Silke Jasso
Tatjana Patitz, German supermodel and actress, passed away at the age of 56. The model, unfortunately, died from breast cancer, according to her agent Corinne Nicolas.
Videos by Rare
“She is survived by her son, her sister, and her parents. We are all devastated by her passing,” Nicolas stated in a statement with PEOPLE. Throughout her years Patitz was described as a compassionate soul with a kind and generous heart. She was also an avid advocate of animal rights. One of the major causes Patitz supported was the conservation of wild horses.
Patitz rose to fame in the 1980s as one of the original “big six” supermodels, alongside Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington, Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, and Elle Macpherson. She was known for her striking features and poses and graced the covers of numerous magazines. The model walked the runway for some of the biggest designers in the fashion industry including Chanel, Donna Karan and Vogue.
Cindy Crawford Pays Tribute
Patitz also had a successful acting career, with roles in films such as “The Crossing Guard” and “The Legends of the Fall.” She was also a successful businesswoman, launching her own line of skincare products.
Patitz was not only a talented model and actress but also an advocate for environmental causes and animal rights. She was a strong supporter of Greenpeace and PETA and donated her time and resources to many charitable organizations.
Patitz’s death is a huge loss for the fashion and entertainment industries. Her unique beauty and talent will be greatly missed by her fans and colleagues. Her agent stated that Patitz will be remembered for her contributions to the fashion industry, her striking beauty and her kind and generous spirit.
In a tribute to the model, Anna Wintour, global editorial director of Vogue, noted “Tatjana was always the European symbol of chic, like Romy Schneider-meets-Monica Vitti. She was far less visible than her peers—more mysterious, more grown-up, more unattainable—and that had its own appeal.”
