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Christy Turlington

Christy Turlington Burns is an American fashion model and maternal-health advocate who rose to international fame as one of the original supermodels of the late 1980s and early 1990s.

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

Christy Turlington Burns is an American fashion model and maternal-health advocate who rose to international fame as one of the original supermodels of the late 1980s and early 1990s. She is known for long-running campaigns with Calvin Klein and Maybelline, and for founding the nonprofit Every Mother Counts.

Early life and modelling career

Christy Turlington was born in Walnut Creek, California, in 1969 and began modelling as a teenager. She became one of the most recognisable faces of the original supermodel era, with major runway and print campaigns.

Major fashion campaigns

Turlington became closely associated with Calvin Klein, including the Eternity fragrance campaign, and served as a long-time face of Maybelline. She also modelled for numerous major fashion houses and appeared on hundreds of magazine covers.

Activism and philanthropy

After establishing her modelling career, Turlington became known for her advocacy on maternal health. In 2010, she founded Every Mother Counts, a nonprofit focused on making pregnancy and childbirth safer.

Personal life

Turlington married actor and filmmaker Edward Burns in 2003. They have two children.

Key facts

  • Became widely known in the late 1980s and early 1990s as a supermodel.
  • Appeared on more than 500 magazine covers during her career.
  • Was associated with major brands including Calvin Klein and Maybelline.
  • Founded Every Mother Counts in 2010 to support maternal health.
  • Has been married to actor Edward Burns since 2003.
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Canadian context

Christy Turlington has had broad North American influence as a fashion icon and maternal-health advocate, with her work and public profile reaching Canadian audiences through international media, fashion coverage, and nonprofit advocacy.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Christy Turlington?
She is an American fashion model, activist, and filmmaker best known as one of the original supermodels and as the founder of Every Mother Counts.
When was Christy Turlington born?
She was born on January 2, 1969.
What is Christy Turlington known for in fashion?
She is known for major campaigns with Calvin Klein and Maybelline and for appearing on more than 500 magazine covers.
What is Every Mother Counts?
Every Mother Counts is a nonprofit founded by Turlington in 2010 to support safer pregnancy and childbirth.
Who is Christy Turlington married to?
She has been married to actor Edward Burns since 2003.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannicahttps://www.britannica.com/biography/Christy-Turlington
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, nationality, modelling fame, and major brand associations.
  2. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christy_Turlington
    Supports: Original supermodel status, Calvin Klein Eternity campaign, Maybelline association, and general career overview.
  3. Vogue UKhttps://www.vogue.co.uk/article/christy-turlington-biography
    Supports: Modelling career, family background, and charitable work including Every Mother Counts.
  4. IMDbhttps://www.imdb.com/name/nm0877258/
    Supports: Filmmaking credits, marriage to Edward Burns, children, and founding of Every Mother Counts.
  5. New York Universityhttps://alumni.nyu.edu/alumni/nyuaa-awards/honoree/christy-turlington-burns.php
    Supports: Every Mother Counts leadership and maternal-health advocacy.