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Modern classic -

In 1998, HBO released 'Gia,' a biographical film starring Angelina Jolie as the iconic model. The movie tells the story of Gia's rise in the modeling world and her struggle with addiction. Let’s take a closer look at her real-life journey.

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Early life -

Gia Marie Carangi was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on January 29, 1960. Her father, Joseph Carangi, was an Italian deli shop owner. Her mother, Kathleen Carangi, had Irish and Welsh ancestry.

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Family trauma -

Joseph and Kathleen had an unstable and violent marriage, which eventually caused Kathleen to leave the family when Gia was just eleven. This abandonment had a lasting impact on Gia, shaping her trauma coping mechanisms and contributing to the struggles she would face later in life.

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David Bowie's influence -

Gia deeply admired David Bowie, which significantly influenced her fashion choices and how she presented herself to the world. In high school, she connected with other students who were also huge Bowie fans.

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David Bowie's influence -

These "Bowie kids" were known for their unique style, which was heavily inspired by the rock star's androgynous and flamboyant look. Gia was drawn to Bowie not only for his fashion sense but also for his willingness to challenge traditional gender roles.

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Tomboy persona -

This boldness was evident in Gia's behavior. One of Carangi's friends later described her as having a "tomboyish" personality. They noted that Gia was very open about her attraction to women, much like the character Cay (center right) in the 1985 film 'Desert Hearts.'

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Building a reputation -

Gia was already well-known in Philadelphia for her striking beauty and rebellious spirit. She was often seen at LGBTQ+ nightclubs in the city. 

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Taking the leap -

At 17, she moved to New York City, hoping for a better life. While many young women dream of becoming models, Gia didn't have those aspirations. In her own words, "I didn't build into a model, I just sort of became one."

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Turning point -

Gia quickly caught the eye of Wilhelmina Cooper, a well-known modeling agent. Cooper was immediately impressed by Gia and signed her to Wilhelmina Models. This launched Gia's career to instant stardom.

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Good eye -

As a former model herself, Cooper recognized Gia's potential. Gia embodied the unique and striking look that the fashion industry was craving at the time. In this photo, Wilhelmina can be seen in the center back, wearing a light dress, alongside some of her agency's models.

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Standing out -

In a world of blonde, blue-eyed, and conventionally feminine models... 

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Standing out -

...enter Gia (in this photo, portrayed by Angelina Jolie). She was authentic, wore little to no makeup, and wasn't afraid to take risks. 

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Rapid ascent -

Gia's unique style and bold personality propelled her to the top of the modeling world. She graced the covers of major magazines and worked with renowned photographers, becoming a sought-after model in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

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"It" girl -

By the end of her first year in New York, in 1978, Carangi was already a highly successful model. Vogue described her rapid rise to fame as "meteoric." She quickly became a favorite among many renowned fashion photographers, including Francesco Scavullo (pictured), Von Wangenheim, Arthur Elgort, Richard Avedon, and Denis Piel.

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Cover girl -

Carangi graced the covers of numerous fashion magazines, including American Vogue, British Vogue, Vogue Paris, Vogue Italia, and multiple issues of Cosmopolitan between 1979 and 1982.

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Atomic success -

Gia, known in the industry by her first name, also appeared in major advertising campaigns for top fashion houses like Armani, André Laug, Christian Dior, Versace, and Yves Saint Laurent. She also starred in the iconic music video for Blondie's 1980 hit 'Atomic.'

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Love interest -

Gia met Sandy Linter, a renowned makeup artist, in the late 1970s during a photoshoot. Their professional relationship quickly evolved into a passionate and supportive personal connection. In this photo, Gia (bottom left) gazes intently at Linter.

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Partying hard -

Both Carangi and Linter were regulars at the legendary nightclub Studio 54, where drug use was rampant. It was reported that Gia was often seen heading to the bathroom to use cocaine.

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Intense yet troubled -

Despite their strong connection, Gia and Sandy's relationship faced challenges. Gia's battles with addiction and the intense pressures of the modeling industry took a toll on their bond. Pictured: Angelina Jolie as Gia and Elizabeth Mitchell as Linda, a fictionalized version of Sandy Linter.

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Support network -

By that time, Wilhelmina Cooper had become a mother figure to Gia, who had grown up without her own mother.

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Breaking point -

When Cooper passed away in 1980, Gia was devastated, and her drug use began to spiral out of control. Author Norman Mailer and his companion, Norris Church, are pictured arriving at the Riverside Chapel for Cooper's memorial service.

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Downhill -

In 1980, Gia's drug use became public when she was arrested for possession of heroin. This incident marked the beginning of her battle with addiction, which would ultimately overshadow her modeling career.

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Struggling with addiction -

As Gia's addiction worsened, her professional life began to unravel. She missed photo shoots and struggled to meet industry expectations, which caused a sharp decline in her modeling opportunities.

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Dark reality -

In a 2020 interview, Sandy Linter shared, "I was just as shocked as anyone that she became an addict." Linter continued, "She thought she was stronger than the drugs. One morning, as she was getting dressed to leave my apartment, she asked, 'What happened to my natural energy?' She didn’t even have the energy to get dressed at 20 years old. The drugs took everything from her."

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Attempted rehabilitation -

Recognizing the need for change, Gia sought rehabilitation for her heroin addiction. She entered several treatment centers, but her efforts were often unsuccessful, and she relapsed multiple times.

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Scavullo -

Gia's heroin abuse worsened to the point where track marks on her arms became visible in photos, and only Francesco Scavullo continued to hire her. After one of her final shoots for American Vogue, it's reported that, despite airbrushing, some photos in the November 1980 issue reportedly still showed visible needle marks.

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HIV diagnosis -

In 1985, Gia was diagnosed with HIV, a consequence of her intravenous drug use. At the time, HIV/AIDS was a largely misunderstood and stigmatized disease, adding to her personal struggles.

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Final years -

Gia's health deteriorated rapidly due to AIDS-related complications. She spent her final years in and out of hospitals, largely estranged from her family. She passed away on November 18, 1986, at the age of 26.

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A supermodel was born -

Gia’s legacy continues to resonate in the fashion industry. She was the first to be dubbed "supermodel," and her influence can still be seen today in the careers of modern icons.

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Fashion legend -

After Gia's rise, a new generation of supermodels emerged, including Cindy Crawford—who was called "Baby Gia" early in her career—Naomi Campbell, and Linda Evangelista. Despite their own successes, all of them recognized Gia’s pivotal role in shaping the definition of a supermodel.

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Carrying the legacy -

Angelina Jolie's portrayal of Gia earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television. Her performance was praised for its depth and authenticity.

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Jolie's take -

In an interview, Jolie reflected on portraying Gia, saying, "When she was free and just being herself, Gia was incredible. That’s the tragedy of her story. You think, 'God, she didn’t need drugs—she was a drug.'"

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Community icon -

Gia is often celebrated as the first openly queer supermodel, embodying a bold style that challenged traditional gender norms in the fashion industry. Her unapologetic expression of her sexuality and unique aesthetic paved the way for greater LGBTQ+ visibility in modeling.

Sources: (Dazed) (People) (Hollywood Reporter)

See also: The most iconic supermodels of all time

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