Christie Brinkley

Bio:
Christie Brinkley (born Christie Lee Hudson on February 2, 1954 in Monroe, Michigan) is an American model and actress. Christie’s family moved to Canoga Park in Los Angeles. Her mother met and married television writer Don Brinkley, who later adopted Christie and her brother. After Christie graduated from high school, she moved to Paris, France to study art. While overseas, photographer Errol Sawyer discovered Christie and took her first modeling pictures. After Christie was introduced to John Casablancas, her modeling career took off. She made multiple appearances on the cover of Glamour and signed a 25-year contract with CoverGirl. She also appeared in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue for three straight years. In addition to her legendary modeling career, Christie had an iconic role in 1983’s National Lampoon’s Vacation as “the girl in the red Ferrari.” She also made 182 performances of Roxy in a National Touring Company of Chicago. She would later revive her acting career in Parks and Recreation as Gayle Gergich.

Best Known For:
Christie Brinkley is best known as a supermodel.

Personal Life:
Christie is a supporter of the Democratic Party, a promoter of animal rights, and helped found a club for the equestrian sport of cutting. She is a fan of the New York Islanders hockey team. Christie married Jean-Francois Allaux in 1973, divorcing in 1981. In 1985, Christie was married to Billy Joel. They had one child together, Alexa Ray Joel. They divorced in 1994. That year, she married Richard Taubman and had one son, Jack Paris Taubman, before they divorced in 1995. In 1996, she wed Peter Halsey Cook. They welcomed one child, Sailor Brinkley Cook, before they divorced in 2008. In 2015, Christie reportedly began seeing John Mellencamp.