Emily O'Hara Ratajkowski, born on June 7, 1991, in Westminster, London, is a British model and actress renowned for her striking looks and dynamic presence in the entertainment industry. Ratajkowski gained substantial fame following her appearance in the controversial music video for Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines" in 2013, which propelled her into the global spotlight and established her as a prominent figure in both modeling and acting.
Raised in Encinitas, California, Ratajkowski was born to American parents, which contributed to her dual cultural identity. She signed with Ford Models at a young age, marking the beginning of her modeling career. Her breakthrough came in 2012 when she graced the cover of the March issue of the erotic magazine treats!. This exposure led to her involvement in various music videos, but it was her role in "Blurred Lines" that truly catapulted her to fame, igniting discussions around sexuality and representation in media.
Ratajkowski made her feature film debut in 2014 with a supporting role in Gone Girl, where she played the mistress of Ben Affleck's character. This performance showcased her acting talents and helped solidify her place in Hollywood. In addition to her film work, she has appeared in the 2014 and 2015 editions of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue, further establishing her as a leading model. She made her professional catwalk debut for Marc Jacobs at New York Fashion Week in 2015 and has since walked in prestigious events such as Paris Fashion Week and Milan Fashion Week. Her work in high fashion and her international covers for Vogue have led to her recognition as one of the new generation of supermodels, as noted by Models.com.
Beyond her modeling and acting career, Ratajkowski has emerged as a vocal advocate for women's health issues, serving as a spokesperson for Planned Parenthood. She identifies as a feminist and has garnered both support and criticism for her views on sexual expression and empowerment. In November 2021, she published her essay collection titled My Body, which quickly became a New York Times Bestseller. This work explores themes of body image, feminism, and the complexities of being a woman in the public eye.
In her personal life, Ratajkowski was married to actor Sebastian Bear-McClard from February 23, 2018, until their separation in 2022. As of now, Ratajkowski continues to engage with her audience through social media and her writing, maintaining her presence as a significant figure in contemporary discussions on feminism, body positivity, and the entertainment industry. Her journey reflects the intersection of modeling, acting, and activism, making her a compelling personality in today's cultural landscape.