Christie Brinkley

Christie Brinkley was born on February 2, 1954, in Monroe, Michigan, USA. She would go on to become a renowned model, actress, and entrepreneur, gaining fame in the late 1970s with her appearances on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issues and her work with major brands. Brinkley's career in modeling would span several decades, solidifying her as a prominent figure in beauty and fashion.

In 1979, Christie Brinkley became the cover model for the prestigious Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. This marked the first of three consecutive years (1979, 1980, and 1981) that Brinkley would appear on the cover, making her the first model to achieve such a feat. This exposure significantly boosted her modeling career and established her as one of the top models of the era.

On March 23, 1985, Christie Brinkley married rock musician Billy Joel. The couple became a high-profile pairing in the entertainment world, with their relationship famously inspiring Joel's music, including the song 'Uptown Girl'. Their marriage captured much media attention, but they would eventually divorce in 1994, though they remain friendly.

Christie Brinkley made her feature film debut with her role in 'National Lampoon’s Vacation' in 1983. She played The Girl in the Red Ferrari, a small yet memorable role that left a lasting impression on audiences. Though her screen time was limited, this appearance showcased her crossover appeal from modeling to acting, enhancing her public persona.

After nine years of marriage, Christie Brinkley and Billy Joel officially ended their relationship via divorce in 1994. The couple, who had been considered one of the celebrity power couples of the 1980s, shared a daughter, Alexa Ray Joel. Despite the divorce, Brinkley and Joel maintained a amicable relationship over the years.

In 1996, Christie Brinkley married architect Peter Cook. The marriage initially seemed like it would be a happy chapter in Brinkley's life, and the couple had a child together. However, the marriage would eventually end in divorce in 2008 following a publicized scandal involving Cook's infidelity, which led to a high-profile court battle.

In 2005, Christie Brinkley expanded her career by launching her own line of skincare products, Christie Brinkley Authentic Skincare. The brand focuses on anti-aging treatments and reflects Brinkley's own interest in maintaining a youthful, healthy appearance. Her skincare line was welcomed in the beauty industry with notable success and remains a key part of her business ventures.

Christie Brinkley's marriage to Peter Cook ended in a highly publicized divorce in 2008. The proceedings captured media attention due to Cook's infidelity and the couple's disputes over financial matters. The divorce trial culminated in Brinkley receiving full custody of their two children, Alexa Ray Joel and Jack Paris Brinkley Cook.

In 2017, Christie Brinkley returned to the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue at the age of 63, posing with her daughters Alexa Ray Joel and Sailor Brinkley-Cook. This marked a significant moment in her career, highlighting her enduring beauty and appeal, and breaking barriers for aging models in the fashion industry. Brinkley's return was celebrated as an empowering statement.

In 2019, Christie Brinkley was set to compete in the reality TV show 'Dancing with the Stars'. However, just before the show premiered, she suffered an injury during rehearsal which resulted in a broken arm, forcing her to withdraw. Her daughter, Sailor Brinkley-Cook, stepped in to take her place, continuing the Brinkley legacy on the show. The injury was a setback, but Brinkley handled the situation with grace.