Chrissy Teigen, age 39, has carved out an impressive empire over the years, amassing a net worth of $100 million. While a large portion of this figure comes from her Grammy and Oscar-winning husband, John Legend, Chrissy’s solo hustle is no small feat. She’s earned over $10 million on her own through modeling gigs, bestselling cookbooks, TV appearances, and her wildly popular Cravings brand. But how exactly did a small-town girl from Utah turn into one of America’s favorite media personalities?
Where Did Chrissy Teigen Get Her Start?
Born Christine Diane Teigen on November 30, 1985, in Delta, Utah, Chrissy grew up moving around frequently due to her father’s job as an electrician. Her childhood was split between Washington, Idaho, Hawaii, and finally, Huntington Beach, California. It was in a surf shop there where she got discovered by a modeling scout — a life-changing moment that set her career in motion.
Her early work included being an IGN Babe in 2004 and a briefcase girl on Deal or No Deal. But things really took off in 2010 when she appeared as a rookie in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, eventually landing the cover in 2014 alongside Nina Agdal and Lily Aldridge.
How Has She Made Her Money?
Chrissy’s net worth isn’t just about runway lights and red carpets. Here’s where her income streams have flowed from:
- Modeling Campaigns: Chrissy has worked with top brands like Nike, UGG, Gillette, Venus, and Billabong.
- TV Appearances: From co-hosting Lip Sync Battle to judging NBC’s Bring the Funny, she’s built a solid TV résumé.
- Cookbooks: Her debut cookbook Cravings was a New York Times Bestseller and one of the best-selling cookbooks of 2016.
- Cravings Brand: She turned her love for food into a full-on lifestyle brand with a cookware line, kitchen accessories, and a cooking website.
- Social Media Influence: With millions of followers, she’s landed numerous endorsement deals that further padded her earnings.
In 2018 alone, she raked in about $12 million — making her one of the top-paid models in the world that year.
What Makes Her Cravings Brand So Successful?
Chrissy’s genuine love for food is what sets her apart. Her cookbooks feel like conversations with a friend who just happens to be hilarious and incredibly good in the kitchen. The Cravings cookware line, sold through Target, launched alongside her second book and quickly became a fan favorite for its fun yet functional design.
Her website, launched in 2019, dives even deeper into the culinary lifestyle, offering exclusive recipes, behind-the-scenes family content, and cooking inspiration that’s both accessible and aspirational.
What Are Some Highlights From Her Media Career?
Besides modeling and writing, Chrissy has dipped into acting and producing. She co-hosted Lip Sync Battle from 2015 to 2019 with LL Cool J and executive produced Chrissy’s Court, a lighthearted courtroom series that aired on Quibi.
She’s made cameos in The Mindy Project, Inside Amy Schumer, and even The Simpsons, and she’s no stranger to talk shows — often popping up on Watch What Happens Live and The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Her vibrant personality makes her a natural fit for television.
How Did She and John Legend Meet?
Chrissy met John Legend in 2006 on the set of his music video for Stereo. The two hit it off, and after several years together, he proposed in 2011. They tied the knot in a dreamy Italian ceremony at Lake Como in 2013. Their relationship went viral again in 2013 when John released All of Me, a romantic ballad inspired by Chrissy.
The couple has four children together: Luna, Miles, Esti, and Wren — the latter two born more recently, expanding their growing family.
What Real Estate Does Chrissy Teigen Own?
Chrissy and John have built a serious real estate portfolio. Here are some of their biggest purchases:
- A $14.1 million Beverly Hills home bought in 2016 and sold for $16.8 million in 2021.
- A $5.1 million modern home in West Hollywood.
- A $17.5 million Beverly Hills mansion purchased in 2020.
- Two luxury penthouses in NYC, bought for a combined $16.7 million, which they later listed for $18 million.
Their properties reflect their love of style and family life, often showing up in Chrissy’s cooking content and social media posts.
What Makes Chrissy Teigen So Relatable?
From sharing her IVF journey and postpartum struggles to posting unfiltered takes on social issues and motherhood, Chrissy has always been unapologetically herself. She’s donated to causes she believes in, spoken openly about body image (including getting her breast implants removed), and been a consistent advocate for women’s rights and mental health awareness.
Chrissy Teigen may have started as a surf shop girl with a dream, but today, she’s a full-fledged mogul with a $100 million net worth and a media presence that continues to grow. Whether she’s cooking up something delicious, writing her next bestseller, or goofing off on Instagram, she’s always doing it her way — and fans love her for it.
