Peggy Moffitt, born May 14, 1940, was an American model and actress who rose to fame in the 1960s. Moffitt was known for her iconic pageboy haircut and striking eye makeup. She worked closely with fashion designer Rudi Gerneich.
Moffitt often collaborated with Gerneich and her husband William Claxton, a photographer. She was largely considered Gerneich’s muse and developed the iconic haircut and makeup for which she became known.
The model was married to Claxton from 1960 until his death in 2008. The couple has one child together, a son.
Moffitt also became known for the monokini – a topless swimsuit. A photograph of Moffitt modeling the swimsuit was widely known. In the years following her breakthrough in the 1960s, Moffitt became associated with the monokini.
Moffitt died on August 10, 2024 after a decades-long career.
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Peggy Moffitt through the years: September 2012
Photo credit: Getty Images
(LR) Peri Ellen Berne, Peggy Moffitt, Tim Vreeland, Wanda McDaniel and Beverly Hills Mayor William Brien attend the unveiling of the plaque and induction ceremony honoring Diana Vreeland at the Rodeo Drive Walk Of Style on Via Rodeo on September 10, 2012 in Beverly Hills.
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Peggy Moffitt through the years: May 2011
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Peggy Moffitt poses at the opening night of “Beauty Culture” at Annenberg Space for Photography on May 19, 2011 in Los Angeles.
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Peggy Moffitt through the years: January 2011
Photo credit: Alexandra Wyman
Peggy Moffitt (R) and guests arrive at the W Magazine’s Best Performances Issue and Golden Globes Awards held at the Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles on January 14, 2011.
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Peggy Moffitt through the years: January 2011
Photo credit: Getty Images
Peggy Moffitt arrives at the W Magazine’s Golden Globe Awards party in West Hollywood on January 14, 2011.
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Peggy Moffitt through the years: March 2010
Photo credit: Getty Images
Peggy Moffitt (R) and her son arrive at the Elton John AIDS Foundation’s 18th Annual Oscar Viewing Party held at the Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles on March 7, 2010.
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Peggy Moffitt through the years: March 2007
Photo credit: Getty Images
Peggy Moffitt and Raquel Welch pose for a preview runway show for Emanuel Ungaro and Creative Director Peter Dundas’ Spring/Summer 2007 collection at Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills in Beverly Hills on March 27, 2007.
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Peggy Moffitt through the years: March 2004
Photo credit: Getty Images
Peggy Moffitt attends the Rodeo Drive Walk of Style event honoring Tom Ford in Beverly Hills on March 28, 2004.
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Peggy Moffitt through the years: January 2004
Photo credit: Getty Images
Peggy Moffitt and photographer William Claxton attend HBO’s private reception ahead of the Golden Globes at the Chateau Marmont Hotel in Hollywood on January 24, 2004.
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Peggy Moffitt through the years: October 1965
Photo credit: Getty Images
The American model Peggy Moffitt on the deck of a cruise ship on October 13, 1965.
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Peggy Moffitt through the years: October 1965
Photo credit: Getty Images
American model Peggy Moffitt poses for a photo on October 13, 1965.
