Picture-Perfect Case of Image Belying Reality

It is said that a picture tells a thousand words. However, in supermodel Gia Carangi’s case, a picture didn’t tell anything, as behind the glamorous cover photos lay pain, suffering and tragedy (“A Sleeping Beauty,” Jan. 29).

Her tragic, abbreviated life clearly shows that image and reality are often two different things. Undetected by the photographic lens were her drug abuse, sexual deviance, loneliness and bout with AIDS.

A fashion model’s life is not always what it’s cracked up to be, as there is another side we usually never see. As it turned out, Gia’s most formidable enemy was her success.

KENNETH L. ZIMMERMAN

Huntington Beach