Molly Sims
Molly Sims (born May 25, 1973) is an American model, actress, author, producer, and entrepreneur best known for her work in fashion modeling, television, and skincare.[1] Born in Murray, Kentucky, to Jim and Dottie Sims, she grew up partly in Mayfield and later moved to Murray for her father's work at his book company, Southeastern Book Company.[2] After graduating high school, Sims attended Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, intending to pursue a pre-law degree, but dropped out after two years in 1993 to focus on modeling following an invitation from NEXT Model Management.[3] Her modeling career took off in the 1990s, with high-profile appearances including multiple features in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in the early 2000s and campaigns for luxury brands like Jimmy Choo, Escada, Giorgio Armani, Michael Kors, and Victoria's Secret.[4] She also hosted MTV's House of Style from 2000 to 2002, boosting her visibility in the fashion world.[5] Sims transitioned into acting in the early 2000s, landing her breakthrough role as Delinda Deline, the sassy casino hostess, on the NBC comedy-drama series Las Vegas, which aired from 2003 to 2008 and earned her widespread recognition.[6] Her film credits include supporting roles in comedies like Starsky & Hutch (2004), The Benchwarmers (2006), Yes Man (2008), Fired Up! (2009), The Pink Panther 2 (2009), and The Wrong Missy (2020).[7] Beyond entertainment, Sims has authored the New York Times bestselling book The Everyday Supermodel (2015), which shares her beauty and wellness tips, and co-hosts the popular podcast Lipstick on the Rim, discussing lifestyle topics with industry peers.[8] In 2023, she founded the skincare brand YSE Beauty, which launched with a focus on simple, barrier-friendly products for busy women and expanded to Sephora in June 2025.[9][10] In her personal life, Sims married film producer Scott Stuber on September 24, 2011. The couple has three children: son Brooks Alan (born June 19, 2012), daughter Scarlett May (born March 26, 2015), and son Grey Douglas (born January 10, 2017). Her father, Jim Sims, passed away in September 2024.[11][12][13] Sims often shares insights on balancing her professional endeavors with motherhood through her social media and podcast, emphasizing wellness, family, and self-care.[14]Early life
Family and upbringing
Molly Sims was born on May 25, 1973, in Murray, Kentucky, to parents Jim Sims and Dottie Sims.[3] Her father, of English and Cherokee descent, co-founded and operated Southeastern Book Company, while her mother supported the family business.[15][16] Raised in a modest, middle-class household alongside her older brother Todd, Sims experienced a close-knit Southern family dynamic that emphasized perseverance and unconditional support.[17][18] Sims spent part of her early childhood in Mayfield before the family relocated to the small town of Murray to align with her father's professional commitments, fostering a grounded environment rooted in community and simplicity.[17] From an early age, Sims developed interests in athletics, participating in cheerleading, basketball, and tennis during her high school years, activities that built her physical confidence and teamwork skills.[19] The family's values centered on education as a pathway to opportunity and self-confidence as essential for overcoming challenges, with her parents instilling the belief that limitations were self-imposed rather than circumstantial.[17] A key anecdote illustrating this encouragement came from Sims' reflections on her upbringing: despite financial constraints—"We didn't have a pot to pee in," she recalled—her parents repeatedly affirmed that she could achieve any dream she pursued, a mindset that cultivated her resilience.[17] Her mother's lessons in unconditional love and her father's mantra to "never give up" provided the emotional foundation for navigating life's uncertainties, shaping Sims into a determined individual.[20]Education
