He Used to Be Once One of the World’s Highest-Paid Male Models — And at 67, His Transformation Has People Doing a Double Take — 25+ Photos
Once a long-haired heartthrob gracing bookstore shelves worldwide, his recent transformation has sparked mixed reactions among fans.
Photographs from the 1990s to 2025 showcase the Italian model’s evolution from a fantasy figure to a mostly retired individual with a private lifestyle and some eccentric habits. His latest look has prompted some admirers to wonder if they are even looking at the same person.
Starting his career in Milan at just 14, he drew the attention of the famous photographer Oliviero Toscani while working out at a gym, who encouraged him to pursue modeling.
Unaware of Toscani’s prominence, the young athlete handed over his father’s phone number. Toscani made the call, obtained permission to hire him for a significant campaign, and initiated a career that would soon take him far beyond Italy.
At 19, he ventured to New York City and approached the Ford modeling agency without any prior appointment, leaving with a contract.
The very next day, photographer Barry McKinley hired him for the American launch of Gap. Reflecting on it later, he noted that while leading male models typically earned around $120,000 at that time, his first assignment in America netted him nearly $150,000.
"So I set new standards."
Before becoming a household name, he earned more for a single job than many top male models did in an entire year. His collaborations with Versace and other prominent labels followed, but an unexpected type of fame awaited him in the publishing world.
Women at a Miami Club Recognized Him First
In 1987, he accepted jobs posing for romance-novel covers, unaware that some had already been printed and published.
This changed one evening at a Miami club when three women approached him, saying he resembled the man on their book covers. Initially, he thought they were just flirting.
About 20 minutes later, the women returned with the books, and the similarity became undeniable. Upon seeing the covers, he exclaimed, "Oh my God, that’s me. Yeah, that’s me. That’s weird."
This unintentional discovery marked a significant turn in his career. His long hair, athletic physique, and passionate poses ultimately graced over 1,300 covers, making him a legendary figure in the romance genre.
These images provided readers a face to pair with the heroes they envisioned. Speaking about the impact in January 2025, he noted that romance novels allow people to create their fantasies and escape from difficult realities.
His appeal soon extended beyond the pages of books. He ventured into fitness videos, hair-care partnerships, and even a clothing line at Sam’s Club, alongside appearances in films like "Dude, Where’s My Car?" and "Zoolander."
In essence, he was an influencer long before the term existed, ironically distancing himself from the social media that popularized the role.
The Man Behind the Covers Was Fabio
The model in question is Fabio Lanzoni, or simply Fabio. Hailing from Milan, he became a cultural icon in the 1990s, with just his first name evoking images of tousled hair and open shirts.
While his exaggeratedly romantic persona made him a target for parody, he was remarkably committed to fitness off-camera. He kept up an impressive physique well beyond his prime modeling days.
His fame also established him as one of the most recognizable figures in advertising. From 1994 until 2016, he was the face of "I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!" and starred in various commercials that turned the product into a household phrase.
Fabio even took this endorsement personally. In 2016, he shared that he would bring about 25 to 30 tubs back to Italy on his visits, as his parents couldn’t buy it there and had become fans.
"They put it on pasta with some Parmesan cheese."
Despite his comedic commercials, Fabio’s family faced tragedy. His sister underwent treatment for advanced ovarian cancer administered by Dr. Stanislaw Burzynski before she ultimately passed away.
Burzynski’s unorthodox treatments drew scrutiny later, as journalist Liz Szabo investigated them. When interviewed by Szabo in 2014, Fabio expressed support for the controversial doctor despite his sister’s death.
Fabio’s life in the public eye also included serious moments. In late 2007, he had a confrontation with George Clooney at a Beverly Hills restaurant after Clooney allegedly accused women dining with Fabio of taking his picture.
The women had won a charity auction related to Fabio’s company, and he intervened, believing Clooney’s treatment of them was inappropriate. Fabio later recounted the encounter, insisting he could have easily taken down the actor.
Clooney later admitted that brawling with Fabio could have turned out badly for him, adding an extra layer to the notion that the romance-cover hero was not just playing the role of a protective tough guy.
One Lost Relationship Never Completely Left Him
During his height of fame, Fabio was a highly sought-after bachelor. In 1993, a date with him was auctioned off for $16,000.
Yet beneath the playful bachelor persona lies a relationship he has reevaluated as he has aged. Although the woman involved was also a model, Fabio has never revealed her identity.
