Emily Ratajkowski Bio
Emily O’Hara Ratajkowski (born June 7, 1991) is an American model and actress. Born in London to American parents and raised in Encinitas, California, she signed to Ford Models at a young age. Her modeling debut was on the cover of the March 2012 issue of the erotic magazine treats!, which led to her appearance in several music videos, including Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines”, which catapulted her to global fame. Ratajkowski’s feature film debut was a supporting role as the mistress of Ben Affleck’s character in the film Gone Girl (2014). She has also walked on the runways of Paris Fashion Week and Milan Fashion Week, and for her international Vogue covers and high fashion campaigns, Models.com ranks her as one of the new generation of supermodels. Ratajkowski is an advocate for women’s health issues as a spokesperson for Planned Parenthood and has published essays discussing her views on feminism and sexuality. Her essay collection, My Body, was published in November 2021 and became a New York Times Bestseller.
Early Life and Background
Emily O’Hara Ratajkowski was born on June 7, 1991, in Westminster, London, the only child of American school teachers Kathleen Anne Balgley and John David “J.D.” Ratajkowski. She was raised in the San Diego suburb of Encinitas, California. Ratajkowski attended San Dieguito Academy, a high school in Encinitas, while also participating in local theater productions as a child and young teen. She tried soccer, acting, and ballet before fully committing to modeling. Ratajkowski attended UCLA for a year before dropping out to pursue modeling full-time. Her father was raised Roman Catholic, while her mother is Jewish, and Ratajkowski identifies as Polish-Israeli with some Irish ancestry. She spent her summers in Ireland and Spain during her youth, which further enriched her cultural background.
Path to Hollywood
With encouragement from an acting coach, Ratajkowski signed with Ford Models at age 14 and began modeling for teen print catalogs. She auditioned for roles in Disney productions and Nickelodeon’s iCarly but was often typecast. After appearing in two nondescript movie roles, she gained recognition as Gibby’s girlfriend, Tasha, in two episodes of iCarly (2009–2010). Ratajkowski’s breakthrough came when she appeared in the music video for “Blurred Lines” in 2013, which garnered her significant media attention and established her as a sex symbol. This led to her casting in the film Gone Girl, where her performance was praised for its nuance and complexity.
Emily Ratajkowski Career
Early Career (2004–2013)
Ratajkowski began her career in modeling at a young age, participating in various campaigns and editorials. Her notable early work included modeling for the artistic erotica magazine treats!, which played a significant role in her rise to fame. In 2013, she appeared in the controversial music video for “Blurred Lines,” which became a cultural phenomenon and solidified her status as a prominent figure in both modeling and acting. Following this, she was recognized by various publications, including being named Esquire’s “Woman of the Year” in 2013.
Breakthrough (2014–2015)
Ratajkowski’s role in Gone Girl (2014) marked a significant turning point in her acting career. She portrayed a critical character that showcased her acting abilities beyond modeling. Following this, she starred in the film We Are Your Friends (2015) alongside Zac Efron, where she played the love interest of Efron’s character. Although her performance received mixed reviews, it further established her presence in Hollywood. Ratajkowski also appeared in the 2015 film Entourage, playing a fictionalized version of herself, which garnered attention for her portrayal and further expanded her acting repertoire.
Notable Works and Milestones
Ratajkowski’s signature work includes her role in Gone Girl, which received critical acclaim. She has been recognized for her contributions to both modeling and acting, earning accolades and being featured in numerous fashion magazines and campaigns. Her advocacy for women’s rights and health issues has also been a significant aspect of her public persona.
Emily Ratajkowski Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Emily Ratajkowski has received various nominations for her work in modeling and acting, reflecting her impact on the entertainment industry.
Emily Ratajkowski Awards Won
Emily Ratajkowski has won several awards, including recognition for her modeling achievements and contributions to women’s rights advocacy.
Emily Ratajkowski Family
Emily Ratajkowski is the only child of John David “J.D.” Ratajkowski and Kathleen Anne Balgley. She was married to actor and producer Sebastian Bear-McClard from 2018 to 2022, and they have one son, born in 2021.
Personal Life
Ratajkowski has been open about her experiences with relationships and her views on sexuality. She identifies as bisexual and has spoken about the complexities of her identity in the public eye. After separating from her husband in 2022, she has continued to advocate for women’s empowerment and sexual health issues.
