Was physically abused by her alcoholic husband, who was unable to cope with his wife's fame leaving him in the shadows. Yet despite the abuse, she remained with him until her death.
Co-founder with her husband Bruce Cooper of modeling agency Wilhelmina Models.
Appeared on 255 magazine covers, including a record 27 American Vogue covers.
Grossed an estimated US$5 million modeling in 1977, and another US$11 million the following year.
At the time of her passing, Wilhelmina's estate totaled $830,000. Despite her wishes, her husband was eventually able to keep most of it from his children.
A month before she died, Cooper changed her will to give two thirds of her shares in Wilhelmina Models to her children, Jason and Melissa, thereby preventing the company falling into the control of her husband.
Mother of Melissa Wilhelmina Cooper, born in 1965 or 1966. Also mother of Jason Cooper, born 1974.