Net Worth Ranker
What Is Christy Turlington’s Net Worth?
Christy Turlington, a prominent figure in the world of modeling and acting, has accumulated a net worth of $40 million. This figure represents the combined wealth she shares with her husband, actor Edward Burns. Turlington’s financial success is largely attributed to her extensive career in the fashion industry, marked by numerous high-profile campaigns and endorsements.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on January 2, 1969, in Walnut Creek, California, Christy Turlington was raised in a Roman Catholic household. Her father, Dwain Turlington, worked as a Pan Am pilot, while her mother, María Elizabeth Turlington, was a flight attendant. Turlington’s introduction to modeling occurred unexpectedly while she was riding horses in Miami, where her father was stationed. A local photographer named Dennie Cody recognized her potential and offered her an opportunity to model. During her high school years at Monte Vista High in Danville, California, Turlington juggled her studies with modeling assignments, working after school and during summer breaks. After turning 18, Turlington moved to New York City to pursue modeling full-time but returned to high school later to graduate. In 1994, she went to college and graduated in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in Comparative Religion and Eastern Philosophy from the Gallatin School of Individualized Study of NYU. Turlington continued her education at the Columbia University School of Public Health some years later. This blend of early career exposure and academic pursuits laid a solid foundation for her future success.
Modeling Career and Endorsements
Christy Turlington’s modeling career took off in the 1990s, a decade that saw her become one of the most recognizable faces in the fashion industry. She appeared on the covers of over 500 magazines, including “Vogue,” “Marie Claire,” “Cosmo,” “Allure,” “Elle,” and “Harper’s Bazaar,” solidifying her status as a supermodel. Her work extended beyond magazine covers to include numerous advertising campaigns for major brands. She was a face for Calvin Klein, Chanel, Prada, Marc Jacobs, Donna Karan, Michael Kors, Louis Vuitton, and Maybelline. These campaigns significantly contributed to her income. Beyond print, Turlington made appearances in music videos, including Duran Duran’s “Notorious” (1986) and George Michael’s “Freedom! ’90,” alongside fellow supermodels Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Cindy Crawford, and Tatjana Patitz. These appearances further boosted her profile. In 2008, “W” magazine celebrated Turlington’s 40th birthday with a spread featuring memorable images from her career, spanning the late ’80s, ’90s, and beyond. In 2009, she was featured in Bally’s Summer campaign. In the Autumn/Winter 2019 show, Turlington closed the Marc Jacobs show. Later that year, she was chosen as one of 15 women to appear on the cover of “British Vogue,” guest-edited by Meghan Markle. Christy Turlington’s financial success is intrinsically linked to her extensive and high-profile modeling career, marked by numerous endorsements and magazine appearances.
Other Ventures and Philanthropic Work
Beyond her modeling career, Christy Turlington has engaged in several other ventures, including philanthropic work and filmmaking. In 2005, she began collaborating with CARE, an international humanitarian organization, and became their Advocate for Maternal Health. She also serves as an Ambassador for Product Red. Inspired by her mother’s long-time support for CARE, Turlington visited Swaziland in May 2007 on behalf of the organization. Following complications during the birth of her first child in 2003, Turlington pursued a Master’s degree in Public Health, motivated by the statistic that over 500,000 women die each year during childbirth, with 90 percent of these deaths being preventable. In September 2010, she participated in a CARE learning tour to Ethiopia to study efforts to reduce maternal deaths. Turlington now sits on the Harvard Medical School Global Health Council and advises the Harvard School of Public Health Board of Dean’s Advisors. She is also a member of the White Ribbon Alliance for Safe Motherhood. Turlington directed her first documentary, “No Woman, No Cry,” in 2010, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. The film, which examines maternal health in various countries compared to the United States, aired on the OWN network on May 7, 2011. For her directorial efforts, Turlington was nominated for VH1’s Do Something with Style Award. She also launched the non-profit organization Every Mother Counts, which aims to make pregnancy and childbirth safe for all mothers worldwide. EMC currently operates programs in the U.S., Indonesia, Uganda, Haiti, and Malawi. While her philanthropic work is not a direct source of income, it enhances her public image and influence, which can indirectly benefit her brand and earning potential. These diverse activities contribute to her overall financial stability and net worth.