Molly Sims attended Murray High School in Murray, Kentucky, where she was active in cheerleading, tennis, and basketball during her high school years.[4] She graduated from the school in 1991.[3] Following high school, Sims enrolled at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1991, where she studied political science as a pre-law student and joined the Delta Delta Delta sorority.[18] After two years, she dropped out in 1993 to pursue modeling opportunities in Europe and New York, a decision supported by her family.[3][21] During her time at Vanderbilt, Sims faced typical freshman challenges, including gaining the "freshman 10–15 pounds," which later influenced her approach to discipline in her career.[22] She has reflected that her university experience instilled a strong work ethic and fostered lasting social connections through her sorority, which she credits with shaping her resilience and problem-solving skills.[22][18]Career
Modeling
Molly Sims began her professional modeling career in 1993 after signing with Next Management, having recently moved from her hometown in Murray, Kentucky, to New York City to pursue opportunities in fashion. Soon after, she relocated to Paris, where she worked extensively in the European market and built her portfolio through various runway and print assignments.[18][23] A major breakthrough occurred in 2000 with her debut feature in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, photographed on location in Maui, Hawaii. She appeared in the edition six times through 2006, including securing the cover in 2001 during a shoot in Greece. These appearances significantly elevated her visibility in the industry and established her as a prominent swimsuit model.[24][25][26] During the early 2000s, Sims reached the height of her modeling success, featuring in high-profile advertising campaigns for luxury brands including Jimmy Choo starting in 1999, Escada, Giorgio Armani, Michael Kors, and Chanel. She also walked the runway for the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in 2001, further solidifying her status in lingerie and ready-to-wear fashion. Additionally, she landed covers for leading publications such as Elle and Vogue, showcasing her versatility across editorial and commercial work.[1][27][18] Sims' career trajectory contributed to broader conversations on body positivity, as she has publicly shared experiences of being deemed "too fat" and "too blonde" during the 1990s "heroin chic" era, highlighting the pressures of maintaining an unnaturally thin figure and advocating for more inclusive standards in modeling.[28][29] In 2024, Sims returned for the 60th anniversary issue, marking her seventh appearance and featuring on a group cover.[30]Acting
Molly Sims began her on-camera career with television hosting, co-hosting MTV's House of Style from 2000 to 2002 alongside Daisy Fuentes, where she presented fashion segments and celebrity interviews across six episodes.[31] This role marked her initial foray into broadcast media, leveraging her modeling background to secure early opportunities in entertainment. Her breakthrough in scripted acting came with the recurring lead role of Delinda Deline in NBC's Las Vegas (2003–2008), portraying the sassy and resourceful cocktail waitress who is the daughter of casino owner Ed Deline; she appeared in all 106 episodes of the series.[32] The character, known for her glamorous yet tough persona in the high-stakes Las Vegas setting, showcased Sims' ability to blend allure with comedic timing, earning her widespread recognition in primetime television.[33] In film, Sims took on supporting roles that often highlighted her charisma and beauty, starting with a minor part as Bianca Solderini in The Hot Chick (2002), a body-swap comedy starring Rob Schneider. She followed with roles such as Sarah in the sports comedy The Benchwarmers (2006), alongside David Spade and Jon Heder; Diora, a cheerleader coach, in the teen comedy Fired Up! (2009); and Melissa Walker, the poised "right" Missy, in the Netflix comedy The Wrong Missy (2020), opposite David Spade; and the prenatal workshop teacher in the Netflix comedy Kinda Pregnant (2025).[34][35] Sims also made notable guest appearances on television, including as a fictionalized version of herself in Entourage (2007), where she interacted with the Hollywood ensemble; as Jennifer Casey in the medical drama Royal Pains (2011), appearing in the season 3 finale; and as Ellen in Two and a Half Men (2012), contributing to the sitcom's ensemble humor.[36] Transitioning from modeling to acting presented challenges for Sims, including typecasting in roles that emphasized her physical appearance over dramatic depth, though her prior fame facilitated initial auditions and she worked diligently to diversify her portfolio.[18] By 2025, she had amassed approximately 35 acting credits across television and film, reflecting a steady if selective output in comedic and supporting capacities.[37]Entrepreneurship and media ventures
