Hunter McGrady is redefining beauty standards, proving that big truly is beautiful. As the size 16 cover star of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit’s 2024 60th Anniversary Legends issue, McGrady stands as a powerful role model for young girls, championing body positivity with her refreshing approach to self-image.
Starting her modeling journey at 15 in the straight-size industry, McGrady shifted to plus-size modeling at 19 after facing pressure to conform to unattainable beauty standards. Here are some little-known facts about this stunning blonde who’s making waves in the fashion industry:
Born on May 4, 1993, in Los Angeles, McGrady hails from a showbiz family—her father, Michael McGrady, is an actor, and her mother, Brynja McGrady, was a model.
Hunter McGrady’s net worth is estimated to be around six million dollars. She has an older sister, Michaela McGrady, who is also a model. Together, the McGrady sisters co-host the popular podcast Model Citizen.
Tragically, the family faced heartbreak in 2021 when their younger brother passed away in a car accident.
@huntermcgrady Heres the deal, ive never smelled a better smelling product in my entire life and if this isnt made into a perfume one day, ill riot! @Blake Brown #hairtok @target ♬ FEMININE ENERGY – COBRAH
During high school, Hunter McGrady faced bullying, with people often calling her too tall and criticizing her for not being ‘pretty’ or ‘skinny’ enough. She’s now married to Brian Keys, an advertising professional, whom she met on Snapchat.
The couple has two children—a son born in 2021 and a daughter born in 2023. After tying the knot, the newlyweds made an impromptu stop at Disneyland on their way to their honeymoon. Hunter shared the moment on Instagram, writing, ‘The honeymoon comes later, Disney comes now! My Prince Charming.
@huntermcgrady Nahhh were about to bring body positivity/neutrality/self love back ✌🏻 #plussize #selfimprovement ♬ original sound – Ruthie21😘 – ꧁ Ruthie ꧂
Hunter McGrady made history as the first plus-size model to grace the cover of *The Knot*. She’s also the founder of her own size-inclusive clothing line, All Is Worthy, available through QVC. The line ranges from XXS to 5X, designed to empower people of all sizes and remind them of their worth. In addition to this, she collaborated with size-inclusive brand Playful Promises on a swimsuit collection.
Her inspiration for becoming a plus-size model stemmed from a Vogue Italia photoshoot in June 2011 featuring plus-size models Candice Huffine, Tara Lynn, and Robyn Lawley. Hunter first appeared in Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Edition in 2017. Earlier in her career as a straight-size model, she was rejected by agencies for having hips they deemed ‘too large,’ even though she was only a size four.
During the pandemic, Hunter picked up basketball as a new hobby after growing tired of her usual workout routine. She also has a passion for travel. During a Sports Illustrated shoot in Indonesia, she shared on Instagram that the trip felt like her ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ moment. Italy, however, remains her favorite vacation spot.
@huntermcgrady Heres the deal, ive never smelled a better smelling product in my entire life and if this isnt made into a perfume one day, ill riot! @Blake Brown #hairtok @target ♬ FEMININE ENERGY – COBRAH