Christie Brinkley, born February 2, 1954, is 71 years old in 2025 and boasts a net worth of $100 million. Renowned for her iconic modeling career, she appeared on three consecutive Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue covers (1979–1981) and held a 25-year CoverGirl contract. Beyond modeling, her ventures include acting, skincare, and prosecco brands. Married four times, including to Billy Joel, she has three children: Alexa Ray Joel, Jack Paris Brinkley-Cook, and Sailor Lee Brinkley-Cook. Currently single, Brinkley remains optimistic about dating and thrives in family life, balancing her career and philanthropy.
Early Life and Rise to Fame: Christie Brinkley’s Age and Beginnings
Born in Monroe, Michigan, Christie Brinkley, now 71, grew up in Los Angeles, California, after her family relocated. Adopted by her stepfather, television writer Donald Brinkley, she developed a passion for art, studying in Paris in the early 1970s. Discovered in 1973 by photographer Errol Sawyer, she signed with Elite Model Management, launching her into the modeling world. Her all-American charm led to her historic Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue covers, cementing her as a supermodel. Her age in 2025 reflects decades of resilience, as she continues to inspire with her vibrant energy and timeless beauty.
“I was a surfer girl from California, never imagining I’d become a model,” Brinkley shared in her 2025 memoir, Uptown Girl.
Net Worth and Salary: How Christie Brinkley Built Her $100 Million Empire
Christie Brinkley’s net worth in 2025 stands at an impressive $100 million, driven by her multifaceted career. Her salary from modeling, particularly her 25-year CoverGirl contract, was a cornerstone, with annual earnings estimated at $10 million in recent years. However, her wealth primarily stems from real estate investments, especially in the Hamptons, where her Tower Hill estate is valued at $50 million. Ventures like Bellissima Prosecco, Christie Brinkley Authentic Skincare, and Christie Brinkley Eyewear further boost her income. Unlike many models, her savvy investments set her apart, showcasing her entrepreneurial acumen.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth (2025) | $100 million |
| Primary Income Sources | Modeling, real estate, skincare, prosecco, eyewear |
| Annual Salary Estimate | $10 million |
| Key Investment | Tower Hill estate, Hamptons ($50 million) |
Career Highlights: Modeling, Acting, and Entrepreneurship
Brinkley’s career spans over five decades, beginning with her groundbreaking Sports Illustrated covers and CoverGirl deal. She graced over 500 magazine covers, including Vogue, Cosmopolitan, and Rolling Stone. Her acting credits include National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983) and TV roles in Parks and Recreation. In 2025, she stars in the upcoming comedy American Summer, proving her versatility at 71. Her entrepreneurial ventures, like Bellissima Prosecco, emphasize sustainability, aligning with her environmental activism. Her 2025 memoir, Uptown Girl, offers raw insights into her career and personal struggles, resonating with fans globally.
“My career taught me to pivot—whether it’s modeling or launching a prosecco brand, adaptability is key,” Brinkley told Social Life Magazine in 2025.
Marriage and Dating: Christie Brinkley’s Romantic Journey
Christie Brinkley’s marriages have been widely publicized. Her first marriage to Jean-François Allaux (1973–1981) was childless. She then married Billy Joel (1985–1994), sharing daughter Alexa Ray Joel. Her third marriage to Richard Taubman (1994–1995) produced son Jack Paris Brinkley-Cook, and her fourth to Peter Cook (1996–2008) resulted in daughter Sailor Lee Brinkley-Cook. The Cook divorce was tumultuous, marked by his affair with an 18-year-old, detailed in her memoir. In 2025, Brinkley, single but open to dating, remains hopeful about love, saying, “I’m content, but a new romance would be like champagne—bubbly and exciting” (The New York Times, 2025).
Notable Relationships
- Olivier Chandon de Brailles (1982–1983): Ended tragically with his death in a car crash.
- John Mellencamp (2015–2016): A brief but high-profile romance.
- Current Status: Single, optimistic about future dating prospects.
Family Life: A Proud Mother of Three
Family life is central to Brinkley’s world. Her children—Alexa Ray Joel (39), a musician; Jack Paris Brinkley-Cook (30), a private adventurer; and Sailor Lee Brinkley-Cook (27), a model—reflect her diverse influence. Alexa and Sailor have followed her into modeling, notably in a 2017 Sports Illustrated shoot. Brinkley cherishes their individuality, stating, “Each child shows me the world differently” (Parade, 2018). In 2025, she remains close with her children, often sharing family moments on Instagram (@christiebrinkley), where she has 840k followers.
| Biography Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Christie Lee Hudson Brinkley |
| Birth Date | February 2, 1954 |
| Age in 2025 | 71 years old |
| Birthplace | Monroe, Michigan, USA |
| Parents | Marjorie and Herbert Hudson; adopted by Donald Brinkley |
| Siblings | Brother, Gregory Donald Brinkley |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) |
| Children | Alexa Ray Joel, Jack Paris Brinkley-Cook, Sailor Lee Brinkley-Cook |
| Marriages | Jean-François Allaux (1973–1981), Billy Joel (1985–1994), Richard Taubman (1994–1995), Peter Cook (1996–2008) |
| Education | Le Lycée Français de Los Angeles; studied art in Paris |
| Notable Awards | 2001 USO Merit Award, 2003 Spirit of Achievement Award |
| Social Media | Instagram: @christiebrinkley (840k followers), Twitter: @seabrinkley (40k) |
| Current Residence | Tower Hill, Sag Harbor, Hamptons |
| Philanthropy | Supports PETA, Humane Society, Democratic causes |
Philanthropy and Advocacy: A Legacy Beyond Wealth
Brinkley’s commitment to philanthropy is profound. She has donated over $1 million to Democratic candidates like Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, and supports PETA and the Humane Society. Her 2025 initiatives include environmental campaigns, leveraging her Bellissima Prosecco brand’s eco-friendly ethos. Her USO Merit Award (2001) reflects her support for American troops, including goodwill missions to conflict zones. Her advocacy for aging positively, highlighted in 2025 media, inspires fans to embrace vitality at any age.
Unique Insights: Resilience and Reinvention at 71
Brinkley’s story is one of reinvention. After a 2021 hip replacement due to a 1994 helicopter crash, she returned to modeling with renewed vigor, proving age is no barrier. Her net worth reflects not just earnings but strategic choices, like flipping Hamptons properties for profit. Unlike peers who relied solely on modeling, her real estate foresight—purchasing Tower Hill for $2.7 million in the 1990s—set her apart. Her memoir reveals a woman who faced betrayal yet emerged stronger, offering a case study in resilience for aspiring entrepreneurs and models.
“At 71, I feel like 40. It’s about mindset and movement,” Brinkley told Social Life Magazine in 2025.
Conclusion: Christie Brinkley’s Enduring Legacy
Christie Brinkley remains a cultural icon in 2025, blending a storied career, $100 million net worth, and vibrant family life. Her marriages and dating history humanize her, while her salary and investments showcase her business savvy. From Sports Illustrated to Bellissima Prosecco, her journey inspires. Follow her on Instagram (@christiebrinkley) or explore her story on Wikipedia and The New York Times. At 71, Brinkley proves that age is just a number in a life of passion and purpose.
