Martha Stewart.
Martha Stewarthas had quite the life — and she might say she’s just getting started.Most recently, the domestic doyenne made headlines forposing on the coverof the annualSports IllustratedSwimsuit Issue, but she’s been making moves for years, earning notoriety from her recipes, her legal battles and her Instagram account. Many of those topics are covered in CNN’s new four-part documentaryThe Many Lives of Martha Stewart, which begins airing on Jan. 28.In honor of her latest milestone, look back on Stewart’s life in photos.
Martha Stewarthas had quite the life — and she might say she’s just getting started.
Most recently, the domestic doyenne made headlines forposing on the coverof the annualSports IllustratedSwimsuit Issue, but she’s been making moves for years, earning notoriety from her recipes, her legal battles and her Instagram account. Many of those topics are covered in CNN’s new four-part documentaryThe Many Lives of Martha Stewart, which begins airing on Jan. 28.
In honor of her latest milestone, look back on Stewart’s life in photos.
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Martha Stewart’s Childhood
A young Martha Stewart.Martha Stewart/Instagram
02of 24Martha Stewart Grows Up in New JerseyA young Martha Stewart.Don Murray/ZUMAPRESS.comFrom a young age, Stewart was drawn to the creativity of homemaking.“As a small girl, I often cut flowers from our garden to make arrangements for my mother,” Stewart said ina profilefor her website.“When I was growing up, my family celebrated every holiday with great enthusiasm,” she added – and it would prove to stick with her.
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Martha Stewart Grows Up in New Jersey
A young Martha Stewart.Don Murray/ZUMAPRESS.com
From a young age, Stewart was drawn to the creativity of homemaking.
“As a small girl, I often cut flowers from our garden to make arrangements for my mother,” Stewart said ina profilefor her website.
“When I was growing up, my family celebrated every holiday with great enthusiasm,” she added – and it would prove to stick with her.
03of 24Martha Stewart Starts ModelingMartha Stewart as a model.Martha Stewart/InstagramEver entrepreneurial (and 5-ft., 9-in.), she started modeling in high school. In the years that followed, she walked in fashion shows and appeared in ads for brands from Clairol to Chanel.
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Martha Stewart Starts Modeling
Martha Stewart as a model.Martha Stewart/Instagram
Ever entrepreneurial (and 5-ft., 9-in.), she started modeling in high school. In the years that followed, she walked in fashion shows and appeared in ads for brands from Clairol to Chanel.
04of 24Martha Stewart Attends BarnardMartha Stewart in college.Anthony Camerano/AP/ShutterstockStar student! Martha enrolled at Barnard College in New York City to study history and architectural history. Sparks flew when she met Yale law student Andy Stewart, and the two married in 1961.Four years later, their daughter Alexis was born. Soon after, Stewart went to work on Wall Street, and spent seven years as an institutional stockbroker.On life lessons learned, she wrote on her website, “The job taught me so much about what it takes to build a real business, a real company – a meaningful and useful enterprise.”
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Martha Stewart Attends Barnard
Martha Stewart in college.Anthony Camerano/AP/Shutterstock
Star student! Martha enrolled at Barnard College in New York City to study history and architectural history. Sparks flew when she met Yale law student Andy Stewart, and the two married in 1961.
Four years later, their daughter Alexis was born. Soon after, Stewart went to work on Wall Street, and spent seven years as an institutional stockbroker.
On life lessons learned, she wrote on her website, “The job taught me so much about what it takes to build a real business, a real company – a meaningful and useful enterprise.”
05of 24Martha Stewart Flips a FarmhouseMartha Stewart’s first home flip.Arthur Schatz/GettyIn 1971, the Stewarts moved to charming Westport, Connecticut, and began restoring an 1805 farmhouse that would affectionately come to be known as Turkey Hill.Martha fell in love with the restoration process, and embraced home repair, design and gardening along the way.
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Martha Stewart Flips a Farmhouse
Martha Stewart’s first home flip.Arthur Schatz/Getty
In 1971, the Stewarts moved to charming Westport, Connecticut, and began restoring an 1805 farmhouse that would affectionately come to be known as Turkey Hill.
Martha fell in love with the restoration process, and embraced home repair, design and gardening along the way.
06of 24Martha Stewart Does It HerselfMartha Stewart and Andrew Stewart.Arthur Schatz/GettyAndy and Martha laughed with one of their hens in the backyard barn of their home in this throwback photo.
