly recognizable. Her combination of natural beauty and magnetic poise struck a cultural nerve. She posed both as a blonde and a brunette, though her natural hair color was a rich brown. Audiences didn’t care—whatever shade she wore, Reagan radiated glamour.

The success of the photoshoot propelled her into the elite world of modeling. She signed with an agency, moved to Los Angeles, and quickly found herself working across fashion capitals—New York, Paris, London. This wasn’t just a pretty face in front of a camera; this was a woman owning the moment, frame by frame.

A Photo That Went to the Moon

Among the many chapters in her story, one stands out above all—literally. In November 1969, during the Apollo 12 mission, a tiny photo of Reagan Wilson was secretly slipped into astronaut Pete Conrad’s mission schedule by NASA pranksters. Along with a few other centerfolds, Reagan’s image made it all the way to the Moon.

It’s not entirely clear whether the photo ever left the lunar module, but the symbolism is hard to miss. Her beauty was out of this world—so much so, it became part of space history. Reagan Wilson didn’t just grace covers—she graced the cosmos.

Hello, Hollywood: Lights, Camera, Wilson

Modeling opened doors in Hollywood, and Reagan was ready to walk through them. She joined the Screen Actors Guild and enrolled at Columbia Studios Actors Workshop to sharpen her skills. Soon after, she started making appearances on major TV shows: Laugh-In, The Jack Benny Show, The Beverly Hillbillies, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, The Jonathan Winters Show, and The Big Valley.

On film, Reagan landed supporting roles in Blood Mania (1970) and Running with the Devil (1973). She also served as a body double for Julie Newmar in MacKenna’s Gold (1969), performing an underwater swimming scene with Gregory Peck and Omar Sharif. Her performances, though not lead roles, carried an undeniable spark.

But fame is fickle, and Reagan Wilson wasn’t interested in chasing it forever. After some time in the spotlight, she shifted her energy back to modeling and eventually began to pull away from the entertainment world.

A Spirit That Couldn’t Be Tamed

Outside the studio, Reagan was pure fire. She loved outdoor adventures—surfing in Malibu, scuba diving, swimming, horseback riding in the San Fernando Valley. In Montana, she even had her own horse named Popcorn. Her energy was electric, her passions authentic.

She was known for being bookish, enthusiastic, and full of curiosity. While politics didn’t interest her, people did. She once attended an event in Los Angeles escorted by none other than Michael Reagan, son of then-Governor Ronald Reagan. That’s the kind of world she navigated with ease—public, powerful, and buzzing with life.

In a candid moment, Reagan once described posing nude as “the ultimate freedom,” drawing inspiration from classical Greek and Roman sculptures she admired during a trip to Italy. To her, beauty and art were inseparable. That fearless self-expression is what truly set her apart.

Video : Blood Mania: 1970 Theatrical Trailer (Vinegar Syndrome)

A Quieter Love, A Softer Chapter

In the early 1980s, Reagan Wilson met Barry Hornig, the man who would become her husband. They married in 1982 (some sources say 1987), stepping into a new chapter that traded red carpets for antique rugs—literally.

The couple opened an antique store in Los Angeles, leaving behind the bright lights for a slower, more soulful life. She went from front-page spreads to dusty treasures, from costume fittings to curating vintage finds. The transition wasn’t just graceful—it was empowering.

Some stars fade. Reagan simply redirected her light.

Where Is Reagan Wilson Today?

As of 2025, Reagan Wilson is 78 and still lives in Los Angeles with her husband. She continues to lead a private, fulfilling life far from the flashbulbs that once followed her every move. Her modeling work is still revered, especially by collectors and fans of vintage glamour. Her television clips, her magazine spreads, and yes—even that Moon-bound photo—all live on.

She’s not chasing attention. She doesn’t need to. Her legacy already belongs to the stars.

Conclusion

Reagan Wilson’s life is a blend of ambition, grace, and quiet rebellion. She rose from a small-town childhood to international modeling fame. She made people laugh on television, lit up the silver screen, and somehow, along the way, became part of space history. She danced through Malibu surf, traveled the world, and then chose a life of passion and peace over constant fame.

Her story reminds us that true beauty isn’t about being seen all the time. It’s about leaving behind something unforgettable—then having the strength to walk away while still glowing.

And that’s exactly what Reagan Wilson did.