Blonde Bombshell! Christie Brinkley’s Transformation From Her ‘Sports Illustrated’ Days to Now

1979

In 1979, Christie gained international popularity when she landed the cover of the Sports Illustrated’s annual swimsuit edition. Aside from appearing on an unprecedented three consecutive SI covers from 1979 to 1981, she also modeled for other fashion magazines like Cosmopolitan, Glamour and Harper’s Bazaar, among many more.

1983

Christie looked regal in a white suit and dress skirt while attending an event in the Versailles Room at NYC’s Helmsley Palace in 1983. This photo was taken two years after her divorce from her first husband, François Allaux, whom she was married to from 1973 to 1981.

After appearing in a handful of commercials, the entrepreneur made her acting debut in 1983’s National Lampoon’s Vacation. This led to gigs in Powaqqatsi and Vegas Vacation, as well as her most notable role in the TV series Parks and Recreation.

1985

Christie was incredibly focused on her Hollywood success, but the beauty put her career on the back burner when she started a family with her second husband, Billy Joel. The former pair welcomed their daughter, Alexa Ray Joel, during their 11-year marriage from 1985 to 1994. The About Face star also shares son Jack Brinkley Cook with her third husband, Richard Taubman, and her youngest daughter, Sailor Brinkley Cook, with her fourth spouse, Peter Cook.

1987

The supermodel donned a striped top and wore her long blonde locks over her shoulders while out in Malibu in 1987.

1992

Christie looked breathtaking while attending a gala in a sparkly red gown in 1992.

1996

Christie channeled angelic vibes while walking the carpet at the Fifi Awards in 1996.

1999

The mom of three rocked a black lace gown during a prestigious event in NYC in 1999.

2003

Christie opted for a more casual look while stepping out at a benefit event in 2003. She looks so pretty with little to no makeup!

2011

Christie wore big, bouncy curls in her hair for the premiere of The Ides of March in 2011.

2014

The actress stunned in a little black dress for a Sports Illustrated party in 2014.

2017

Christie looked like a total businesswoman in a black suit for a luncheon in 2017.

2018

During an interview with Closer Weekly in 2018, the Goldbergs actress revealed the “best part” about aging in Hollywood.

“[It’s] not really caring what other people think,” Christie gushed. “Don’t hesitate. Just get out there and go! That’s what I’m doing.”

2019

The TV star stepped out in a white sundress and chunky earrings for the Daytime Beauty Awards in 2019.

2021

Christie showed off her flawless figure in a blue bikini during a family vacation in January 2021. The celeb embraced her body in her 60s after revealing she underwent a hip replacement surgery in November 2020.

2021

Lady in red! Stunning Christie proved that at 67, she easily looked half her age while attending the 35th Annual Footwear News Achievement Awards in New York City on November 30, 2021.

2022

Just a few weeks into 2022, Christie shared this mirror selfie, showing off how she can still slay in a black bikini and wide-brimmed beach hat.

2025

In 2025, Christie opened up about the cosmetic procedures she’s had in the past.

“I mainly do lasers. I don’t try to get rid of every wrinkle,” she told People in an interview published on April 17, 2025. “I’ve dabbled with fillers and I go to my doctor in the city. I don’t want to look ‘done’ or anything. I just did Fraxel [a skin resurfacing treatment] because I had skin cancer and that helps get rid of precancerous cells. It’s mainly about health for me now.”