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Martha Stewart Does It Herself
Martha Stewart and Andrew Stewart.Arthur Schatz/Getty
Andy and Martha laughed with one of their hens in the backyard barn of their home in this throwback photo.
07of 24Martha Stewart Whips Up a Catering CompanyMartha Stewart starts a catering company.Susan Wood/GettyAfter leaving Wall Street, Stewart chased another dream – opening a catering company called Uncatered Affair, which she initially ran with friend Norma Collier before they had a falling out. Opening up shop in her kitchen in 1973, she made everything from scratch, and would go on to draw corporate and celebrity clients, catering parties for up to as many as 1,200 people.Through the next decade, Stewart’s company grew into a $1 million business,Entrepreneurreported, and she began to contribute to theNew York Times' food and lifestyle section.
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Martha Stewart Whips Up a Catering Company
Martha Stewart starts a catering company.Susan Wood/Getty
After leaving Wall Street, Stewart chased another dream – opening a catering company called Uncatered Affair, which she initially ran with friend Norma Collier before they had a falling out. Opening up shop in her kitchen in 1973, she made everything from scratch, and would go on to draw corporate and celebrity clients, catering parties for up to as many as 1,200 people.
Through the next decade, Stewart’s company grew into a $1 million business,Entrepreneurreported, and she began to contribute to theNew York Times' food and lifestyle section.
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Martha Stewart Publishes Her First Cookbook
Martha Stewart’s first cookbook.Crown Publishing Group, T.H.E
“It was an important step in my life,” she said on her site. “I had found my niche.”
The book, which featured glossy color photos and personal stories along with each recipe, has since inspired “every single [other] cookbook,” she toldHarper’s Bazaarin February 2021.
09of 24’Martha Stewart Living' LaunchesMartha Stewart Living.Martha Stewart LivingStewart’s professional career took off, and she quickly published a number of self-titled texts on cooking, entertaining and wedding planning through the 1980s (she’d go on to write 97 in total). Stewart hit another media milestone when she launchedMartha Stewart Livingin 1990, serving as editor-in-chief.Personally, however, Stewart was going through a difficult time; the same year that the lifestyle magazine debuted, Stewart’s divorce from her husband was finalized, following a three-year separation. Their split was acrimonious, but Stewarttold PEOPLE she was only looking forward: “The life that I had is over, and what has taken its place is better.”
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‘Martha Stewart Living’ Launches
Martha Stewart Living.Martha Stewart Living
Stewart’s professional career took off, and she quickly published a number of self-titled texts on cooking, entertaining and wedding planning through the 1980s (she’d go on to write 97 in total). Stewart hit another media milestone when she launchedMartha Stewart Livingin 1990, serving as editor-in-chief.
Personally, however, Stewart was going through a difficult time; the same year that the lifestyle magazine debuted, Stewart’s divorce from her husband was finalized, following a three-year separation. Their split was acrimonious, but Stewarttold PEOPLE she was only looking forward: “The life that I had is over, and what has taken its place is better.”
10of 24Martha Stewart Covers PEOPLEMartha Stewart on PEOPLE.In 1995, PEOPLE magazine sat down with the entrepreneur and lifestyle expert to get a glimpse into her private life in the wake of her massive media success and difficult divorce.Then, as now, it was clear that Stewart didn’t indulge in a lot of down time. Her chief frustration, the reporter wrote, is that “there’s not enough time in the day.”
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Martha Stewart Covers PEOPLE
Martha Stewart on PEOPLE.
In 1995, PEOPLE magazine sat down with the entrepreneur and lifestyle expert to get a glimpse into her private life in the wake of her massive media success and difficult divorce.
Then, as now, it was clear that Stewart didn’t indulge in a lot of down time. Her chief frustration, the reporter wrote, is that “there’s not enough time in the day.”
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Martha Stewart on The Tonight Show.Margaret Norton/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images
Here, she schooledJay Lenoon how to properly make a bed onThe Tonight Showin 1997.
12of 24Martha Stewart Hits HollywoodRosie O’Donnell, Martha Stewart and Bette Midler.Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection/GettyHer celebrity status was on the rise through the 1990s — she was photographed grinning withRosie O’DonnellandBette Midlerat an A-list Halloween bash in New York City in 1998.
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Martha Stewart Hits Hollywood
Rosie O’Donnell, Martha Stewart and Bette Midler.Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection/Getty
Her celebrity status was on the rise through the 1990s — she was photographed grinning withRosie O’DonnellandBette Midlerat an A-list Halloween bash in New York City in 1998.
