Brittany “McKey” Sullivan: From America’s Next Top Model to Family Life and MMA

Brittany “McKey” Sullivan is most famous as the stunning winner of America’s Next Top Model Cycle 11, striking judges and observers with her long-limbed body, razor-cut face, and calm composure. A breakout experience as a top model in 2008 covered her face in Times Square billboards and adorned magazine covers. To all but the most skeptical fans, she appeared to be destined for a successful modeling career strutting Paris and New York runways.

But McKey’s tale defied the usual script. Rather than pursue continuous notoriety, she pursued a career that combined professional success with personal satisfaction. She is now a retired supermodel, happy wife, mother of five, and busy participant in the world of MMA through her husband, fighter Sam Alvey. Her story serves as a reminder that victory is accomplished otherwise, and sometimes exiting the limelight means the most significant pages.

Quick Bio

Who is Brittany “McKey” Sullivan?

Born Brittany Sullivan on September 9, 1988, in Lake Forest, Illinois, she was a dysfunctional, close-knit family. She self-claimed herself “McKey” during ANTM so she could distinguish herself from her competition, and it was her working name from the start. Her composed attitude and ability to fit into each photo shoot made her a favorite with viewers from the start.

Winning America’s Next Top Model opened up hundreds of doors. With the title, McKey was given a CoverGirl contract, a photo shoot in Seventeen magazine, and a modeling contract with Elite Model Management. Her victory was especially notable in that she never actually found herself in the bottom two—a first in the show’s history that attested to her steady performance.

Early Life

McKey was raised on the Illinois suburbs with three siblings, where she was never really a fashionista and a tomboy instead. She was an outdoor kid who enjoyed sports, competition, and adventure, characteristics that defined her long before she ever posed for a photo.

Following high school, she received a degree in government and chemical biology at Ripon College in Wisconsin and also became a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority. She also performed at the Bristol Renaissance Faire as a youth, an experience that eventually shaped her bohemian sense of fashion and instilled in her an appreciation for costume, drama, and history.

Career Beginnings

Ironically, McKey’s modeling career started after she was forced to reconsider her future after a sports injury. While on the sidelines, she participated in the Elite Model Look competition and won regionally. She realized through this initial success that she had potential in a profession she hadn’t even thought of initially.

Her breakthrough came in 2008 when she auditioned for America’s Next Top Model. At the tender age of 19, McKey stood out through her height, peculiar appearance, and change-making potential on camera. She impressed photographers and judges all season long, ultimately leaving as the consensus champion. She was featured in publications such as Marie Claire and In Touch Weekly as well as on fashion weeks throughout Europe and the U.S. following the show.

Who is Brittany “McKey” Sullivan’s Husband?

Offstage, McKey found love in one of the most unlikely places: the Bristol Renaissance Faire. It is there that she met Sam Alvey, a young fighter who would eventually fight professionally in the UFC. The two of them became closer over the years, and in 2011, Sam asked her to marry him. They were married in January of 2013 in Wisconsin Dells, beginning a marriage built on love, support, and collaboration.

They both established a family of five children. McKey is also a regular figure in Sam’s professional fighting life, assisting him to prepare by digging up information on opponents and providing steadfast support. Her personal life also evidences the same durability and commitment displayed by McKey on ANTM, now applied to wife and motherhood.

Brittany “McKey” Sullivan’s Physical Appearance

Six feet tall, McKey’s height is perhaps one of the most recognizable attributes she possesses, and she’s a force to be reckoned with on and off the catwalk. Her piercing blue eyes and chameleon-like appearance, which enabled her to get both tough, high-fashion shots and softer, commercial ones throughout her modeling days, are also recognizable.

Her bold style of risk-taking kept her front and center on ANTM. Slicing off her hair or trying experimental on-risk, over-the-top styles of makeup was all part of McKey’s reinvention for her brand. Off-set, comfortable, functional clothing that reflects her busy mom life is her go-to, but sporadic hints of renaissance- and medieval-inspired fashion appear.

Net Worth

Although not nearly as much in the limelight as some of her reality show rivals, McKey has managed. She’s estimated net worth stands at $5 million and has been made through modeling contracts, magazine photo shoots, endorsement deals, and the winnings she received on ANTM.

Most of her current financial well-being also stems from married life with her husband, Sam Alvey, whose career of professional fighting has contributed to the family coffers. Compared to some reality television personalities who seek fame round the clock, McKey chose a less glamorous existence, which gave her the financial stability while she worked on raising her children.

Social Media

On Instagram, McKey can be located under @mmamckey where she posts a glimpse of her life as an MMA fan, mom, and wife. She will post a picture of her children, a training session, or just random shots with her hubby. Unlike any of the other ex-models, she doesn’t stuff her feed with pictures of her that look pretty all the time. Her account is more natural and down to earth, and thus proves how real she is.

Although her body of fans is less extensive than some of her reality TV counterparts, her fan base is loyal. Fans appreciate her genuineness, sense of humor, and the way she weaves family life into her own pursuits. She occasionally alludes to other projects in development, which keeps her fans curious as to what she will pursue next.

Future Prospects and Vision

McKey also has several prospects in store for her in the future. From her modeling background, she could again return to the fashion world, though as an actor for workout or lifestyle campaigns that are of interest to her. Her passion for Brazilian jiu-jitsu and MMA may further find her taking up fitness coaching, commentary, or sports advocacy careers.

In the meantime, her commitment to family does exist, and she might just continue prioritizing raising her children and her husband’s career above everything else. To McKey, fame isn’t everything but about balance, happiness, and staying true to herself. Whatever is to come, her fans know she will approach it with the same amount of grit and grace that made her unforgettable on ANTM.