Who is Brooke Burns? All About the American Model and Game Show Host

Brooke Burns is a well-known American model, actress, and game show host who has been in the entertainment industry for over two decades. She gained fame for her role in Baywatch and later became a successful game show host. Her talent, beauty, and charisma have made her a beloved television personality.
Quick Bio of Brooke Burns
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Brooke Elizabeth Burns |
Date of Birth | March 16, 1978 |
Age (as of 2025) | 47 years |
Birthplace | Dallas, Texas, USA |
Nationality | American |
Profession | Actress, Model, Game Show Host |
Height | 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) |
Weight | Around 130 lbs (59 kg) |
Spouse | Gavin O’Connor (m. 2013) |
Children | 1 daughter (Madison) |
Notable Shows | Baywatch, Dog Eat Dog, The Chase |
Net Worth | Estimated $5 million |
Who is Brooke Burns?

Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Brooke Burns started her career as a model before making her way into the acting world. With a mix of beauty, talent, and determination, she quickly became a recognized face in Hollywood. Over the years, she has worked in numerous television shows and movies, proving her versatility in the entertainment industry.
Age and Birthday
Brooke Burns was born on March 16, 1978, which makes her 47 years old as of 2025. Despite being in the industry for so long, she continues to captivate audiences with her elegance and charm.
Physical Appearance
Brooke Burns is admired for her striking looks and graceful presence. She stands tall at 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) and maintains a slim and athletic physique, weighing around 130 lbs (59 kg). Her blonde hair and piercing blue eyes add to her signature look, making her one of the most recognizable TV personalities. She is known for her elegant style, often seen in classy outfits that highlight her natural beauty.
Family and Early Life

Brooke Burns grew up in a close-knit family in Dallas, Texas. She was raised by her parents, with her father working as an oil executive. She also has two sisters. From a young age, Brooke showed an interest in dance and performance arts, particularly ballet. However, a skiing accident in her teens forced her to shift her focus from dance to modeling.
Her education was balanced between her passion for the arts and academic excellence. Eventually, her modeling career took off, leading her to bigger opportunities in acting.
Career Beginnings
Brooke Burns started her career as a model at the age of 15, working in various fashion campaigns. Her striking features and confident personality quickly gained attention, leading to her first acting role in the 1990s.
Her television debut came in 1996 with the teen sitcom Out of the Blue, where she played Peg. Though the show was short-lived, it introduced her to the acting world, opening doors for bigger roles.
Rise to Fame in Acting

Brooke Burns’ big break came when she was cast in the iconic TV series Baywatch in 1998. She played the role of Jessie Owens, a strong and independent lifeguard, and her performance made her a fan favorite.
After leaving Baywatch, she continued acting in various TV shows and movies, including:
- North Shore (2004)
- CSI: Miami (2003)
- Melrose Place (2009)
- Where Hope Grows (2014)
Her acting career has been diverse, showcasing her ability to adapt to different roles, from drama to comedy.
Success as a Game Show Host
After acting, Brooke Burns found another passion in hosting game shows. She first gained recognition as the host of NBC’s Dog Eat Dog (2002–2003), a high-energy competition show that became popular.
However, she became widely known as the host of GSN’s hit quiz show The Chase (2013–2015), where she worked alongside Mark Labbett, aka “The Beast.” Her intelligence, quick wit, and engaging personality made her a standout host, earning her a Daytime Emmy nomination.
She later hosted other game shows, including:
- Motor City Masters (2014)
- Master Minds (2019–present)
Her success as a host has solidified her place in the entertainment industry beyond acting.
Brooke Burns’ Personal Life
Brooke Burns has had a few high-profile relationships. She was previously married to actor Julian McMahon, with whom she has a daughter named Madison.
In 2013, she married Gavin O’Connor, a filmmaker known for directing movies like Warrior and The Accountant. The couple shares a strong bond and often appear together at public events.
Despite the ups and downs in her personal life, Brooke has always remained positive and focused on her career and family.
Philanthropy and Charity Work
Brooke Burns is also known for her charitable efforts. After surviving a severe diving accident in 2005, which resulted in a broken neck, she became a strong advocate for spinal cord injury awareness.
She has worked with organizations such as:
- Life Rolls On (supports people with spinal cord injuries)
- Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
- Various animal rescue foundations
Her dedication to helping others has made her an inspiration beyond her TV career.
Net Worth and Achievements

With her long career in acting, modeling, and hosting, Brooke Burns has built an estimated net worth of $5 million.
She has also received numerous nominations and awards, including:
- Daytime Emmy Nomination (2016) for The Chase
- Teen Choice Award Nomination for Baywatch
Her hard work and talent have ensured she remains relevant in the industry.
Interesting Facts About Brooke Burns
- Brooke Burns started as a ballet dancer but switched to modeling due to an injury.
- She has survived a serious neck injury and still has titanium rods in her neck.
- She dated Bruce Willis for a short period.
- She is a certified scuba diver despite her accident.
- Brooke has appeared in over 25 television shows and movies throughout her career.
Conclusion
Brooke Burns is more than just a beautiful actress and TV host—she is a survivor, a philanthropist, and a multi-talented entertainer. From her early days in modeling and acting to becoming a respected game show host, she has continued to evolve and inspire. With her charisma, intelligence, and passion, she remains a beloved figure in Hollywood.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Brooke Burns
Who is Brooke Burns?
Brooke Burns is an American actress, model, and game show host best known for her roles in Baywatch and hosting The Chase on GSN.
How old is Brooke Burns?
She was born on March 16, 1978, making her 47 years old as of 2025.
What is Brooke Burns famous for?
She gained fame for playing Jessie Owens on Baywatch and later became a popular game show host, known for Dog Eat Dog and The Chase.
Is Brooke Burns married?
Yes, she is married to filmmaker Gavin O’Connor since 2013. She was previously married to Julian McMahon.
Does Brooke Burns have children?
Yes, she has one daughter, Madison, from her first marriage to Julian McMahon.
What happened to Brooke Burns’ neck?
In 2005, she suffered a serious diving accident, breaking her neck. She underwent surgery and recovered with titanium rods in her neck.
What game shows has Brooke Burns hosted?
She has hosted several game shows, including Dog Eat Dog, The Chase, and Master Minds.
What is Brooke Burns’ net worth?
Her estimated net worth is around $5 million, earned from acting, modeling, and hosting.
Where is Brooke Burns from?
She was born and raised in Dallas, Texas, USA.
Is Brooke Burns still acting?
While she primarily focuses on hosting, she occasionally appears in TV movies and guest roles.
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