Christie Brinkley, the iconic supermodel and timeless beauty, has captivated the world for decades, and her latest venture is no exception. At 71, she’s releasing her memoir, Uptown Girl, on April 29, 2025, a deeply personal reflection on her whirlwind career, four marriages, and life-altering experiences. In a recent interview, Brinkley shared her motivation for writing the book, saying, “If not now, when?” This candid approach promises readers an intimate look at the woman behind the magazine covers, blending humor, heartbreak, and hard-won wisdom. From her days as Billy Joel’s muse to surviving a near-fatal helicopter crash, Brinkley’s story is as vibrant as ever. Let’s dive into the latest news about this legendary figure and why her memoir is generating so much buzz.
Table of Contents
Christie Brinkley’s Memoir: A Journey of Joy and Resilience
The release of Uptown Girl marks a significant moment for Christie Brinkley. The memoir, published by Harper Influence, chronicles her rise from a Paris discovery in 1974 to a global icon who graced over 500 magazine covers. Brinkley doesn’t shy away from the tough stuff—she opens up about her “tumultuous” marriages, including her high-profile divorce from Billy Joel in 1994. She describes the end of their nine-year marriage as “painful,” yet her belief in love shines through. “I still believe in love,” she writes, a testament to her enduring optimism. The book also recounts her 1994 helicopter crash, a harrowing experience that nearly ended her life, and her challenging romantic history, including the loss of boyfriend Olivier Chandon de Brailles. With over 100 photographs and never-before-seen artwork, the memoir is a visual and emotional feast.
Brinkley’s goal? To inspire readers to embrace adventure and find magic in every moment. She told Harper Influence, “I wrote Uptown Girl to show people how to create the life they want, not through fame, but by saying yes to adventure.” Fans are already praising her vulnerability, with one X post noting, “Christie’s memoir is going to be a game-changer—her art and stories are so personal!”
Behind the Scenes with Christie Brinkley: Uptown Girl Music Video
Brinkley’s connection to the song Uptown Girl is legendary, and her memoir delves into its backstory. The 1983 Billy Joel hit, inspired by Brinkley, featured her in the iconic music video as a sophisticated heiress opposite Joel’s blue-collar mechanic. In a recent People interview, she shared a funny anecdote: she almost got kicked out of the Screen Actors Guild for not telling her agent about the gig! “I just showed up and had fun,” she laughed. The video, which peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, cemented her as a pop culture icon. Interestingly, Joel revealed on The Howard Stern Show in 2010 that the song started as Uptown Girls, inspired by Elle Macpherson, but became singularly about Brinkley as their romance blossomed.
Last Halloween, Brinkley rewatched clips of the video when fans posted Uptown Girl costumes online, sparking nostalgia. “It’s still so fun to be associated with that song,” she told Yahoo Entertainment. Her lighthearted connection to the track was evident at Joel’s April 26, 2024, Madison Square Garden concert, where she danced joyfully as he serenaded her with the hit, proving their bond remains strong 30 years after their divorce.
A Life of Adventure: From Splash to Survival
Brinkley’s memoir reveals surprising tidbits, like her audition for the mermaid role in Splash (1984), which went to Daryl Hannah. “It would’ve been perfect,” she told People, noting her lifelong love for mermaids. Her adventurous spirit also led her to star in National Lampoon’s Vacation, perform as Roxie Hart on Broadway, and train with champion boxers. Each experience shaped her resilience, especially after surviving the 1994 helicopter crash. “Those moments taught me to cherish every second,” she said. Her story isn’t just about glamour—it’s about grit.
Here’s a quick look at key moments in Brinkley’s career:
| Milestone | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Discovered in Paris | 1974 | Spotted by photographer Errol Sawyer, launching her modeling career. |
| Sports Illustrated Covers | 1979–81 | First model to appear on three consecutive SI Swimsuit issues. |
| Uptown Girl Video | 1983 | Starred in Billy Joel’s hit video, becoming a pop culture icon. |
| Helicopter Crash | 1994 | Survived a near-fatal crash, shaping her outlook on life. |
| Broadway’s Chicago | 2011 | Played Roxie Hart, showcasing her versatility. |
Christie Brinkley Today: Still Dancing, Still Inspiring
Even at 71, Christie Brinkley remains a force. In April 2024, she attended Joel’s MSG concert with daughter Alexa Ray Joel, who surprised her dad with a duet of “To Sir With Love.” Brinkley shared a TikTok video of herself dancing to Uptown Girl, captioning it with playful pride about their family moment. Fans loved the warmth, with one commenting, “40 years later, and she’s still the ultimate Uptown Girl!” Her recent red bikini photoshoot for Sports Illustrated also turned heads, proving her confidence is ageless.
Brinkley’s memoir isn’t just a look back—it’s a call to live boldly. She told People, “I’ve always tried to find the magic in every moment, no matter how big or small.” As Uptown Girl hits shelves, readers will discover a woman who’s faced heartbreak, chased dreams, and come out stronger. Whether she’s dancing at a concert or baring her soul on the page, Brinkley’s story keeps us hooked, reminding us that life’s greatest adventures come from saying yes.