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Christie Brinkley

Christie Brinkley is an American model, actress, and entrepreneur known for her long-running work in fashion and beauty advertising.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Christie Brinkley is an American model, actress, and entrepreneur known for her long-running work in fashion and beauty advertising. She became especially prominent in the 1970s and 1980s through numerous magazine covers and a long association with CoverGirl, and she later expanded into acting and business.

Early life

Christie Brinkley was born Christie Lee Hudson on February 2, 1954, in Monroe, Michigan, and later became known by her married surname Brinkley. Some biographies note that she grew up in California.

Modeling career

Brinkley rose to prominence as a supermodel, appearing on hundreds of magazine covers and becoming especially associated with Sports Illustrated swimsuit editions. She also had a long-running relationship with CoverGirl, often cited as one of the most enduring contracts in modeling.

Acting and media work

Brinkley appeared in film and television roles, including National Lampoon's Vacation and its sequel Vegas Vacation, and later Jack and Jill. She also took on other media and public-facing work beyond modelling.

Personal life

Brinkley has been married multiple times, including to musician Billy Joel from 1985 to 1994. She has children and has remained a public figure through both professional and personal visibility.

Key facts

  • Brinkley is an American model and actress who gained fame as a celebrity model in the 1970s and 1980s.
  • She appeared on hundreds of magazine covers and was strongly associated with the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
  • She held a long-running CoverGirl contract, described as one of the longest in modeling history.
  • She was married to singer Billy Joel from 1985 to 1994.

Frequently asked questions

What is Christie Brinkley best known for?
She is best known as an American supermodel associated with Sports Illustrated swimsuit covers and a long-running CoverGirl campaign.
When was Christie Brinkley born?
She was born on February 2, 1954.
Where was Christie Brinkley born?
She was born in Monroe, Michigan, U.S.
What is Christie Brinkley’s birth name?
Her birth name was Christie Lee Hudson.
Has Christie Brinkley acted in films?
Yes. Her film credits include National Lampoon's Vacation, Vegas Vacation, and Jack and Jill.
Was Christie Brinkley married to Billy Joel?
Yes. Brinkley was married to Billy Joel from 1985 to 1994.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Christie-Brinkley
    Supports: Birth date and place, model and actress identity, prominence through magazine covers and Sports Illustrated, marriage to Billy Joel.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christie_Brinkley
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, American model identity, CoverGirl and magazine cover claims.
  3. Infoplease — https://www.infoplease.com/biographies/art-entertainment/christie-brinkley
    Supports: CoverGirl contract, Sports Illustrated covers, marriage to Billy Joel, and film appearances.
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001973/
    Supports: Acting credits, birth name, birth date, and spouse information.
  5. TV Insider — https://www.tvinsider.com/people/christie-brinkley/
    Supports: Model, actress, entrepreneur description, long CoverGirl contract, and broader career summary.