13of 24Martha Stewart Becomes a BillionaireMartha Stewart at the stock exchange.HENNY RAY ABRAMS/AFP/GettyIn October 1999, Stewart’s media and merchandising company Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (MSO) launched its initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange. The stock tripled in value before the day’s end,Insiderreported, making Stewart America’s first self-made female billionaire.Opening up toPEOPLEin 2020, the maven said many detractors never believed she could do it.“I had opposition, and that kind of opposition to a woman-built business was really outrageous. Even my own lawyers were negative about the possibility of success,” Stewart said. “I think I helped so many other women believe in their own ideas and their own business plans and their own paths to glory.”
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Martha Stewart Becomes a Billionaire
Martha Stewart at the stock exchange.HENNY RAY ABRAMS/AFP/Getty
In October 1999, Stewart’s media and merchandising company Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (MSO) launched its initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange. The stock tripled in value before the day’s end,Insiderreported, making Stewart America’s first self-made female billionaire.
Opening up toPEOPLEin 2020, the maven said many detractors never believed she could do it.
“I had opposition, and that kind of opposition to a woman-built business was really outrageous. Even my own lawyers were negative about the possibility of success,” Stewart said. “I think I helped so many other women believe in their own ideas and their own business plans and their own paths to glory.”
14of 24Martha Stewart at Her Initial Public OfferingMartha Stewart at the stock exchange.James Leynse/Corbis/GettyNaturally, the lifestyle mogul brought a tray of hors d’oeuvres to the NYSE to celebrate her success. Hungry, anyone?
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Martha Stewart at Her Initial Public Offering
Martha Stewart at the stock exchange.James Leynse/Corbis/Getty
Naturally, the lifestyle mogul brought a tray of hors d’oeuvres to the NYSE to celebrate her success. Hungry, anyone?
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Martha Stewart’s Legal Woes
Martha Stewart and Barbara Walters.Walt Disney Television/Getty Images
Her trial began in 2003, and she spoke about her anxieties in a wide-ranging20/20interview withBarbara Walters.
“Who wouldn’t be scared? Of course I’m scared. The last place I would ever want to go is to prison … I don’t think I will be going to prison, though,” she said,according to EW.
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Martha Stewart Found Guilty
Martha Stewart at the federal courthouse in New York City.Peter Foley/Bloomberg/Getty
Her high-profile trial began in federal court in January 2004. That March, Stewart wasconvicted of conspiringwith her Merrill Lynch stockbroker, Peter Bacanovic, to deceive authorities probing her December 2001 sale of the ImClone stock. Jurors said she lied during two interviews with investigators, and she was found guilty on charges including conspiracy and obstruction of justice.
“Today is a shameful day,” Stewart said in astatementfollowing the sentencing. “It’s shameful for me and my family, and my company. More than 200 people have lost their jobs, and I want them to know I am very, very sorry.”
17of 24Martha Stewart Begins AgainMartha Stewart after her prison stint.TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/GettyThe lifestyle guru began her sentence in October 2004 at a minimum-security women’s prison in West Virginia. Released in March 2005, Stewart immediately went back to work.In this photo taken on her first day back at the Martha Stewart Living Offices, she posed with an oversized Christmas card that her staff sent while she was behind bars.
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Martha Stewart Begins Again
Martha Stewart after her prison stint.TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty
The lifestyle guru began her sentence in October 2004 at a minimum-security women’s prison in West Virginia. Released in March 2005, Stewart immediately went back to work.
In this photo taken on her first day back at the Martha Stewart Living Offices, she posed with an oversized Christmas card that her staff sent while she was behind bars.
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Martha Stewart Steps Back into the Spotlight
The Martha Stewart Show goes to the Emmys.Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic
Leaning on loved ones as she stepped back into the limelight, Stewart smiled with her daughter Alexis (who is also the mother of Martha’s two grandchildren, Jude and Truman) at the 33rd Annual DaytimeEmmy Awards.Marthawas nominated for awards in multiple categories at the 2006 ceremony.
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Martha Stewart on Today.
Continuing to contribute her wealth of knowledge to other hit television shows, Stewart gaveMatt Lauerpointers on how to ice a wedding cake while promoting her latest book,Martha Stewart’s Wedding Cakes, onTodayin 2008.
