Christy Turlington is an American supermodel, philanthropist, and filmmaker who rose to fame in the 1980s and 1990s as one of the original “supermodels.”
Known for her timeless beauty, elegance, and professionalism, Turlington became a favorite of fashion designers and photographers alike, gracing countless magazine covers and campaigns. Beyond her modeling career, she has become a passionate advocate for maternal health, using her platform to make a meaningful impact on women’s lives worldwide.
Early Life and Beginnings
Christy Nicole Turlington was born on January 2, 1969, in Walnut Creek, California, and raised in Danville, California. Her mother was from El Salvador, and her father was an airline pilot.
Turlington was discovered by a local photographer at the age of 14 while horseback riding in Florida. Initially modeling part-time while attending high school, she pursued it full-time after graduating, moving to New York City to launch her career.
Rise to Supermodel Stardom
Turlington’s career skyrocketed in the 1980s and 1990s, during the golden age of supermodels. She became one of the most recognizable faces in fashion, working with legendary designers such as Calvin Klein, Gianni Versace, and Valentino. Her partnership with Calvin Klein, particularly her work on the Eternity fragrance campaign, became iconic and lasted for decades.
She was frequently featured on the covers of Vogue, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, and Cosmopolitan, among others, and walked the runway for top fashion houses worldwide. Her natural beauty, poise, and professionalism set her apart in an industry that was increasingly dominated by personalities as much as looks.
Turlington was part of the “Big Five” supermodels—alongside Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista, and Claudia Schiffer—who redefined the modeling industry and became global icons.
Advocacy and Maternal Health Work
In 2003, Turlington experienced complications during the birth of her daughter, an event that profoundly impacted her perspective on maternal health. This experience inspired her to found Every Mother Counts in 2010, a nonprofit organization dedicated to making pregnancy and childbirth safe for every mother worldwide.
Through her advocacy, Turlington has raised awareness about maternal health disparities and has worked with governments, organizations, and individuals to improve access to quality healthcare for women in underserved communities.
She directed and produced the documentary No Woman, No Cry (2010), which highlights the challenges women face during pregnancy and childbirth around the world.
Continued Modeling Career
Despite her shift to philanthropy, Turlington has remained active in the fashion industry. She has participated in campaigns for major brands, including Maybelline and Marc Jacobs, and has appeared in editorials for leading magazines. Her longevity in the industry is a testament to her timeless beauty and enduring relevance.
Personal Life
Turlington married actor, director, and producer Edward Burns in 2003, and the couple has two children, Grace and Finn. She is also a dedicated yoga practitioner and authored the book Living Yoga: Creating a Life Practice in 2002, reflecting her interest in health and mindfulness.
