Christie Brinkley, the renowned supermodel, reflects on her difficult childhood experiences in her new memoir, “Uptown Girl.” In her candid writing, she describes memories that feel disjointed, much like fragments of an old movie.
Brinkley opens up about the turbulent relationship with her biological father, Herb Hudson. She reveals painful details from her upbringing, sharing that he often physically punished her. In her words, “My mom and Herb were married for at least a decade until they got divorced when I was 8. Nearly every night, after Herb came home from work as a milkman, he took off his belt and whipped me. Other nights, he’d take me into the bathroom and wash my mouth out with soap.” Despite her efforts to be good or quiet, she felt that there was always a reason for punishment.
The book also recounts the last time Brinkley saw Hudson, which was in a courtroom in L.A. just before her mother married Don Brinkley, a television writer who would eventually assume parental rights for Christie and her older brother, Greg. She describes her shock at Hudson’s decision to give up his parental rights, questioning why he didn’t love her.
In a poignant moment, Christie recalls the relief she felt when the judge asked Don if he would take full responsibility for them, to which he replied, “Yes, absolutely.” This new family dynamic brought her comfort and security.
Brinkley admits that writing about her past was challenging, comparing her memories to a black-and-white movie full of cuts that she had tried to forget. She attributes this discomfort to the trauma that her mother experienced with Hudson, which made them both want to erase that part of their lives.
As she grew older, Brinkley came to understand that her mother wanted to provide a sense of stability, presenting Don as her “real” father to the world. This relationship showcased a healthy model of love and partnership, one that Brinkley admired. She describes the connection between her mother and Don as invigorating, with their mutual affection filling any room they entered.
Brinkley’s experiences emphasize her belief in the possibility of true love and lasting relationships, demonstrating how the love she witnessed can shape a person’s outlook on life and love itself.
“Uptown Girl” will be released on April 29 by Harper Influence and is available for preorder.
