Born Nicole Austin on March 17, 1979, known famously as Coco, she is a multi-talented personality. Her repertoire includes being a television personality, fitness model, actress, author, fashion designer, and internet sensation. With Serbian ancestry, Coco was born in Tarzana, California, and raised in Palos Verdes. Her nickname came from her sibling’s mispronunciation of “Nicole”. After her family moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, Coco embraced a tomboy lifestyle, finding joy in outdoor activities.
Her entrance into the entertainment industry came in 1994, at 14 when she earned a scholarship to Beverly Hills Studios. By 18, she had ventured into fitness and body modeling, participating in swimsuit competitions and creating content for calendars, catalogs, and videos. In 1999, Coco’s career escalated after meeting Hugh Hefner at a New Year’s Eve party, leading to opportunities with Playboy and appearances in films like “Southwest Babes”. Her personal life took a significant turn in 2001 when she met and married rapper/actor Ice T.
Coco’s career evolved as she expanded into various roles over the years. She paused her modeling career to support her husband’s career, during which time she also explored website design and became an internet sensation with her site “Coco’s World”. Her other accomplishments include launching a self-titled magazine in 2007, and making guest appearances on NBC’s “Law & Order Special Victims Unit”. By 2008, she had also been featured in Playboy magazine and appeared on several television shows.
In addition to her television appearances, Coco launched her clothing line “Licious” in 2009, which is designed for women with curves. In 2011, she released her novel “Angel” and earned an Urban Magazine Award for the best body of the year. Her reality TV show “Ice Loves Coco” and stage role in Las Vegas revue “Peepshow” further propelled her popularity. Coco continues to be a model of modern femininity, balancing professional success with traditional family values.
