Liya Kebede is 48 years old as of October 2026. She was born on 1 March 1978.
Ethiopian supermodel who became Estée Lauder's first Black face and founded the fashion brand Lemlem
Did you know?Her brand Lemlem works with traditional weavers in Ethiopia.
Quick facts
Date of birth1 March 1978
Age48
NationalityEthiopian
BirthplaceAddis Ababa, Ethiopia
Editor's Take:
Liya Kebede was discovered by a film director at her school in Addis Ababa. She moved to Paris and then New York to model. She quickly became a top runway star. A major beauty contract made fashion history. She has used her fame to campaign for mothers' health. Her clothing brand supports African artisans. She has also acted in films. Her work for charity has focused on reducing deaths in childbirth.
Key Milestones
2003: Signs with Estée Lauder
2007: Founds Lemlem
2009: Stars in Desert Flower
Liya Kebede (Amharic: ሊያ ከበደ; born 1 March 1978) is an Ethiopian-born model, maternal health advocate, clothing designer, and actress. She has appeared on the cover of Vogue 20 times.
Liya Kebede's birthday is March 1. She was born on March 1, 1978 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
How old is Liya Kebede?
Liya Kebede is 48 years old, and turns 49 on her next birthday, March 1.
Who shares a birthday with Liya Kebede?
Famous people who share Liya Kebede's March 1 birthday include Justin Bieber, Yitzhak Rabin, Ryūnosuke Akutagawa, Dalia Grybauskaitė and Javier Bardem.
