At 67, He Used to Be Once One of the Worlds Highest-Paid Male Models — And , His Transformation Has People Doing a Double Take — 25+ Photos

The long-haired heartthrob, once a fixture on bookstore shelves worldwide, has undergone a transformation that has left his fans and admirers with mixed opinions.

From the 1990s to 2025, the Italian model has transitioned from a fantasy figure to a largely private individual with some quirky habits. His latest look has prompted many to question if they were recognizing the same person.

A Discovering Opportunity That Changed Everything

Fabio’s career took off in Milan when he was just 14 years old. While exercising at the gym, he was approached by photographer Oliviero Toscani, who suggested that he pursue modeling.

Unfamiliar with Toscani’s reputation, the young athlete simply provided his father’s contact number. Toscani made the call, gained permission, and initiated a career that would soon exceed the borders of Italy.

By the age of 19, the aspiring model found himself in New York City, where he walked into the Ford modeling agency without an appointment and walked out with a contract.

The very next day, he was booked by photographer Barry McKinley for the Gap’s American launch campaign. Fabio later recalled that while leading male models typically earned around $120,000 annually, his first job in the U.S. netted him nearly $150,000.

"So I set new standards."

Before gaining significant fame, he was already making more money from a single assignment than many top male models did in a year. His collaborations with brands like Versace followed, but an unexpected form of recognition awaited him in the realm of publishing.

Fans at a Miami Club Recognized Him First

In 1987, Fabio began taking on roles for romance novel covers, unaware that some of those publications had already hit the market.

This lack of awareness changed one night while at a Miami club. Three women approached him, exclaiming he resembled the man on the covers of their novels. Initially, he thought they were flirting with him.

Approximately 20 minutes later, the trio returned holding the novels, and the resemblance was undeniable. After 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 locks, buff physique, and romantic poses graced over 1,300 covers, establishing him as a prominent figure in the genre.

These covers gave readers a vivid image of the heroes they envisioned. Reflecting on this connection in January 2025, he noted that romance novels allowed readers to escape their unhappy realities and indulge in their fantasies.

His appeal expanded well beyond the literary world. He ventured into fitness videos, collaborated with hair-care brands, and even launched a clothing line at Sam’s Club. Additionally, he made appearances in films like "Dude, Where’s My Car?" and "Zoolander."

Fabio had essentially become an influencer long before the term even existed. Ironically, he later distanced himself from the social media platforms that have made modern influencers famous.

The Face Behind the Covers Is Fabio

The model in question is Fabio Lanzoni, popularly known simply as Fabio. Originating from Milan, he became a cultural icon of the 1990s, with his first name alone conjuring images of tousled hair and an unbuttoned shirt.

Fabio’s over-the-top romantic persona made him an easy target for parodies, yet he maintained a stringent discipline in his life outside the limelight. He committed to training consistently to preserve the physique that initially garnered him fame, well beyond his modeling prime.

His popularity solidified him as one of the most recognizable faces in advertising. From 1994 to 2016, he was the spokesperson for "I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!" appearing in commercials that popularized the product’s name.

Fabio took his advertising role home in a literal sense. In 2016, he shared that he regularly transported around 25-30 tubs back to Italy during his visits, as his parents couldn’t find it there and had become devoted fans.

"They put it on pasta with some Parmesan cheese."

Behind the lighthearted commercials, Fabio’s family faced a significant tragedy. His sister battled advanced ovarian cancer and was treated by Dr. Stanislaw Burzynski before she passed away.

Burzynski’s experimental treatments later came under scrutiny by journalist Liz Szabo. In a 2014 interview, Fabio continued to show support for the controversial doctor despite the loss of his sister.

Fabio’s public life also included serious moments. In late 2007, he was involved in a confrontation with George Clooney at a Beverly Hills restaurant, where Clooney allegedly accused women dining with Fabio of taking photographs of him.

The women, who won a charity raffle connected to Fabio’s business, were spoken to by Fabio after he felt Clooney was disrespectful towards them. Fabio later conveyed a heated account of the incident to the Guardian, claiming he could have easily knocked out the actor.

Clooney later conceded that a fight with Fabio would likely not have turned out in his favor. This unusual celebrity clash underscored that the romance-cover star was not merely playing the role of a protective tough guy.

One Past Relationship Continues to Haunt Him

During his peak years of fame, Fabio was considered extremely desirable. In 1993, a date with him was auctioned off for $16,000.

Beneath this playful bachelor image, however, Fabio reflects on one particular relationship differently as time has passed. The woman, also a model, remains unnamed.

