Man Behind the Models Dies

The man who started one of the most recognizable modeling agencies in the world, Jerry Ford, died at the age of 83 on Sunday in Morristown, N.J.

In the 1940s modeling was seen as more of a hobby than a profession. But when Jerry Ford implemented some of his ideas he changed the face of modeling forever. He introduced a payment system for models where they would be paid for their work in advance and then later would recoup his fees from various clients.

He is also credited with creating the first contracts for models to represent specific brands exclusively. He negotiated the first such contract for Lauren Hutton to represent Revlon in 1974.

"Before Jerry came along, there were only robber barons who were out there running modeling schools," Carmen Dell'Orefice, who has modeled with the Ford agency for 60 years told the New York Times.

Ford also managed the early modeling careers of Jane Fonda, Candice Bergan, Brooke Shields, and Ali MacGraw. The legend who died of endocarditis, an inflammation of the heart, will be sorely missed.