Swimsuit

Where Are They Now? Christie Brinkley

Here’s what the 10-time SI Swimsuit model has been up to lately.

Cara O’Bleness

Christie Brinkley

Christie Brinkley. 

Around here, Christie Brinkley is an absolute legend. The supermodel has posed for the SI Swimsuit Issue on 10 different occasions, starting with her debut in 1975. 

Brinkley went on to land three consecutive covers with the magazine, beginning with her ’79 photo shoot in the Seychelles and ending with her ’81 feature in Florida. She was most recently featured in the 2017 SI Swimsuit Issue after a dazzling spread in Turks and Caicos—and as you may have heard, Brinkley is back for the 60th anniversary magazine, out in May. And outside of the SI Swimsuit Issue, Brinkley has been featured on more than 500 magazine covers worldwide to date.

With such an incredible history with the SI Swimsuit brand alone, you may be curious: what is Brinkley up to these days? Below, we answer all of your most burning questions.

Christie Brinkley birthday

The Michigan native rang in her milestone 70th birthday on Feb. 2, and Brinkley certainly celebrated in style: in a deep blue swimsuit while enjoying some time with her family in Turks and Caicos. In fact, the best-selling author shared several waterfront photos of herself on Instagram for the occasion.

Christie Brinkley

Christie Brinkley.

Christie Brinkley the entrepreneur

Outside of modeling, Brinkley has a sound business mind, and is the founder and creator of Brinkley Beauty. She launched her own wig and extension collection in 2013, and the following year, Brinkley debuted a skincare line on HSN. In 2016, she created her latest business endeavor, Bellissima, a sparkling Prosecco and wine brand that is fully organic and certified vegan. The brand’s latest offering, Bellissima Zero, is a line of zero sugar still wines that was co-developed by Brinkley. 

She’s also a published author: Brinkley released a book titled Timeless Beauty: Over 100 Tips, Secrets and Shortcuts to Looking Great in 2015. Her guide to health, beauty and wellness remained on the New York Times best-seller list for a total of 15 weeks.

Next up, Brinkley is set to launch a lifestyle fashion brand later this year.

Outside of her own entrepreneurial endeavors, Brinkley is a brand ambassador for companies including RYZE Superfoods. In the past, she has been known for her brand partnerships with the likes of Cover Girl, NYDJ and Gap.

Christie Brinkley the actress 

In addition to her work on the runway and within the pages of fashion magazines, Brinkley also served a stint as an actress. She is best known for her work in National Lampoon’s Vacation and Vegas Vacation, where she played “The Girl in the Ferrari” and “Woman in Ferrari,” respectively.

She has also been featured as an expert on the reality television series American Beauty Star alongside fellow SI Swimsuit star Ashley Graham, who served as the program’s host. Additionally, Brinkley has been featured on the popular sitcom Parks and Recreation, and also appeared on NBC’s Mad About You.

Outside of her work on film and television, Brinkley made her Broadway debut in Chicago in 2010 and went on to reprise her role in the Tony Award-winning musical in ’18. 

Christie Brinkley relationships

Though Brinkley is currently unmarried, the model, actress and entrepreneur was briefly married to Richard Taubman, and wed singer-songwriter Billy Joel in 1985 (the two split in 1994). Her first marriage was to François Allaux, whom Brinkley wed in 1973, but the couple went their separate ways in 1981.

Christie Brinkley and Billy Joel

Christie Brinkley and Billy Joel in 1987.

Christie Brinkley children

Brinkley is the proud mother to three children: Alexa Ray Joel, 38, Jack Brinkley Cook, 28, and Sailor Brinkley Cook, 25. She and her daughters posed for the 2017 SI Swimsuit Issue together when they were each photographed by Emmanuelle Hauguel in the tropics.  

“I find that they open up horizons for me all the time, and I love that about staying connected with my kids,” Brinkley told Us last year of motherhood. “I think it keeps me feeling invigorated and interested and excited about everything around me. So, there’s a real energy exchange there that’s just a beautiful thing.”

Jack Brinkley Cook, Alexa Ray Joel, Christie Brinkely and Sailor Brinkley Cook

Jack Brinkley Cook, Alexa Ray Joel, Christie Brinkely and Sailor Brinkley Cook.

Christie Brinkley Instagram

Brinkley regularly documents her journey as a woman, mother, entrepreneur and model on Instagram, where her bio aptly fits her sunny disposition: “Life is beautiful! Everyday is a gift to celebrate!🌝.” A passionate photographer, she often shares lifestyle photos, fun video snippets, family time and sneak peeks at current projects on the social media platform.

Christie Brinkley latest photos

While Brinkley shares up-to-date photos on Instagram, we also were fortunate enough to snap a few pics of the SI Swimsuit legend when she participated in a recent photo shoot with the brand at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla. Below is just one teaser from the occasion.

Camille Kostek, Christie Brinkley and Hunter McGrady

Camille Kostek, Christie Brinkley and Hunter McGrady.

Published
Cara O’Bleness
CARA O’BLENESS

Cara O’Bleness is a writer and editor on the Lifestyle and Trending News team for SI Swimsuit. Prior to joining SI Swimsuit in 2022, she worked as a writer and editor across a number of content verticals, including food, lifestyle, health and wellness, and small business and entrepreneurship. In her free time, O’Bleness loves reading, spending time with her family and making her way through Michigan’s many microbreweries. She is a graduate of Michigan State University’s School of Journalism.

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