Christie Brinkley is an iconic American model, actress, and entrepreneur, best known for her three consecutive Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue covers from 1979 to 1981. With a modeling career spanning over five decades, she has appeared on more than 500 magazine covers and represented brands like CoverGirl, Chanel, and Max Factor.
Beyond modeling, Christie has acted in films like National Lampoon’s Vacation and starred on Broadway in Chicago. In 2024, she stunned audiences by appearing in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit at age 70, proving beauty has no age limit.
Christie Brinkley Wiki/Bio
| Full Name | Christie Lee Brinkley (née Hudson) |
| Date of Birth | February 2, 1954 |
| Age | 71 years (as of 2025) |
| Profession | Model, Actress, Entrepreneur |
| Known For | Sports Illustrated, CoverGirl, Bellissima Prosecco |
| Hometown | Monroe, Michigan |
| Current Residence | Hamptons, New York |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Le Lycée Français de Los Angeles; Art in Paris |
| Social Media | Instagram: @christiebrinkley |
Table of Contents
Physical Details
| Height | 5’9” (175 cm) |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
Early Life
Christie Brinkley was born in Monroe, Michigan to Marjorie and Herbert Hudson. After her parents divorced, her mother married TV writer Don Brinkley, who adopted Christie. She spent most of her childhood in Los Angeles, where she attended Le Lycée Français de Los Angeles.
At age 18, she moved to Paris to study art. It was there in 1973 that a photographer discovered her, which marked the beginning of her modeling career.
Family Details
| Relation | Name / Details |
| Biological Father | Herbert Hudson |
| Adoptive Father | Don Brinkley (TV writer) |
| Mother | Marjorie Hudson |
| Marital Status | Divorced (4 times) |
| Spouses | Jean-François Allaux (1973–1981), Billy Joel (1985–1994), Richard Taubman (1994–1995), Peter Cook (1996–2008) |
| Children | Alexa Ray Joel, Jack Paris Brinkley-Cook, Sailor Brinkley-Cook |
Christie is close to all her children, especially Sailor, who has followed in her footsteps by modeling for Sports Illustrated.
Career Highlights
Christie’s career began in Paris, where she was signed by Elite Model Management. She gained global recognition as the face of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit from 1979 to 1981 and became the first model to appear on three consecutive covers. This led to a groundbreaking 25-year contract with CoverGirl, one of the longest in history.
Her film debut came with National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983), and she reprised her role in Vegas Vacation (1997). She also appeared in Parks and Recreation in 2012 and played Roxie Hart in Broadway’s Chicago in 2011.
Off the runway, Christie launched Bellissima Prosecco and Christie Brinkley Authentic Skincare, turning her fame into successful business ventures. In 2024, she posed again for Sports Illustrated at age 70, gaining praise for her timeless appeal.
Career Milestones
| Milestone | Details |
| Breakthrough | Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover (1979) |
| Notable Work | CoverGirl, National Lampoon’s Vacation, Bellissima Prosecco |
| Broadway Role | Chicago as Roxie Hart (2011) |
| Recent Project | Sports Illustrated Swimsuit appearance (2024) |
Net Worth and Income
| Estimated Net Worth | $80 million (as of 2025) |
| Income Sources | Modeling, acting, Bellissima Prosecco, Skincare line, brand deals |
Christie Brinkley earns from a combination of modeling, film and TV appearances, and her entrepreneurial ventures. Her business brands have gained popularity in beauty and lifestyle markets.
Controversies
- Heartbreak Revelation (2025): In a candid Daily Mail interview, Christie spoke about a “devastating heartbreak” that deeply affected her, sparking speculation though she didn’t reveal details.
- Peter Cook Divorce (2008): Her divorce from architect Peter Cook made headlines due to allegations of infidelity and inappropriate behavior, widely covered by the media.
Christie Brinkley Recent Updates
2024
- SI Swimsuit Return: Featured in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit at age 70, applauded for embracing aging gracefully.
- Business Ventures: Continued promoting Bellissima Prosecco and her skincare brand, both showing strong growth.
2025
- Heartbreak Interview (July): Shared an emotional personal experience in a Daily Mail piece, gaining public sympathy and attention.