In 2009, Sims launched Grayce by Molly Sims, a line of affordable costume jewelry inspired by Art Deco designs from the 1920s, featuring elements like woven metal mesh and rhinestone charms.[38] The collection debuted exclusively on the Home Shopping Network (HSN) in November of that year before expanding to retailers such as Henri Bendel and Scoop NYC in 2010.[39][40] The line emphasized versatile, layerable pieces suitable for everyday wear, drawing on Sims' personal style to blend vintage aesthetics with modern accessibility.[41] Sims established her personal website, mollysims.com, in late 2011 as a platform for sharing lifestyle advice, with a focus on beauty tutorials, fashion tips, healthy recipes, and parenting insights.[42] The site evolved over the years, receiving a significant redesign in 2020 to emphasize "beauty without noise," offering practical, no-fuss recommendations for busy women.[43] In 2021, she founded Something Happy Productions, her multimedia production company dedicated to creating entertaining, mold-breaking content in scripted and unscripted formats, including digital series and wellness-focused projects that align with the site's beauty and lifestyle themes, such as the Netflix comedy Kinda Pregnant (2025), which she also starred in.[44][45] That same year, Sims co-launched the podcast Lipstick on the Rim alongside her best friend Emese Gormley, positioning it as a candid weekly conversation on beauty, wellness, and women's empowerment topics like self-worth, gut health, and aging gracefully.[46] Notable episodes include discussions with functional medicine expert Dr. Will Cole on holistic health and influencer Tinx on body positivity, which have resonated with audiences seeking relatable advice over cocktails.[47] By 2024, the podcast joined Sony Music Entertainment's premium slate, earning a 4.3-star rating from over 900 reviews and cultivating an estimated monthly listenership in the hundreds of thousands, fostering a community for women navigating modern life challenges.[46][48] Sims has leveraged her modeling background for brand credibility in digital media, amassing over 1 million Instagram followers on @mollybsims by 2025, where she shares authentic beauty routines and lifestyle content to engage her audience.[49] Her social media presence has facilitated partnerships, including endorsements for skincare essentials like Neutrogena makeup remover wipes, which she incorporates into her on-the-go routines.[50] In 2023, Sims founded YSE Beauty, a streamlined skincare brand targeting women over 35 dealing with concerns such as hyperpigmentation, photo-aging, acne scars, and barrier repair through simple, multi-tasking formulas.[51][52] Key offerings include the vitamin C-infused serum and rich moisturizer designed for brightness and texture improvement without overwhelming routines.[53] The direct-to-consumer line experienced rapid growth, with customer acquisition doubling year-over-year by 2025, leading to a major expansion into Sephora both online and in 361 stores nationwide starting June 2025.[54][10]Personal life
Marriage and family
Molly Sims met film producer Scott Stuber at a Golden Globes afterparty in the late 2000s.[4] The couple began dating shortly thereafter and became engaged on the weekend of May 20, 2011, when Stuber surprised Sims by flying in her parents to Los Angeles for the occasion.[55] They married on September 24, 2011, in an intimate ceremony at a vineyard in Napa Valley, California, attended by about 150 guests including close friends from the entertainment industry.[56][57] Sims and Stuber welcomed their first child, son Brooks Alan Stuber, on June 19, 2012.[58] Their daughter, Scarlett May Stuber, was born on March 25, 2015.[59] The couple's third child, son Grey Douglas Stuber, arrived on January 10, 2017, via natural birth after early labor (a C-section had been planned for the following day).[60][61] The family resides primarily in Los Angeles, where Sims balances her modeling, acting, and entrepreneurial pursuits with parenting her three children.[62] She frequently shares glimpses of motherhood—such as family outings, holiday celebrations, and daily challenges—through Instagram posts and interviews, emphasizing relatable aspects like quarantine routines and screen time management.[63][64] Stuber, former chairman of Netflix Film (2017–2024) and current head of United Artists at Amazon MGM Studios, provides strong support in their partnership, allowing Sims autonomy in her career while their shared professional circles in Hollywood influence family travel and lifestyle, including vacations to places like Costa Rica and the Hamptons.[11][65][66] The couple also prioritizes family involvement in philanthropy, such as supporting causes like Baby2Baby to aid children in need.[67]Philanthropy
