Tatjana Patitz, best known for starring in George Michael’s music video Freedom, has died at the age of 56. The news was confirmed by his agents on Wednesday, but the cause of death was not disclosed.
The star was one of the most important supermodels of the 1980s and 1990s. She appeared in George Michael’s music video alongside other celebrities such as Cindy Crawford and Christy Turlington.
After the announcement, fashion icons and stars alike mourned Tatjana Patitz. One of them was Vogue editor Anna Wintour.
“Tatjana has always been the European epitome of chic, like Romy SchneidermeetsMonica Vitti. She was far less visible than her peers — more mysterious, more mature, more unattainable — and that had its own appeal,” the editor wrote in a post made in the morning.
Tatjana Patitz has graced the covers of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and Marie Claire. As a model, she worked for Chanel and Versace. In addition to George Michael’s Freedom, the star also appeared in the music video for Duran Duran’s Skin Trade.
The model is survived by a son, Jonah, from her marriage to Jason Johnson.