Personal Life and Marriage
Christy Turlington has been married to actor, director, and writer Edward Burns since 2003. The couple met at a Hamptons party in 2000 and were engaged by the end of that year. Following a brief separation in 2002, they reconciled and married in San Francisco, with Bono of U2 in attendance. Turlington and Burns have two children, Grace and Finn. Turlington’s sister, Kelly, is married to Burns’ brother, Brian. Edward Burns’s career as an actor, director, and writer also contributes to their combined net worth of $40 million. While specific financial details of their marriage are not publicly available, it is known that they share their assets and financial responsibilities. The marriage to Edward Burns has likely provided her with additional financial security.
Details on Modeling Campaigns and Magazine Appearances
Turlington’s financial success can be attributed to her extensive career in the fashion industry. Her numerous magazine covers and high-profile ad campaigns have significantly contributed to her net worth. While the exact figures for each contract are not publicly available, it is known that campaigns for brands like Calvin Klein, Chanel, and Maybelline command substantial fees. In addition to these campaigns, Turlington’s appearances in fashion magazines such as “Vogue,” “Elle,” and “Harper’s Bazaar” have further boosted her profile and earning potential. According to industry sources, a single magazine cover can earn a model tens of thousands of dollars, while a major ad campaign can bring in hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. Furthermore, her presence in music videos, such as Duran Duran’s “Notorious” and George Michael’s “Freedom! ’90,” has further amplified her visibility and marketability. These ventures have not only enhanced her financial standing but also solidified her status as a fashion icon. In the late 1990s, Turlington, along with fellow supermodels Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell, and Elle Macpherson, invested in the Fashion Cafe restaurant chain. While the venture ultimately failed, it highlights Turlington’s entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to explore opportunities beyond modeling. The specifics of her investment and any financial losses incurred are not publicly disclosed.
Philanthropic Contributions and Documentary Work
Turlington’s humanitarian work and documentary filmmaking have added another dimension to her career and public image. As an Advocate for Maternal Health with CARE and an Ambassador for Product Red, she has been actively involved in raising awareness and funds for various causes. While these roles are not directly income-generating, they have enhanced her reputation and influence, which can indirectly benefit her brand and earning potential. For instance, her documentary “No Woman, No Cry,” which premiered at the 2010 Tribeca Film Festival, received critical acclaim and helped to raise awareness about maternal health issues. While the financial gains from the film may not have been substantial, the exposure and recognition it generated have likely contributed to her overall financial success. Additionally, her non-profit organization Every Mother Counts, which she founded in 2010, has provided her with a platform to advocate for safe motherhood worldwide. Although the organization itself is non-profit, it has further solidified her position as a respected figure in the field of maternal health, which can indirectly benefit her brand and earning potential.
Fashion Cafe Investment
In the mid-1990s, Christy Turlington, along with fellow supermodels Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell, and Elle Macpherson, ventured into the restaurant business with the launch of Fashion Cafe. This chain of restaurants aimed to combine the worlds of fashion and dining, featuring memorabilia from the models’ careers and offering a trendy atmosphere. However, the Fashion Cafe venture was plagued by financial and management issues and ultimately failed. While the specifics of Turlington’s investment and any financial losses incurred are not publicly disclosed, it is known that the Fashion Cafe chain filed for bankruptcy in 1998. Despite the failure of this venture, it highlights Turlington’s entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to explore opportunities beyond modeling. It also serves as a reminder that even successful individuals can experience setbacks in their business endeavors.
Real Estate and Assets
While specific details about Christy Turlington’s real estate holdings and other assets are not publicly available, it is likely that she owns properties and investments that contribute to her overall net worth. Given her successful career as a model and her marriage to actor Edward Burns, it is reasonable to assume that they own a home in a desirable location, such as New York City or the Hamptons. Additionally, Turlington may have investments in stocks, bonds, or other financial instruments that generate income and contribute to her net worth. However, without specific information, it is impossible to provide a more detailed breakdown of her assets.