20of 24Martha Stewart’s Star Continues to RiseMartha Stewart in 2008.Gustavo Caballero/GettyModel moment! Stewart struck a pose on the pink carpet at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in 2008.Chatting withPEOPLEin 2020, Stewart spoke about how wellness plays an important role in her daily routine.“I really care about maintaining an aura of good health, which is basically the food I eat. And genetics has a lot to do with it. My dad was a gorgeous man with very good skin. So was Mom. She was fantastic until she was 93 years old,” she said in a 2020 interview. “My hope is that unless I kill myself with too much hard work, I will probably survive very nicely for a long time.”
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Martha Stewart’s Star Continues to Rise
Martha Stewart in 2008.Gustavo Caballero/Getty
Model moment! Stewart struck a pose on the pink carpet at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in 2008.
Chatting withPEOPLEin 2020, Stewart spoke about how wellness plays an important role in her daily routine.
“I really care about maintaining an aura of good health, which is basically the food I eat. And genetics has a lot to do with it. My dad was a gorgeous man with very good skin. So was Mom. She was fantastic until she was 93 years old,” she said in a 2020 interview. “My hope is that unless I kill myself with too much hard work, I will probably survive very nicely for a long time.”
21of 24Martha Stewart Teams Up with Snoop DoggMartha Stewart and Snoop Dogg.VH1The next (and perhaps most surprising) phase of her career began when she teamed up withSnoop Doggfor a variety show calledMartha and Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party,which aired for three seasons on VH1 starting in 2016.The famous friends have since brought their chemistry to hosting a slew of specials, fromHalloween cooking competitionsto thePuppy Bowl.
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Martha Stewart Teams Up with Snoop Dogg
Martha Stewart and Snoop Dogg.VH1
The next (and perhaps most surprising) phase of her career began when she teamed up withSnoop Doggfor a variety show calledMartha and Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party,which aired for three seasons on VH1 starting in 2016.
The famous friends have since brought their chemistry to hosting a slew of specials, fromHalloween cooking competitionsto thePuppy Bowl.
22of 24Martha Stewart, Instagram StarMartha Stewart on Instagram.Martha Stewart/InstagramNever content to rest on her laurels, Stewart has developed one of the most distinctive celebrity presences on social media, includingthis sultry poolside shotthat went viral and got her “so many propositions,“she told Ellen DeGeneres. In addition to her influencer status,she boasts a massive list of celebrity fans, including Blake Lively, Drake and Drew Barrymore
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Martha Stewart, Instagram Star
Martha Stewart on Instagram.Martha Stewart/Instagram
Never content to rest on her laurels, Stewart has developed one of the most distinctive celebrity presences on social media, includingthis sultry poolside shotthat went viral and got her “so many propositions,“she told Ellen DeGeneres. In addition to her influencer status,she boasts a massive list of celebrity fans, including Blake Lively, Drake and Drew Barrymore
23of 24Martha Stewart Turns 80Martha Stewart turns 80.Martha Stewart/InstagramIn August 2021, the domestic diva celebrated the milestone birthday of turning 80 years old, telling fans she was celebrating withchampagne,cakeandpaella.Looking back on her life a year prior, she toldPEOPLE, “I have survived the rigors of time, of marriage, of childbearing, of building a business from scratch. I have survived very nicely, and I think I make the most of it.”
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Martha Stewart Turns 80
Martha Stewart turns 80.Martha Stewart/Instagram
In August 2021, the domestic diva celebrated the milestone birthday of turning 80 years old, telling fans she was celebrating withchampagne,cakeandpaella.
Looking back on her life a year prior, she toldPEOPLE, “I have survived the rigors of time, of marriage, of childbearing, of building a business from scratch. I have survived very nicely, and I think I make the most of it.”
24of 24Martha Stewart in the ‘Sports Illustrated’ Swimsuit IssueMartha Stewart in the ‘Sports Illustrated’ Swimsuit Issue.GettyStewart broke the Internet in 2023as one of four cover modelsfor the annualSports IllustratedSwimsuit Issue.“It should have been 30 years ago,” Stewart told PEOPLE at the time. “That would have been great. It was not a goal I set for myself, but once asked, I thought to myself, let’s do it!”
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Martha Stewart in the ‘Sports Illustrated’ Swimsuit Issue
Martha Stewart in the ‘Sports Illustrated’ Swimsuit Issue.Getty
Getty
Stewart broke the Internet in 2023as one of four cover modelsfor the annualSports IllustratedSwimsuit Issue.
“It should have been 30 years ago,” Stewart told PEOPLE at the time. “That would have been great. It was not a goal I set for myself, but once asked, I thought to myself, let’s do it!”
source: people.com
