She was born and raised in Philadelphia
She comes from a humble beginnings
She was a big fan of David Bowie
Her first photoshoot was at a nightclub
She had a unique look that disrupted the modeling industry
She rarely wore makeup, which made her stand out
She has been referred to as the world's first supermodel
She is said to be the original "heroin chic" model
Her 20/20 interview was the only time she was on TV
Angelina Jolie played her in a movie
There is a biography about her life
There is a memoir written about her
She was one of the first openly gay models
She met her first girlfriend in New York
A nude photoshoot was a pivotal moment in her career
She appeared in a music video
She modeled for luxury labels
She was known as a diva
She partied at Studio 54
The death of her mentor had a major impact on her life and career
She battled with drug addiction
She was arrested for driving under the influence
Her addiction caused her to have surgery
She was eventually blacklisted from modeling in the U.S.
Cindy Crawford rose to fame the year Gia died
She was in-and-out of rehab
She had a retail job in a mall, and worked in a nursing home
She died from complications from AIDS
Despite everything, she loved her life
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Gia Carangi's Secret Moments

Did you know she was one of the first openly gay models? Look back on more interesting facts about the late fashion figure on her birthday

BY Jenna Curcio Jan 29, 2020

Although Old Hollywood legends and royal princesses alike may have been revered for their enviable style and penchant for luxury, they also grappled with troubled upbringings and tumultuous relationships throughout their lifetimes. Delving past the curtain of glamorous celebrity, Secret Moments is a series humanizing the icons of yesterday.

Gia Carangi was a pioneer in the modeling world. The Philadelphia beauty was one of the very first supermodels, but she is mainly known for her troubled life and untimely tragic death at the age of 26. On what would have been her 60th birthday, CR looks beyond the editorial shoots and into the details of her hectic and short existence.