While at high school she wanted to be a vet. She moved to New York to earn money for medical school by modeling and was soon appearing in magazines and advertisements. An agency sent her for a film audition resulting in her getting a role in 'Grasslands' filmed in South Dakota in 1971. The title was changed to 'Hex' but wasn't released. She fell in love with her Grassland co star Keith Carradine in 1972, moved to Los Angeles to pursue her career and to be with Keith.
Retired from acting in 1992 at the age of 40, to become a registered nurse, specialising in the care of renal dialysis patients.
Christina and her Nashville (1975) co-star Keith Carradine were romantically involved during the 1970s and once shared a home in Topanga Canyon, Los Angeles.
Her sister, Tori Herazo. represented the USA at the 1992 Olympics in racewalking.
Cristina Raines and Mark Harmon worked together in the mini series Centennial (1978-1979) before they began to work together again in the NBC night time soap opera Flamingo Road (1981-1982).