Christie Brinkley is the stage name of Christine Lee Hudson, an American model, actress, and businesswoman. She gained notoriety by serving as the face of the American cosmetics brand “CoverGirl” for 25 years. She is the longest-tenured spokesperson for any cosmetic company and the first model to appear on three back-to-back covers of “Sports Illustrated Swimsuit.” She appeared as the cover girl for “Sports Illustrated” from the late 1970s through the early 1980s. In her thirty-year career, Brinkley has also made appearances in a number of films and television shows. She is known for her work in the television series “Parks and Recreation,” “Mad About You,” “Vegas Vacation,” and “Jack and Jill.” In addition, Brinkley has launched her own network of ventures in the areas of real estate, eyewear, hair extensions, and cosmetics. She has modeled for practically all major brands and appeared on more than 500 magazine covers. Brinkley is a passionate advocate for human and animal rights and has been dubbed one of the most beautiful ladies of all time by various well-known publications.
Career of Christie Brinkley
Christie Brinkley caught the eye of American photographer Errol Sawyer in a post office while she was in Paris studying art. Her first photographer, Sawyer, created her portfolio and connected her with John Casablancas, the man behind Elite Model Management. From this point on, Brinkley’s circumstances dramatically changed. In addition to meeting Mike Reinhardt and Patrick Demarchelier, two well-known fashion photographers, she was also introduced to Eileen Ford, the co-founder of Ford Models. In California, Brinkley met with Eileen Ford’s colleague Nina Blanchard and secured three national ad projects.
Brinkley established herself as a model by frequently appearing on the cover of the women’s magazine “Glamour.” The American cosmetics company “CoverGirl” gave her a startling 25-year modeling deal. She was once more signed to advertise their aging skin care products when this contract expired.
Brinkley made history by becoming the first female model to appear three years in a row on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. For the magazine in 1979, 1980, and 1981, she posed. Later, she made appearances in their “50th Anniversary The Legends” and “40th Anniversary Issue’s Hall of Fame” specials. She has also modeled for prestigious publications such as US, Rolling Stone, Vogue, and Harper’s Bazaar, as well as for well-known companies including MasterCard, Diet Coke, Anheuser-Busch, Nissan, Revlon, Yardley of London, and Black Velvet.
After becoming well-known as a model, Brinkley made the transition into show business. She played “The Girl in the red Ferrari” in “National Lampoon’s Vacation” and later in the follow-up, “Vegas Vacation.” She played “Roxie Hart” in the popular musical “Chicago,” and she later played the same part on Broadway. She made guest appearances on the “Today Show,” “Jack and Jill,” “Mad About You,” “Celebrity Weddings InStyle,” and “Parks and Recreation.”
Through her umbrella company CB Inc., Brinkley manages a network of companies. She also runs enterprises in real estate, sparkling wine, eyeglasses, and hair extensions. Over $250 million worth of industry has been created by her.
Individual Life of Christie Brinkley
Herbert Hudson and Marjorie gave birth to Christie Brinkley on February 2, 1954, in Monroe, Michigan. She and her brother Greg Brinkley were adopted by her mother’s second husband, television writer Don Brinkley. She attended Paul Revere Junior High before enrolling at the Los Angeles Lycée Français. She then traveled to Paris to pursue her interest in painting.
In her lifetime, Brinkley has been married four times. Her first union began in 1973 with Jean-François Allaux and ended in divorce in 1981. Later, in 1985, she wed musician Billy Joel. She was a guest on his broadcasts as well. Alexa Ray Joel is the couple’s daughter. Later in 1994, they filed for divorce, ending their union.
In 1994, Christie Brinkley wed Richard Taubman; a year later, they got divorced. One son, Jack Paris Brinkley, was born to them. In September 1996, she wed the architect Peter Halsey Cook. Daughter Sailor Brinkley-Cook is born to them. In 2008, Brinkley and Cook filed for divorce, ending their twelve-year union.