Emily Ratajkowski has become one of the most-recognized faces in fashion and entertainment over the past decade. She first shot to fame appearing in Robin Thicke‘s controversial "Blurred Lines" video in 2013. Since then, she has leveraged her success into an impressive modeling career, emerging acting roles, and high-profile activism.
Let‘s take an in-depth look at the woman behind the social media sensation, including her background, accomplishments, personal relationships, and passions.
Emily Ratajkowski Vital Stats
| Full Name | Emily O‘Hara Ratajkowski |
|---|---|
| Birthday | June 7, 1991 |
| Birthplace | Westminster, London, England |
| Parents | John David Ratajkowski (painter & art teacher), Kathleen Balgley (English professor) |
| Height | 5‘ 7" (1.7 m) |
| Occupation | Model, actress, entrepreneur |
| Years active | 2004–present |
| Net worth | $8 million |
| Spouse | Sebastian Bear-McClard (m. 2018-present) |
| Children | Sylvester Apollo Bear (b. 2021) |
Background and Early Life in California
Emily O‘Hara Ratajkowski was born on June 7, 1991 in Westminster, London to American parents. Her mother Kathleen Balgley is an English professor, while her father John David Ratajkowski is a painter and art teacher.
When Emily was just five years old, the family moved to San Diego, California. She spent the majority of her childhood and adolescent years in Southern California.
From an early age, Emily expressed an interest in performance. She took ballet lessons for over a decade and frequently appeared in recitals. As a teen, she began acting in high school plays and musicals.
Ratajkowski attended San Dieguito Academy where she participated in theater. After graduation, she enrolled at UCLA where she majored in Fine Art with an emphasis on photography and the nude figure.
Taking the Fashion World by Storm
Ratajkowski‘s modeling career began at age 14 when she signed with Ford Models. Early bookings included catalog work for Nordstrom and Kohl‘s.
However, it was her appearance in Robin Thicke‘s 2013 "Blurred Lines" video that catapulted Ratajkowski to mainstream fame. Cast as one of three topless models, the risqué video became a viral sensation and ignited Ratajkowski‘s career.
She quickly transitioned to high fashion modeling, walking the runway for Marc Jacobs, Dolce & Gabbana, Bottega Veneta, and Versace. Major advertising campaigns soon followed with DKNY, The Kooples, and Kerastase.
In 2014, Ratajkowski achieved one of fashion‘s greatest honors – she was named a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue Rookie alongside Nina Agdal and Lily Aldridge. She has since appeared in multiple issues, including three straight covers in 2014, 2015 and 2016.
Beyond magazine editorials and fashion shows, Ratajkowski has modeled commercially for brands like PacSun, Superga, The Frye Company, and Jaguar. In 2015, she infamously appeared in a controversial Carl‘s Jr. Super Bowl ad.
Breaking into Acting
With her profile on the rise, Ratajkowski began shifting into acting roles around 2014. Some of her most noteworthy acting credits include:
- Gone Girl (2014) – Model Andie opposite Ben Affleck
- Entourage (2015) – Herself
- I Feel Pretty with Amy Schumer (2018) – Violet
- Lying and Stealing with Theo James (2019) – Elyse
- Welcome Home with Aaron Paul (2018) – Cassie
- Bright Future (TBA) – Sarah
Her largest role came playing the lead in the thriller Lying and Stealing (2019). Ratajkowski earned praise for her performance as a femme fatale co-starring alongside Theo James. This breakthrough role proved she was more than just a pretty face.
While not all her films have been critically-acclaimed, Ratajkowski has improved as an actress over the years through studying the craft and taking on diverse roles.
Launching Inamorata Woman
Beyond modeling and acting, Ratajkowski expanded her business profile by launching her own fashion label called Inamorata Woman in 2017.
Initially focused solely on swimwear, Inamorata has since grown into a broader line including intimates, apparel, and accessories. Ratajkowski oversees the company‘s creative direction, drawing design inspiration from her global travels.
By self-financing Inamorata and relying heavily on Instagram marketing, Ratajkowski has enjoyed impressive success. In 2021, the company had earned over $10 million in total sales revenue.
Ratajkowski aims for Inamorata to embody female empowerment and sexuality. The collections are designed for both style and comfort, offered in an inclusive range of sizes.
Romantic Relationships and Motherhood
Ratajkowski‘s romantic life has attracted significant media attention over the years. She dated several men early in her career, including photographer Andrew Dryden and creative director Jeff Magid.
In February 2018, Ratajkowski surprised fans by marrying producer Sebastian Bear-McClard in a private New York City courthouse wedding after just a few weeks of dating.
On March 8, 2021, Ratajkowski gave birth to the couple‘s first child, son Sylvester Apollo Bear. Their family of three currently resides in Echo Park, Los Angeles.
Despite being married with a baby, Ratajkowski‘s social media presence and public outings continue fueling relationship rumors regarding her husband and past partners like Brad Pitt.
Outspoken Advocate for Women‘s Rights
Never one to avoid controversy, Ratajkowski uses her immense social media reach to advocate for various social and political causes.
She considers herself a feminist and actively engages in public displays supporting reproductive rights and gender equality. Her arrest at the 2018 New York SlutWalk brought widespread attention to victim blaming in sexual assault cases.
Beyond women‘s rights, Ratajkowski has loudly endorsed Bernie Sanders, the Black Lives Matter movement, LGBTQ+ issues, immigration reform, and sustainability efforts.
While criticized at times for performative activism, Ratajkowski has undeniably stimulated important cultural discussions on gender, consent, equality, and politics.
The Many Sides of Emily Ratajkowski
It‘s clear that Emily Ratajkowski is more than just another pretty face. Now 31 years old, she has already left an indelible impact on popular culture through her modeling, films, business ventures, and outspoken views.
With Inamorata flourishing and exciting acting projects still to come, Ratajkowski remains one of the most influential voices of her generation. While just starting her family, she continues breaking barriers and fighting for the causes she‘s passionate about.
Emily Ratajkowski has proven she is a multi-dimensional force to be reckoned with in fashion, film, activism and beyond. Her intellect, drive, and determination will surely continue pushing boundaries in culture. We can expect amazing things to come from this empowered talent.