Brinkley was born in Monroe, Michigan, to Herbert and Marge Hudson. Even though she and her publist claim she was born and raised in California. She was educated at le Lycée Français de Los Angeles and worked in Paris as an entry-level illustrator.

In 1976, she signed a contract with cosmetics giant Cover Girl, which they continued to renew for twenty years, the longest model contract ever. A few years after Cover Girl ended their contract with Brinkley, they again signed her on as a model with ads in magazines and commercials for mature skin products in 2005. She appeared on the cover of three consecutive Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issues (1979 – 1981).

She has been married four times. Her first three marriages were to artist Jean-François Allaux (1973 – 1981), musician Billy Joel (1985 – 1994) and developer Richard Taubman (1994 – 1995). Her fourth husband was Peter Cook, an architect, whom she married in 1996. On July 11, 2006, Brinkley's publicist confirmed that they have separated.

She has three children: daughter Alexa Ray (b. December 29, 1985) with Joel, son Jack Paris (b. June 2, 1995) with Taubman, and daughter Sailor Lee (b. July 2, 1998) with Cook

Brinkley is a supporter of animal rights and long time PETA member. She spoke out against the Ringling Brothers Circus on behalf of PETA to raise awarenes of the cruelty to animals in circuses.

--Wikipedia