Christie Lee Brinkley (née Hudson; born February 2, 1954) is an American model. She appeared on three consecutive Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue covers (1979–1981) and was the face of CoverGirl for 25 years. Brinkley has graced over 500 magazine covers and signed major brand contracts.
She has also worked as an actress, illustrator, TV personality, photographer, writer, designer, and activist. She was married to Billy Joel (1985–1994) and later to Peter Cook, divorcing in 2008. Allure and Men’s Health named her among history’s most attractive women.
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Christie Brinkley Net Worth
Christie Brinkley has a net worth of $100 million, largely from real estate investments. She owns prime Hamptons properties worth $60 million. In the mid-1990s, she bought a 21-acre Hamptons estate for $2.7 million, later selling it for $15 million in June 2019.
Her current home, Tower Hill, is a 20-acre estate from 1891, featuring a main house, guest house, greenhouse, and a 50-foot observation tower. Valued at $40 million, she gave Caleb Simpson a tour of the estate in October 2023.
Early life
Christie Lee Brinkley was born Christie Lee Hudson in Monroe, Michigan, on February 2, 1954, to Marjorie (née Bowling) and Herbert Hudson. Her family moved to Canoga Park, Los Angeles, where Marjorie married Donald Brinkley, a television writer who adopted Christie and her brother Greg Brinkley.
They lived in Malibu and Brentwood. Brinkley attended Paul Revere Junior High School and Le Lycée Français de Los Angeles (9th–12th grade). After graduating in 1972, she moved to Paris to study art.
Career
Christie Brinkley was discovered in 1973 by American photographer Errol Sawyer in a Paris post office. He took her first modeling photos and introduced her to John Casablancas of Elite Model Management.
Brinkley, a self-described “surfer girl from California,” met photographers Patrick Demarchelier and Mike Reinhardt, who informed Eileen Ford about her. She returned to California and met Nina Blanchard (Eileen Ford’s Los Angeles affiliate). By the end of their lunch meeting, Brinkley had secured three national ad campaigns.
Personal life
Christie Brinkley has a net worth of $100 million, largely from real estate investments. She owns prime Hamptons properties worth $60 million. In the mid-1990s, she bought a 21-acre Hamptons estate for $2.7 million, later selling it for $15 million in June 2019.
Her current home, Tower Hill, is a 20-acre estate from 1891, featuring a main house, guest house, greenhouse, and a 50-foot observation tower. Valued at $40 million, she gave Caleb Simpson a tour of the estate in October 2023.
Did Christie Brinkley Have Hip Surgery?
Christie Brinkley underwent hip replacement surgery to address pain from a past helicopter crash injury. This surgery took place years after the initial recommendation due to her apprehensions about the procedure.
Conclusion
Christie Brinkley’s journey in the world of modeling and business is a testament to her resilience, business savvy, and timeless beauty. She has built an impressive net worth and remains a significant figure in the fashion industry.
FAQs about Christie Brinkley
- What are some of Christie Brinkley’s iconic magazine covers?
- Brinkley has graced the covers of magazines like Sports Illustrated, Glamour, and Cosmopolitan.
- Has Christie Brinkley won any awards for her modeling?
- Information about any awards or recognitions received by Brinkley for her modeling career.
- What is Christie Brinkley’s involvement in real estate?
- Brinkley has invested in real estate, particularly in The Hamptons, where she owns multiple properties.
- How has Christie Brinkley expanded her business ventures?
- Besides modeling, Brinkley has launched her skincare line, a Prosecco brand, and a line of prescription glasses.
- What philanthropic work is Christie Brinkley involved in?
- Brinkley is known for her political involvement, philanthropy in animal rights, and significant donations to various Democratic groups and candidates.
