Christy Turlington

Christy Turlington Burns is an iconic American supermodel, global health advocate, and filmmaker. Born on January 2, 1969, in Walnut Creek, California, she rose to international prominence during the late 1980s and 1990s as one of the original supermodels who dominated the global fashion landscape. Beyond her acclaimed fashion career, she is widely recognized for her humanitarian efforts, particularly in improving global maternal healthcare access and safety through her non-profit organization, Every Mother Counts.

Early Life and Career

Discovered while horseback riding in Florida at age 14, Turlington began modeling part-time during high school before relocating to New York City. She quickly climbed to top-tier status, becoming a staple face for legendary fashion houses such as Calvin Klein, Chanel, Gianni Versace, Marc Jacobs, and Prada. In 1989, she signed a landmark exclusive campaign deal for Calvin Klein's Eternity fragrance, a partnership she famously reprised decades later. Alongside peers Naomi Campbell and Linda Evangelista, Turlington formed part of fashion's iconic trio known as the 'Trinity.' She also starred in George Michael's acclaimed 'Freedom! '90' music video and graced the covers of hundreds of international publications.

Business and Advocacy

Driven by a passion for continuous learning, Turlington pursued higher education mid-career, graduating cum laude from New York University in 1999 and studying public health at Columbia University. Following personal postpartum complications in 2003, she directed her focus toward global maternal health. In 2010, she made her documentary directorial debut with No Woman, No Cry, which inspired her to launch the non-profit organization Every Mother Counts. The organization works to make pregnancy and childbirth safe worldwide through advocacy, grantmaking, and community engagement. Turlington has completed numerous marathons around the world to raise funds for maternal health. She has also engaged in various entrepreneurial ventures, including co-founding an Ayurvedic skincare line.

Personal Life

Turlington is based in New York City with her family. In June 2003, she married actor and filmmaker Edward Burns. The couple has two children, daughter Grace and son Finn. Beyond her public advocacy and modeling work, Turlington is a long-time practitioner of yoga and actively promotes wellness, balance, and accessible healthcare initiatives globally.