He admitted that his own actions led to the relationship’s downfall, as she sought a more stable future while he was not ready for that commitment. She eventually married someone else and had three daughters, while Fabio respected the life she built, though his feelings about her endured.

"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, Fabio expressed similar sentiments to the Guardian, suggesting that some women no longer dated or married for love. "Not bitter. I had true love once. I know what true love is. True love is forever," he said when asked if he felt any resentment.

By 2021, Fabio was still searching for a partner and held hopes for marriage and children. A recent date included dinner and a ride in one of his luxury cars, but it was evident that his impressive garage didn’t convince him to settle down.

He sought a fun-loving, down-to-earth woman who was comfortable with nature and not intimidated by insects. Most importantly, he wanted someone who was not obsessed with social media. "There is quantity, but I want quality," he stated while discussing his desires. "I still want to have kids."

His Quiet Life Includes Eight Dogs and No Social Media

Fabio prefers not to have a partner engrossed in online platforms, as he himself does not maintain a social media presence. He has been vocal about his reasons for this. In a 2016 interview, he criticized the constant urge to document every moment through selfies.

"Something right now that drives me crazy is people are always taking a selfie," he shared. "You have to take a selfie and post it, you know, ‘Look at me, I’m on Fifth Avenue. Now I’m on Sixth Avenue. Now I’m on Seventh.’ Who cares?"

He believes that the obsession with devices detracts from experiencing life itself. Fabio prefers to remain present, a mindset that clarifies his absence from the daily celebrity hustle.

Nonetheless, distancing himself from social media doesn’t mean he avoids the things he loves. After turning 65, he described his lifestyle as semi-retired and emphasized his commitment to health, exercising daily, and eating mindfully.

Fabio also shares his home with eight Rottweilers and has a collection of 31 sports cars. While modeling has taken a backseat, he jokingly mentioned that a lucrative offer might make him reconsider.

Television opportunities remain on his radar, as he envisions a modern take on "Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous," focusing on extravagant cars, motorcycles, yachts, resorts, islands, and luxury watches.

His Unique Anti-Aging Rituals Reflect His Fame

Fabio attributes his youthful appearance to lifestyle choices he’s adhered to for many years. He exercises six to seven days a week, refrains from sugar, and has never smoked or consumed alcohol.

His resolve to avoid drugs and alcohol stemmed from a tragic experience when he was 16, losing a friend to a heroin overdose.

He also claims to sleep in a hyperbaric chamber rather than a traditional bed, believing it has age-reversing effects. This detail may seem fitting for someone whose career was built on maintaining a timeless appearance, but Fabio insists he hasn’t resorted to common cosmetic treatments.

In 2021, he affirmed that his iconic hair is entirely natural and that he has never undergone plastic surgery. However, he does not feel sentimentally attached to his long hair, which holds significance for fans, and is open to changing it.

When Fabio recreated his famous 1993 People cover three decades later in 2024, the resemblance was striking. His long hair still framed his face, and his dedication to fitness was evident in the new image.

An interview with People found him content with his mostly retired existence. He enjoys good health, is single, and is surrounded by the cars and pets he adores.

However, the latest images have not resulted in a unanimous opinion. Some viewers see the familiar handsome romance icon, while others question the identity of the person in the photos.

When images of the now 67-year-old Fabio circulated in 2025, observers noted changes in his hair, facial features, and lifestyle. Reactions on an Instagram post varied from affectionate to critical.

One fan commented, "Still handsome and living his best life❤️🙌," while another expressed a more cynical view, stating, "He became a hermit. What a sad life."

His hair prompted practical advice from followers, including one who said, "Still handsome, just needs a haircut and to let his natural color grow in." Others defended him against unflattering photographs: "Oh please…. I see him all the time. He looks great! Bad pictures happen to all of us."

Admiration continued with comments like, "He’s still pretty hot! 😍🔥😍," but another commenter expressed skepticism, stating, "That’s not the same person; different lips and eye color to start [sic]."

One individual, who seemed to know him well, offered a warmer perspective: "Legend and a GREAT guy. Nicest person in real life! [sic]" Another simple yet telling comment noted, "He looks happier."

These sentiments echoed the excitement following a previous meeting. When influencer Natalie Rose crossed paths with Fabio in 2021, one viewer commented under her Instagram post, "I cannot believe this!" This could be a playful reference to his butter commercials.

Someone recognized his face immediately, despite the years that had passed, saying, "I remember him from the early 80s. He still looks the same."

Fabio’s appearance has naturally evolved since his time dominating romance novel covers, but the photos continue to capture the essence that made him an icon. Now nearing 70, his long hair remains, his physique reflects years of dedication, and the former fantasy hero appears genuinely happy living away from the spotlight.