He admitted that his own actions contributed to the relationship’s demise, as she desired a stable future while he was not yet ready. She eventually married someone else and had three daughters, but Fabio never interfered in the life she created, although his feelings for her remained strong.
"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 prior, he expressed that some women seem to marry or date without love anymore. "Not bitter. I had true love once. I know what true love is. True love is forever," he replied when asked if he felt resentful.
By 2021, Fabio was still dating, holding onto hopes of marriage and children. During a recent outing, he enjoyed dinner and a ride in one of his many luxury cars, but an impressive collection was not enough to make him settle down.
He sought a humorous, grounded partner who could enjoy nature and was unafraid of insects, but above all, she needed to be uninterested in social media. "There is quantity, but I want quality," he explained about his search. "I still want to have kids."
His Private Life Comes With Eight Dogs and No Selfies
Fabio prefers a partner who is not obsessed with social media, a sentiment stemming from his own disinterest in the platforms. In a 2016 interview, he voiced frustration with the trend of taking selfies.
"Something right now that drives me crazy is people are always taking a selfie," he stated. "You have to take a selfie and post it, ya know, ‘Look at me, I’m on Fifth Avenue. Now I’m on Sixth Avenue. Now I’m on Seventh.’ Who cares?"
He feels that the obsession with phones prevents individuals from truly experiencing life. Fabio prefers to stay present, a mindset that makes his absence from the celebrity scene easier to understand.
However, his detachment from social media doesn’t imply he has withdrawn from his interests. After turning 65, he described himself as semi-retired while maintaining a healthy lifestyle through daily exercise and careful eating.
Living with eight Rottweilers, he also boasts a collection of 31 sports cars. While modeling has taken a backseat, he humorously noted that a lucrative offer might tempt him back.
Television also remains a possibility. Fabio envisions a modern version of "Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous," focusing on extravagant cars, motorcycles, yachts, luxurious resorts, islands, and fine watches.
His Unique Anti-Aging Regimen
Fabio credits his youthful appearance to habits cultivated over years. He exercises six to seven days a week, stays away from sugar, and has never indulged in smoking or alcohol.
His choice to avoid drugs and alcohol was influenced by a tragedy when he was 16, as a friend succumbed to a heroin overdose.
Moreover, he has claimed to sleep in a hyperbaric chamber instead of a standard bed, believing it has anti-aging benefits. This detail fits perfectly for someone whose reputation relies on maintaining a timeless look, but Fabio denies having resorted to common cosmetic procedures.
In 2021, he affirmed that his signature hair is entirely natural and that he has never had plastic surgery. Although he values his long hairstyle due to its significance for fans, he remains open to the idea of cutting it.
When Fabio revisited his iconic 1993 People magazine cover in 2024, the similarities were striking. His same long hair framed his face, and his commitment to fitness was still evident in the new portrait.
In a separate interview with People, he expressed satisfaction with his largely retired life. He enjoys good health, remains single, and is surrounded by the vehicles and animals he is passionate about.
However, the latest images of him elicited varied responses. Some fans recognized the handsome romance icon they adored, while others were left questioning if they were indeed looking at the same individual.
When pictures of 67-year-old Fabio were shared in 2025, viewers concentrated on his hair, facial features, and more withdrawn lifestyle. Reactions on an Instagram post ranged from fond to critical.
One fan remarked, "Still handsome and living his best life❤️🙌." Conversely, another had a more pessimistic view, commenting, "He became a hermit. What a sad life."
Practical advice was offered regarding his hair: "Still handsome, just needs a haircut and to let his natural color grow in." On the flip side, someone defended him against unflattering photos, stating, "Oh please… I see him all the time. He looks great! Bad pictures happen to all of us."
Admiration persisted with comments like, "He’s still pretty hot! 😍🔥😍", although one doubtful user asserted, "That’s not the same person, different lips and eye color to start [sic]."
A commenter who appeared familiar with him provided a warmer evaluation: "Legend and a GREAT guy. Nicest person in real life ! [sic]" Another simply noted, "He looks happier."
These remarks mirrored reactions from a previous encounter. When influencer Natalie Rose bumped into Fabio in 2021, someone commented on her Instagram, "I cannot believe this!" This might also have been a humorous nod to his butter advertisements.
Another person recognized him immediately despite the years: "I remember him from the early 80s. He still looks the same."
Fabio’s appearance has naturally evolved since his days as the face of romance novels, but the photos still capture the characteristics that made him unforgettable. Approaching 70, his hair remains long, his physique still reflects dedication, and the former fantasy hero seems perfectly content to live outside the limelight.
