Biography
Who is McKey Sullivan?
Early life and education
McKey Sullivan was born in Lake Forest, Illinois to parents Michael and Gayle Sullivan. She grew up with three siblings named Bridgette, Jimmy, and Mikey. During her youth, she attended Lake Forest High School before enrolling at Ripon College.
At university, she focused her studies on government and chemical biology. She was also an active member of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority. Her interest in medieval fashion was sparked by attending the Bristol Renaissance Faire, which remained a significant influence on her personal style.
Rise to fame on America's Next Top Model
At nineteen, McKey Sullivan was selected as one of the contestants for the eleventh cycle of America's Next Top Model. Because there were other contestants named Brittany on the show, she adopted the moniker McKey. This name was a variation of McKenzie, which her mother had originally considered for her, and it was also a pen name she used during high school.
Throughout the competition, she established herself as a consistent performer. She won two challenges, received two first call-outs, and never placed below fifth during her time on the show. Although she was initially disqualified from a go-see challenge in Amsterdam for returning slightly past the time limit, she remained a front-runner. She ultimately defeated Samantha Potter to win the title.
Modeling career and appearances
Following her victory, McKey Sullivan built a diverse portfolio in both print and runway modeling. She appeared on the cover of magazines including Forest & Bluff, Nylon, and Chicago Scene. Her print work also extended to features in In Touch Weekly, Marie Claire, and Vogue Knitting.
She has participated in various runway shows internationally. Her experience includes walking at Amsterdam International Fashion Week 2009 for designers such as Mada van Gaans and Addy van den Krommenacker. She also walked for G-Star at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and participated in Trinidad and Tobago Fashion Week.
Personal life and family
McKey Sullivan met her husband, mixed martial artist Sam Alvey, at the Bristol Renaissance Faire in 2005. They dated for four years before Sam Alvey proposed in August 2011. The couple held their wedding on January 19, 2013, at the Wilderness Hotel in Wisconsin Dells.
The couple has five children together. Outside of her modeling work, she trains in mixed martial arts with her husband. She has also contributed her time to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and was recognized by People magazine as one of their Most Beautiful People in 2009.
Birthday and age
McKey Sullivan was born on September 9, 1988, which makes McKey 38 years old today. That birthday falls under the Virgo sign. McKey shares the date with 36 other famous people.
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