Photos: Behind Christie Brinkley's 1,000-watt smile

Christie Brinkley remains one of the greatest supermodels of all time. With her gigantic smile, she appeared on 500 magazine covers and carved out a singular career based on joy. This is her story...

The stunning supermodel was born Christie Lee Hudson in 1954 in Monroe, Michigan. But her mom later met TV writer Don Brinkley, who adopted her and moved the family out to LA. She described herself as a typical California surfer girl.

After graduating from Brinkley moved to Paris to study art in the early 70s. A fluent French speaker, in 1973, she married the French artist Jean-François Allaux. The marriage ended in 1981 with no children.

In 1973, an encounter with American photographer Errol Sawyer at a post office in Paris changed her life. Sawyer took her first modeling photos and introduced her to the world of fashion, and she soon signed on to model for Elite Model Management.

Brinkley's career truly took off when she secured a contract with cosmetics brand CoverGirl. The contract, lasting twenty-five years, is one of the longest in the history of the modeling industry. In 2005, the makeup brand signed another deal with her too.

Christie Brinkley achieved iconic status in the modeling world when she appeared on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue for three consecutive years from 1979 to 1981. The first model to do so, she solidified her place as one of the world's top models.

Image: christiebrinkley/Instagram

In 1982, Brinkley had a relationship with French racing driver Olivier Chandon de Brailles, the heir to the Moët-Chandon Champagne fortune, after they met at Studio 54. Tragically, Olivier died in a car crash in 1983.

Brinkley transitioned from modeling to acting, making her film debut in 1983's ‘National Lampoon's Vacation' as a beauty in a Ferrari. While she never transitioned to Hollywood full-time, she continued to make appearances in films and TV shows over the years, often playing herself.

Image: National Lampoon's Vacation, Warner Bros.

Brinkley's four marriages are well-documented, but it was her marriage to singer-songwriter Billy Joel that is most remembered. The pair were married in 1985 on a yacht on the Hudson River. In 1983, she starred in Joel's 'Uptown Girl' music video. Joel said the song was originally written about his relationship with model Elle Macpherson but ended up being about Brinkley.

Image: Billy Joel, 'Uptown Girl' / Youtube

Brinkley created the cover art for Billy Joel’s 1993 album ‘River of Dreams.’ Rolling Stone magazine voted her surreal art the 'Best Album Cover of the Year.'

Image: Cover art, 'River of Dreams' by Billy Joel, Colombia

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After having one child together — Alexa Ray Joel — Brinkley and her hubby split in 1994, though they reportedly remain close friends.

While Brinkley was still married to Billy Joel, the real estate developer Richard Taubman had fallen in love with the model and proposed to her in 1994. After her divorce, she soon married Taubman… And then, at the wedding, they announced they were expecting a baby boy (Jack).

In 1994, Christie survived a terrifying helicopter crash while she was on a heli-ski trip in Colorado. The helicopter rolled down the mountain and she eventually fell out of the helicopter’s door. As a result, she suffered from years of hip pain and eventually got a hip replacement in 2021.

Image: christiebrinkley / Instagram

Brinkley’s marriage to Taubman lasted just one year. In 1996, her fourth and (presumably) final marriage was to the architect Peter Halsey Cook. They had one girl – Sailor Lee Brinkley Cook— and separated in 2008.

As an editorial model, Brinkley has appeared on more than 500 magazine covers across her career.

Image: christiebrinkley / Instagram

In 2011, Brinkley showcased her theatrical talents when she made her Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in the musical 'Chicago.' Her performance was widely praised and led to her reprising the role in London's West End.

Beyond modeling and acting, Brinkley has shown her entrepreneurial skills. She launched a successful skincare line, Christie Brinkley Authentic Skincare, a line of hair extensions, and a line of organic Prosecco, Bellissima.

In 2015, news emerged that she was dating the rockstar John Mellencamp. But in August 2016, the couple announced they were splitting up after a year of dating.

In 2017, at the age of 63, Brinkley returned to Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Issue, this time posing with her two daughters. This was a powerful statement on beauty and aging in the fashion industry.

In 2019, Brinkley was set to compete on 'Dancing With the Stars' but suffered a serious arm injury during rehearsals that required emergency surgery. Her daughter Sailor stepped in to take her place.

In 2019, her financial holdings were worth $80 million, according to Harper’s Bazaar, largely due to her real estate portfolio of properties, primarily in the Hamptons. On her Instagram, she says she loves interior design and shares snaps of her home(s).

Image: christiebrinkley / Instagram

Brinkley has donated nearly $1 million to Democratic politicians since 1998. She also advocates for anti-nuclear activities, campaigned against the restarting of the High Flux Beam Reactor on Long Island, is a vegetarian, and is a big supporter of animal rights through organizations like PETA.

Brinkley is a mother of three: Alexa Ray Joel, Jack Paris Brinkley Cook, and Sailor Lee Brinkley Cook. Alexa Ray is a singer, songwriter, and pianist (like her dad), but she has also dabbled in modeling. Sailor is a model.

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