EMILY RATAJKOWSKI

Emily Ratajkowski: A Multifaceted Journey from Modeling to Advocacy​

Early Life and Background

Emily O'Hara Ratajkowski was born on June 7, 1991, in Westminster, London, to American parents Kathleen Balgley, a professor, and John David Ratajkowski, a painter. Raised in Encinitas, California, she spent parts of her childhood in Ireland and Mallorca, Spain, which contributed to her diverse cultural background. Emily's heritage includes Polish-Israeli and Irish ancestry, and she has expressed a strong identification with her Jewish roots. Her early exposure to art and photography, influenced by her parents' professions, played a significant role in shaping her perspectives on beauty and expression. ​

Modeling Career

Emily began modeling at the age of 14 after signing with Ford Models. She initially worked on teen print catalogs for brands like Kohl's and Nordstrom. Her breakthrough came in 2012 when she appeared on the cover of the erotic magazine treats!, leading to her prominent role in Robin Thicke's 2013 music video "Blurred Lines," which catapulted her to international fame. ​

Following this exposure, Emily featured in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issues in 2014 and 2015 and made her professional runway debut for Marc Jacobs at New York Fashion Week in 2015. She has since worked with major fashion houses and appeared on numerous international Vogue covers, establishing herself as a prominent figure in the modeling industry. 

Acting Endeavors

Emily's acting career began with a recurring role as Tasha in the Nickelodeon series iCarly from 2009 to 2010. She made her film debut in 2014, portraying Andie Fitzgerald in David Fincher's Gone Girl. Subsequent roles include Sophie in We Are Your Friends (2015), Mallory in I Feel Pretty (2018), and Elyse in Lying and Stealing (2019). ​

Despite her success, Emily has spoken about the challenges she faced in the acting industry, expressing concerns about being typecast and objectified. In 2023, she revealed that these experiences led her to step back from acting to focus on other creative pursuits. ​

Writing and Advocacy

In November 2021, Emily published her essay collection My Body, which delves into themes of feminism, sexuality, and personal experiences in the modeling industry. The book received critical acclaim and became a New York Times bestseller. 

Emily is an outspoken advocate for women's rights and has been involved with organizations like Planned Parenthood. She uses her platform to discuss issues related to body autonomy, gender equality, and the complexities of female empowerment. ​

Personal Life

Emily married actor and producer Sebastian Bear-McClard in February 2018. The couple welcomed their son, Sylvester Apollo Bear, on March 8, 2021. They separated in July 2022, and Emily filed for divorce in September of the same year. ​

Following her divorce, Emily has been candid about her experiences as a single mother and her views on relationships. She has expressed interest in having more children, regardless of her relationship status, and has discussed the possibility of raising a child independently. ​

Emily Ratajkowski continues to influence various industries through her modeling, writing, and advocacy work, using her voice to challenge societal norms and promote empowerment.