Molly Sims has been a global ambassador for Population Services International's (PSI) Five & Alive program since the mid-2000s, focusing on addressing health crises affecting children under five in developing regions, including HIV/AIDS prevention efforts in Africa.[68][69] She has partnered with Operation Smile as an ambassador, supporting cleft palate surgeries for children worldwide; in 2007, she participated in a medical mission to Lima, Peru, to provide direct aid and later co-hosted fundraising galas like The Smile Collection in New York to raise awareness and funds for the organization's work.[70][71] In support of ovarian cancer research, Sims appeared on a 1999 special edition of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, winning $125,000 which she donated to the cause, motivated by her family's health experiences; she has since co-hosted multiple Super Saturday fundraising events for the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance, including the inaugural Los Angeles edition in 2014 and subsequent years, helping raise millions for research and awareness.[72][73][74] Sims serves as an Angel for Baby2Baby, volunteering at events and hosting initiatives like the 2025 collaboration with Shaklee to provide essentials to families affected by Los Angeles wildfires, while also supporting women's empowerment through related community efforts.[75][76] Alongside her husband Scott Stuber, she has been recognized by Jhpiego since 2021 with the Elyse Bila Ouedraogo Award for their philanthropy advancing global women's and children's health, including advocacy for safer childbirth practices; in 2025, they continued supporting Jhpiego's maternal health programs during events like the Hamptons gala.[77][78][79] Through her skincare brand YSE Beauty, Sims has directed proceeds to women's health causes, such as matching donations up to $50,000 for Baby2Baby's wildfire relief in early 2025, emphasizing support for affected families including women's wellness needs.[80]Works
Filmography
Molly Sims began her acting career with supporting roles in films while transitioning from modeling. Her television work includes hosting and a prominent lead role in a long-running series.Films
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Frank McKlusky, C.I. | Injured Girl | Supporting role |
| 2004 | Starsky & Hutch | Mrs. Feldman | Supporting role[81] |
| 2006 | The Benchwarmers | Liz | Supporting role[82] |
| 2008 | Yes Man | Stephanie | Supporting role |
| 2009 | The Pink Panther 2 | Marguerite | Supporting role |
| 2009 | Fired Up! | Diora | Supporting role |
| 2010 | Venus & Vegas | Angie | Lead role |
| 2012 | Chez Upshaw | Claire Bird | Supporting role in short film |
| 2020 | The Wrong Missy | Melissa | Supporting role as the "right Missy" |
| 2021 | Yes Day | Hiring Executive | Cameo appearance |
| 2025 | Kinda Pregnant | Prenatal Workshop Teacher | Supporting role |
Television
| Year(s) | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000–2002 | House of Style | Host | Hosting duties, 20 episodes |
| 2002 | Andy Richter Controls the Universe | Stacy | Guest role, 1 episode |
| 2003 | The Twilight Zone (2002) | Liz | Guest role, 1 episode ("Eye of the Beholder") |
| 2003–2008 | Las Vegas | Delinda Deline | Main cast, 106 episodes; daughter of the casino owner, significant recurring character throughout the series[32] |
| 2005 | The L Word | Julie | Guest role, 1 episode |
| 2006 | Crossing Jordan | Molly Carter | Guest role, 1 episode |
| 2007 | Rules of Engagement | Tammy | Guest role, 1 episode |
| 2009 | Women's Murder Club | Natalie | Guest role, 1 episode |
| 2010 | The Defenders | Sophia | Guest role, 1 episode |
| 2011 | Royal Pains | Grace | Guest role, 1 episode |
| 2012 | Men at Work | Lisa | Guest role, 1 episode |
| 2013 | The Carrie Diaries | Claire | Guest role, 1 episode |
| 2015 | Barely Famous | Herself | Guest appearance, 1 episode |
| 2019 | The Rookie | Brenda | Guest role, 1 episode |