What Happened to Christie Lee Brinkley?

Christie Brinkley's journey from a small-town girl to a global supermodel began in the 1970s, catapulting her to international fame with an unprecedented three consecutive Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue covers from 1979 to 1981. Her wholesome looks and athletic physique quickly made her a household name, further solidified by a remarkable 25-year contract as the face of CoverGirl, one of the longest in the cosmetics industry's history. Beyond modeling, Brinkley diversified her career into acting, appearing in films like "National Lampoon's Vacation" and making her Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in "Chicago" in 2011.

In recent decades, Brinkley has strategically built a robust entrepreneurial empire. Her ventures include Bellissima Prosecco, a line of organic, vegan wines, and a partnership with SBLA Beauty, a skincare company, which she joined in 2021 as an owner and ambassador. In December 2023, she formed a joint venture with Xcel Brands to launch her lifestyle and apparel brand, TWRHLL, inspired by her Bridgehampton home, with its initial launch in spring 2024 and further promotion in May 2026. This expansion highlights her business acumen and desire to connect with consumers through fashion and lifestyle products that promote inclusivity and body positivity.

A significant turning point in her public narrative came with the release of her memoir, "Uptown Girl," in April 2025. The book offered a candid and heartfelt look at her triumphs and challenges, drawing from over 50 years of personal journals. This period also saw her embrace a more open dialogue about aging, famously declaring in July 2024 that "70 is the new 40" and encouraging others to embrace their age with new challenges and dreams.

As of August 2026, Christie Brinkley, at 72, continues to defy conventional expectations. She celebrated her 72nd birthday in February 2026, maintaining a youthful appearance and a "carefree" outlook on life, as she shared in a July 2026 interview with Society Allure. Her commitment to health is evident in her adoption of a vegan diet for the past two years, moving beyond her lifelong vegetarianism, and promoting an "organic garden rainbow diet" on social media in August 2026. Philanthropically, she remains a dedicated advocate for animal rights, environmental conservation, and organizations like Smile Train and City Harvest, attending the latter's gala in April 2026.

Her career saw a notable "full-circle" moment in May 2026 when she announced her return to Ford Models, the agency where she began over 50 years prior, now alongside her daughter Sailor Brinkley Cook. This move underscores her enduring legacy in the modeling world and her close bond with her children, who also inspire her perspective on body positivity. Furthermore, she is starring in the family comedy "American Summer" with Steve Guttenberg, which secured a release in July 2026. Brinkley remains a single woman, focusing on her independence, family, and diverse professional and philanthropic projects.