Originally born Eleanor Gow in Sydney, Australia, she became an international star through the Sports Illustrated magazine and even appeared on the cover of a swimsuit issue.
By 1986, her popularity has increased sufficiently for Time Magazine to run a cover entitled The Big Elle. The Australian government simultaneouly offered her a post on the tourist commission as an unofficial ambassador.
Macpherson made her movie dubut in the 1994 movie Sirens, which also starred Hugh Grant. She went on to film Jane Eyre with William Hurt and then has also appeared alongside Ben Stiller and Sarah Jessica Parker in If Lucy Fell.
Elle is a partner in the Fashion Cafe and owner of a successful lingerie company in Australia. She uses her fame to assist many charities, including those of AIDS and homelessness.