Christy Turlington
Biography of Christy Turlington
Full Name and Common Aliases
Full Name: Christy Nicole Turlington
Common Aliases: Christy Turlington, Christy Turlington Burns
Birth and Death Dates
Birth Date: January 2, 1969
Death Date: N/A
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: American
Profession(s): Model, Humanitarian, Filmmaker, Author
Early Life and Background
Christy Nicole Turlington was born on January 2, 1969, in Walnut Creek, California, to a Salvadoran mother and an American father. Her multicultural background played a significant role in shaping her worldview and later humanitarian efforts. Raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Turlington was introduced to the world of fashion at a young age. Her father, a pilot for Pan Am, and her mother, a flight attendant, instilled in her a love for travel and exploration. At the age of 14, Turlington was discovered by a local photographer while horseback riding, which led to her first modeling job. Despite her early start in modeling, she remained committed to her education, balancing her burgeoning career with her studies.
Major Accomplishments
Christy Turlington's career skyrocketed in the late 1980s and early 1990s, making her one of the most recognizable faces in the fashion industry. She became a part of the elite group of models known as the "Supermodels," alongside Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, and Cindy Crawford. Turlington graced the covers of countless fashion magazines, including Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, and Elle, and became the face of major campaigns for brands like Calvin Klein, Chanel, and Maybelline. Her work with Calvin Klein, in particular, is iconic, as she became synonymous with the brand's minimalist aesthetic.
Notable Works or Actions
Beyond her modeling career, Christy Turlington has made significant contributions as a humanitarian and filmmaker. In 2010, she directed and produced the documentary "No Woman, No Cry," which highlights the challenges faced by pregnant women in various parts of the world. This project was inspired by her own experience with postpartum complications and led her to establish the nonprofit organization Every Mother Counts. The organization is dedicated to making pregnancy and childbirth safe for every mother, advocating for maternal health and raising awareness about the global maternal health crisis.
Turlington also pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Comparative Religion and Eastern Philosophy from New York University. Her academic pursuits reflect her deep interest in understanding different cultures and belief systems, which has informed her humanitarian work.
Impact and Legacy
Christy Turlington's impact extends far beyond the fashion industry. As a model, she helped redefine beauty standards and became a role model for aspiring models worldwide. Her transition from modeling to activism set a precedent for how public figures can leverage their influence for social good. Through Every Mother Counts, Turlington has raised millions of dollars to support maternal health programs and has become a leading voice in advocating for women's health rights.
Her work has been recognized with numerous awards, including being named one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World. Turlington's dedication to improving maternal health has inspired many to take action and has brought much-needed attention to an often-overlooked issue.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Christy Turlington is widely quoted and remembered for her dual legacy as a supermodel and a passionate advocate for maternal health. Her quotes often reflect her commitment to empowering women and her belief in the importance of education and awareness. Turlington's ability to seamlessly transition from the world of fashion to philanthropy has made her a respected figure in both industries. Her insights on beauty, health, and social responsibility continue to resonate with audiences, making her a source of inspiration for many.
In summary, Christy Turlington's life and work exemplify the power of using one's platform for positive change. Her contributions to fashion and her tireless advocacy for maternal health have left an indelible mark on the world, ensuring that she will be remembered and quoted for generations to come.
Quotes by Christy Turlington
Christy Turlington's insights on:
If we truly value humanity, life, and all that it represents in its highest form, then we need to do all that we can to promote quality of life over the quantity of life.
After delivering my daughter in 2003, I endured and survived a hemorrhage, the leading childbirth-related complication that takes the lives of thousands of other mothers all over the world.
It turns out that cholera is new to Haiti. It was inadvertently introduced by a group of U.N. peacekeepers stationed in central Haiti who had come from South Asia where it is endemic.
If Mom is healthy, then her child is more likely to thrive, more likely to have a better quality of life and, ultimately, better able to provide for his or herself.
My family knows they are loved. As a mother, it is my job to let them know that they are, and it's a job I take quite seriously.
A lot has changed since the 1980s, when the United States was a country with one of the greatest numbers of people infected with HIV.
Those of us focused on issues related to social justice and equality are grateful for the significant steps President Obama has made to advance women's equality and status all over the world.
One thing that has become abundantly clear to me as I have advocated for the health and well-being of girls and women over the years is the innate power we each have within us to establish deep connection with one another and heal ourselves simply by sharing our stories.
In parts of the world where basic infrastructures like paved roads and transportation systems are underdeveloped, people walk for days to reach a health care provider.
We're living in miraculous times where connections are made at the blink of an eye, the tap of a thumb, and the click of a mouse. We can never replace human interaction, but these simple actions can be powerful and meaningful to those we connect with.