Emily O’Hara Ratajkowski, born June 7, 1991, in London, England, is an American model, actress, and entrepreneur. Rising to fame through high-profile modeling campaigns and her appearance in Robin Thicke’s controversial Blurred Lines music video, Emily has since become a prominent figure in fashion, film, and social activism. Over the years, she has leveraged her influence to launch her swimwear brand, Inamorata, author essays on feminism, and participate in high-fashion campaigns worldwide.
Known for her advocacy on women’s rights and sexual empowerment, Ratajkowski has also cultivated a successful acting career, appearing in films such as Gone Girl (2014), We Are Your Friends (2015), and I Feel Pretty (2018). Beyond her career in entertainment, she is recognized for her thought leadership on female sexuality, ownership of personal image, and social justice activism.
Quick Facts of Emily Ratajkowski
| Full Name | Emily O’Hara Ratajkowski |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 7, 1991 |
| Place of Birth | London, England |
| Age | 34 (as of 2025) |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Education | Attended UCLA (1 year) |
| Family | Kathleen Anne Balgley (mother), John David “J.D.” Ratajkowski (father) |
| Spouse | Sebastian Bear-McClard (2018–2022) |
| Children | 1 son |
| Occupation | Model, Actress, Entrepreneur |
| Agencies | DNA Model Management, VIVA Model Management |
| Brands | Inamorata, Kérastase, DL1961, DKNY |
| Notable Works | Blurred Lines video, Gone Girl, We Are Your Friends, I Feel Pretty |
| Awards & Recognition | Model of the Year (Daily Front Row 2018), Esquire Woman of the Year 2013 |
Early Life and Background
Emily Ratajkowski was born in London to American parents and raised in Encinitas, California. Her father is Roman Catholic, and her mother is Jewish, giving Emily a diverse cultural heritage. She identifies as Polish-Israeli with additional Irish ancestry. From a young age, she explored soccer, ballet, and acting, performing in local theater productions before discovering her passion for modeling. Summers spent in Ireland and Spain also enriched her international perspective.
Ratajkowski began modeling in her teens, signing with Ford Models at age 14. Her early work included teen catalog modeling for Kohl’s and Nordstrom. She later briefly attended UCLA but left to pursue modeling full-time, citing a desire to focus on her artistic vision and career ambitions.
Career Beginnings and Breakthrough
Emily’s professional breakthrough came in 2012 when she appeared on the cover of treats! magazine. Shortly after, she gained worldwide attention in Robin Thicke’s 2013 music video for Blurred Lines, which was both highly praised and widely criticized for its sexualized content. Ratajkowski navigated the controversy by framing her performance as a feminist assertion of sexual agency.
Following the music video, she appeared in Maroon 5’s Love Somebody and Taio Cruz’s Fast Car videos. Her feature film debut came in 2014 as Ben Affleck’s character’s mistress in Gone Girl, earning critical recognition for her nuanced supporting performance.
Modeling Career and Fashion Influence
Ratajkowski made her professional runway debut in 2015 for Marc Jacobs at New York Fashion Week and has since walked major international runways, including Paris and Milan. She has been featured in Vogue, GQ, Harper’s Bazaar, and Allure. Emily has also designed her own jewelry and swimwear collections, most notably the Inamorata swimwear brand launched in 2017.
Over the years, she has challenged traditional beauty standards, advocating for more diverse body types and heights in modeling. Her presence in campaigns for Versace, DL1961, DKNY, and other brands underscores her lasting impact on fashion.
Acting Career Highlights
Beyond modeling, Ratajkowski has appeared in films including We Are Your Friends (2015), I Feel Pretty (2018), Cruise (2018), and Welcome Home (2018). While some critics noted that her roles focused on her physical appearance, she has also received praise for her comedic timing, screen presence, and ability to balance sex appeal with character authenticity.
Entrepreneurship and Advocacy
Emily is the founder of Inamorata, her swimwear brand, and has expanded into jewelry and beauty campaigns. She is also a vocal advocate for women’s rights and sexual empowerment, working with organizations like Planned Parenthood. Her essay collection, My Body (2021), explores feminism, female autonomy, and the challenges of navigating public attention in Hollywood and social media.
Personal Life
Emily married actor and producer Sebastian Bear-McClard in 2018, with whom she shares one son born in 2021. The couple separated in 2022, and she filed for divorce later that year. In 2022, she publicly identified as bisexual, noting that she views sexuality as a “sliding scale.”
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Emily Ratajkowski has established herself as a global icon of beauty, fashion, and advocacy. Through her modeling, acting, entrepreneurship, and activism, she has reshaped conversations around female sexuality, empowerment, and ownership of one’s image. Her influence on social media, the fashion industry, and feminist discourse continues to grow, making her one of the most recognized and respected figures of her generation.
