Christie Brinkley American supermodel, actress and author Date of Birth: 02.02.1954 Country: USA

Biography of Christie Brinkley

American supermodel, actress, and author, Christie Brinkley, set a real record as a young model in the mid-1980s by signing the longest contract in fashion history - a 20-year contract with cosmetic company 'CoverGirl'. Born in 1954 in Monroe, Michigan, Christie Brinkley, then known as Christie Lee Hudson, had a tumultuous childhood. Her parents, Herbert and Marjorie Hudson, divorced shortly after her birth. Her mother, Marjorie, moved to California where she remarried famous television host and writer Don Brinkley, and Christie soon took on his surname.

Christie Brinkley attended Le Lycée Français de Los Angeles, a private school, and in 1973, she went to Paris to study. It was in Paris that Christie had what is often referred to as a "Lucky Break." By chance, she caught the eye of American photographer Errol Sawyer at a post office, who convinced her to try a photoshoot. However, it cannot be entirely attributed to luck, as Christie was incredibly beautiful and vibrant. Soon after, the events unfolded at an astonishing pace, and the young model found herself holding contracts for three major national advertising campaigns. With her unique and original style, Brinkley quickly caught the attention of prestigious fashion agencies and houses. After appearing on the cover of 'Glamour' magazine, her career skyrocketed.

Setting another record in the mid-1980s, Christie signed the longest contract in the history of fashion, a 20-year contract with 'CoverGirl'. In 2005, 'CoverGirl' once again signed a contract with Brinkley, this time for advertisements in magazines and on TV for skincare products for mature skin. Christie's face soon became a household name in America, gracing the covers of 'Vogue', 'Glamour', 'Rolling Stones', 'Esquire', 'Sports Illustrated', and the iconic 'life' magazine, which set a sales record for the publication. In total, Brinkley appeared on the covers of over 500 magazines, including 'Harper's Bazaar', 'Cosmopolitan', 'US', 'Newsweek', and many others.

Naturally, Brinkley also delved into the film industry, making her debut in the 1983 comedy adventure film 'Vacation', where she played the Girl in the Red Ferrari. She also appeared in television series, portraying herself in 'Mad About You', 'E! True Hollywood Story', 'The View', and many others. She reprised her role as the beauty in the Ferrari in the final installment of the cult comedy series, 'Vegas Vacation', in 1997, now playing the Woman in the Ferrari.

In her personal life, Brinkley, undoubtedly of interest to millions, has been married four times. Her first husband was French artist Jean-François Allaux from 1973 to 1981. In 1983, Brinkley married renowned musician Billy Joel, and their marriage lasted until 1994. She then married Richard Taubman for a year before marrying architect Peter Halsey Cook in 1995. This marriage ended in divorce in 2008. Brinkley has three children from her various marriages - Alexa Ray Joel, Jack Paris Taubman, and Sailor Lee Brinkley Cook. Brinkley has claimed that she has always been lucky in her personal life and has always been happy.

Today, Brinkley successfully combines her acting and advertising career with photography and illustration. She is also involved in real estate business, which she has excelled in. In addition, Christie is a well-known animal rights and environmental advocate. She is involved in charity work and takes an interest in politics, supporting the Democratic Party.

In 1983, Christie published her book 'Christie Brinkley's Outdoor Beauty and Fitness Book', where she acted as both the author and illustrator. The book immediately became a New York Times bestseller.

Brinkley's clothing line, 'Simplicity Pattern', was launched, and she also collaborated in creating sunglasses for 'Nouveau Eyewear'. Additionally, she created her own fragrance and a series of jewelry.

Notably, Christie Brinkley became one of the three models to inspire the creation of the 'Barbie' doll.

In 1998, readers of 'Playboy' magazine named Christie Brinkley one of the '100 Sexiest Women of the 20th Century'. According to AskMen.com, Christie Brinkley ranks 3rd in the list of 'Top 10 Supermodels Of All Time'.

In general, Christie Brinkley meant more to America than just a supermodel; she was the epitome of beauty, athleticism, and youth. Today, her enduring career continues to celebrate beauty.