Chrissy Teigen, now 39 years old, has become much more than a swimsuit model. She’s a powerhouse entrepreneur, TV personality, bestselling author, and one-half of one of Hollywood’s most recognizable power couples. With a combined net worth of $100 million with husband John Legend, Teigen has carved out her own lane in the entertainment and culinary worlds, building a lifestyle empire that’s as candid and colorful as her personality.
Early Life: From Utah to the Runway
Born Christine Diane Teigen on November 30, 1985, in the small town of Delta, Utah, Chrissy’s early years were shaped by constant relocation due to her father’s work as an electrician. She lived in Hawaii, Idaho, and Washington State before finally settling in Huntington Beach, California, where her modeling career began unexpectedly.
While working at a surf shop as a teen, she was discovered by a photographer—a moment that launched her into the world of modeling. Teigen is of Thai descent on her mother’s side and Norwegian on her father’s, a combination that would help her stand out in a competitive industry.
Modeling Career and Breakthrough
Teigen’s early career included features as an IGN Babe in 2004 and a stint as a briefcase model on Deal or No Deal in 2006–2007. Her big break came in 2010 when she appeared in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue—earning the Rookie of the Year title. She went on to appear in the Swimsuit Issue for four consecutive years, and in 2014, she landed the iconic cover alongside Nina Agdal and Lily Aldridge.
In addition to Sports Illustrated, Chrissy modeled for top brands such as Nike, Gillette, Beach Bunny Swimwear, and UGG Australia. She also graced the covers of Cosmopolitan, Ocean Drive, and Italian Vogue, becoming a regular face in high-fashion editorials and advertising campaigns.
Television and Entertainment
Chrissy’s sharp wit and unapologetic authenticity made her a natural fit for TV. From 2015 to 2019, she co-hosted the hit series “Lip Sync Battle” on Spike (now Paramount Network) alongside LL Cool J. In 2019, she served as a judge on NBC’s “Bring the Funny”, further showcasing her comedic chops.
She has made memorable appearances on The Mindy Project, Inside Amy Schumer, and America’s Next Top Model. She was also the star and executive producer of her own courtroom-style reality series, “Chrissy’s Court”, which premiered on Quibi in 2020.
Chrissy even popped up in “The Simpsons” and has guest-hosted for a range of networks including E!, TMZ, MTV, and Bravo.
Culinary Success and Business Ventures
Teigen’s passion for food evolved into a full-fledged business. Her first cookbook, “Cravings: Recipes for All the Food You Want to Eat” (2016), became a New York Times Bestseller, followed by “Cravings: Hungry for More” (2018). Both books were commercial and critical hits, helping her build a loyal fanbase beyond modeling.
She parlayed that success into “Cravings by Chrissy Teigen,” a cookware and home goods line launched with Target. The collection includes everything from non-stick pans to cutting boards—designed to be both stylish and functional. In late 2019, she launched her food and lifestyle website, Cravings, offering recipes, behind-the-scenes content, and personal insights.
Her cookbook brand and cookware line have become one of the most profitable branches of her career, bringing in millions annually and giving her a unique space in the food and home industries.
Earnings and Financial Independence
While much of the couple’s $100 million net worth stems from John Legend’s music, touring, and endorsement deals, Chrissy herself has earned over $10 million annually in recent years through her books, television appearances, and brand partnerships.
In 2018 alone, she made approximately $12 million, ranking her among the top-paid models in the world that year.
Real Estate Moves
Chrissy and John have built an impressive real estate portfolio. In 2016, they bought a $14.1 million mansion in Beverly Hills, formerly owned by Rihanna. After extensive renovations, they sold it for $16.8 million in 2021.
In April 2020, they purchased a sleek $5.1 million West Hollywood home, followed by a $17.5 million Beverly Hills mansion in September 2020.
Their New York real estate investments include two SoHo penthouses, acquired in 2018 and 2020, with a total investment of $16.7 million. They listed the combined duplex in 2022 for $18 million.
Personal Life and Advocacy
Teigen met John Legend in 2006 on the set of his music video “Stereo”. They married in a dreamy Lake Como ceremony in 2013. Together, they share four children—Luna (born 2016), Miles (born 2018), and two more welcomed in recent years via IVF and surrogacy.
Chrissy is known for being open about mental health, especially her postpartum depression, and for speaking out on social justice and women’s rights. She’s made significant donations to Planned Parenthood, the ACLU, and other nonprofit causes.
She’s also unfiltered on social media, where her mix of humor, family life, and realness has earned her millions of loyal followers.
Final Thoughts
Chrissy Teigen has built a career that goes far beyond modeling. With a keen sense of branding, a strong voice on social issues, and a passion for food, she’s become a multifaceted lifestyle mogul. As of 2025, with a net worth of $100 million, Teigen continues to expand her empire—proving that authenticity, creativity, and business savvy can go hand in hand.
