Emily Ratajkowski is a famous American model-turned-actress known for her sex appeal and stylish sense. Ratajkowski, who aspired to be an actress since she was a child, quickly followed her ambition. She transitioned to modelling throughout her adolescence following a few gigs as a child artist, and has been a sought-after face ever since. Ratajkowski’s openness to everything, including nudity, set her apart from other models. Her free attitude derives from her childhood travels to Europe’s nudist beaches, which left an indelible impression on her young mind. In 2012, her appearance on the cover of a pornographic magazine helped her land a part in the record-breaking music video ‘Blurred Lines.’ Ratajkowski had initially turned down the invitation, and it was only after great pressure that she consented to do it. Her career was launched by the video, which made her an overnight sensation. Numerous photoshoots, runway success, top rankings in beauty and fashion lists, making it to the covers of the world’s most prestigious publications, and even big screen appearances followed—all of which had been her ‘prized’ goal all along. Meanwhile, her bold style and sense of fashion drew a large number of fans, both on and off social media. Ratajowski has appeared in a number of films, including ‘Entourage,’ ‘We Are Your Friends,’ ‘I Feel Pretty,’ and others, with many more in the works.
Childhood and Adolescence
Kathleen Balgley and John David Ratajkowski gave birth to Emily O’Hara Ratajkowski on June 7, 1991, in Westminster, London. She was the couple’s only child. Her mother was an English professor, and her father was an artist and art instructor.
Ratajkowski spent a lot of time in Europe when he was younger. During her early years, Ratajkowski was introduced to the nude female figure in photography and art while visiting nude beaches in Europe. Famous photographers’ work, especially her father’s, left an indelible impression on Emily as a child.
Ratajkowski lived in London for the first five years of her life before settling in San Diego, California. Ratajkowski had been infatuated with theatre before leaving London. Her passion for acting landed her the role of Elsa in the ‘The Little Match Girl’ adaption. She subsequently took on a few roles and even tried her hand at dancing before moving on to modeling.
Ratajkowski studied at San Dieguito Academy High School in San Diego before moving to Los Angeles to pursue a career in modeling and acting. She enrolled at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 2009, but only stayed for one year. She dropped out because the school’s ideology clashed with hers.
Career of Emily
Ratajkowski obtained a contract with a talent agency when he was 14 years old. She also secured a contract with Ford and modeled for Kohl’s and Nordstrom’s teen print catalogs. She appeared in a number of uncredited minor roles in television and film projects.
Ratajkowski began her modeling career in 2010. She modeled for a number of erotic art magazines. Her rawness and bold style landed her roles in two high-profile music videos. During this time, she also appeared in a number of commercials.
Ratajkowski’s fame skyrocketed in 2013 after she appeared in Pharrell Williams’ video for “Blurred Lines.” Despite the fact that the video sparked a backlash and was labeled sexist and misogynistic by some, she believes it did not objectify her or any other women and instead focused on female power and sexual freedom.
‘Blurred Lines’ was a career-defining film for Ratajkowski. It remained at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 Chart for twelve weeks in a row, making it the decade’s longest-running number one hit. It also became the number one song in nations like Canada, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom on the 2013 Music Charts.
‘Blurred Lines’ catapulted Ratajkowski to stardom in an unexpectedly short period of time. She had transformed into a sex symbol and had become a permanent fixture on several prestigious fashion magazine polls and rankings almost overnight. She was named one of the hottest sex symbols by Rolling Stones, Sports Illustrated, FHM, and AskMen.
Ratajkowski quickly landed herself in supporting roles in blockbuster films, using her newfound fame. In the film ‘Gone Girl,’ she played the mistress of Ben Affleck’s character. She debuted as the cover model for the prestigious ‘Cosmopolitan’ magazine shortly after making waves for her performance in the film.
Ratajkowski co-starred in the 2015 film ‘Entourage,’ in which she played Vincent Chase’s love interest. Her performance in the film was well-received. In the same year, she starred in the film ‘The Spoils Before Dying,’ in which she received positive reviews for her performance as Agent Day.
In August 2015, she made her lead acting debut in the musical drama ‘We Are Your Friends,’ alongside Zac Efron. Sophie, a Stanford University dropout, was her role in the film. Ratajkowski became a style icon throughout the film’s promotional tour of Europe and North America, as well as its premiere in London, garnering many best dressed awards. Although her performance was met with mixed reviews, she was praised for her dance abilities and sex appeal.
Ratajkowski appeared on the covers of many magazines after the popularity of ‘We Are Your Friends,’ including Grazia France, British GQ, Harper’s Bazaar, InStyle UK and Australia. She also made her runway debuts for Marc Jacobs at New York Fashion Week’s spring/summer finale and Miu Miu at Paris Fashion Week.
Ratajkowski kicked off 2017 with a cover shoot for Vogue Espaa in February, followed by cover appearances for InStyle, Marie Claire, and Harper’s Bazaar in the months that followed. She was a model for The Kooples’, a French fashion house, and even designed a 38-piece bag collection for them.
Ratajkowski co-starred in the comedy film ‘I Feel Pretty’ with Amy Schumer in 2018. Hers was a crucial part, and she played it flawlessly.
Ratajkowski is currently working on several film projects. ‘Cruise,’ starring Spencer Boldman, ‘In Darkness,’ starring Natalie Dormer, Ed Skrein, and Stacy Martin, and ‘Welcome Home,’ starring Aaron Paul, are among her future films. She’s also set to star in the NBC pilot ‘Bright Futures’ as a series regular.
Personal & Family Life
Andrew Dryden, a creative director and clothes buyer, was Emily Ratajkowski’s boyfriend. However, things did not work out with them, and they divorced in February 2014.
Us Weekly reported in December 2014 that she was dating musician Jeff Magid. This, too, was a short-lived relationship, as the two split up in early 2018. Sylvester Apollo Bear, their first child together, was born on March 8, 2021.
Ratajkowski married actor-producer Sebastian Bear-McClard, her partner of a few weeks, in a courthouse wedding on February 23, 2018, according to her Instagram account.
Ratajkowski is a well-known activist in addition to being an actor. She agreed to make a short film for Planned Parenthood (PPFA) to promote reproductive and sexual health, and she is very involved with PPFA because of its global importance in women’s health. She has used her popularity to advocate for women’s empowerment and sexuality on multiple occasions.
Estimated Net Worth
Emily Ratajkowski has a net worth of $8 million.