Emily Ratajkowski
Full Name: Emily O’Hara Ratajkowski
Date of Birth: June 7, 1991
Place of Birth: London, England, UK
Nationality: American
Profession: Model, Actress, Author, Activist
Years Active: 2004–present
Languages: English
Overview
Emily Ratajkowski is an American model, actress, and author who gained international fame for her striking looks, confident presence, and advocacy on issues related to feminism, sexuality, and body positivity. Initially known for her modeling work and viral music video appearances, she has expanded her career into acting and writing, building a multifaceted public image. Ratajkowski is recognized for challenging traditional beauty standards and using her platform to speak on women’s rights and empowerment.
Early Life & Education
Emily O’Hara Ratajkowski was born in London, England, while her American parents were temporarily living there. She was raised in Encinitas, California.
- Began modeling at age 14 and appeared in campaigns for brands such as PacSun and Forever 21 during her teenage years.
- Attended San Dieguito Academy, a public high school in Encinitas.
- Briefly studied at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) before pursuing her career full-time.
Career Highlights
Modeling & Music Video Breakthrough
- Gained widespread attention with her appearance in Robin Thicke’s controversial 2013 music video for “Blurred Lines”, which became a cultural phenomenon.
- Featured in numerous high-profile magazine covers, including Vogue, GQ, Harper’s Bazaar, and Elle.
- Walked the runway for designers like Marc Jacobs and appeared in advertising campaigns for brands such as DKNY, Calvin Klein, and Miu Miu.
Acting Career
- Early roles include a guest appearance on TV shows like iCarly (2009).
- Made her film debut in Gone Girl (2014), directed by David Fincher, where she played the character Andie Hardy, marking her transition into serious acting roles.
- Starred in movies such as We Are Your Friends (2015), Welcome Home (2018), and Lying and Stealing (2019).
- Continues to explore a variety of roles in independent and mainstream films.
Writing & Publishing
- Published her first essay collection, My Body, in 2021 — a critically acclaimed work exploring themes of feminism, beauty standards, and personal autonomy.
- Frequently contributes essays and opinion pieces to major publications such as The Cut and Lenny Letter.
Advocacy & Public Image
Emily Ratajkowski is vocal about:
- Feminism and body positivity: Challenges societal expectations about women’s bodies and advocates for female empowerment through ownership of sexuality.
- Women’s rights: Uses her platform to speak out on issues such as reproductive rights, sexual harassment, and equality.
- Self-expression: Encourages people, especially women, to embrace their individuality and reject shame related to their bodies or choices.
Awards & Recognition
- Featured on numerous “Most Beautiful” and “Sexiest” women lists by Maxim, FHM, and People magazines.
- Recognized by Time Magazine as one of the 30 Most Influential People on the Internet (2016).
- Her writing has been praised for blending personal narrative with political commentary, contributing to important cultural conversations.
Personal Life
- Married to musician Sebastian Bear-McClard since 2018; they welcomed their first child in 2021.
- Known for her candid and open discussions about motherhood, career balance, and privacy.
- Maintains a strong social media presence with millions of followers, where she shares glimpses of her work, lifestyle, and activism.
Legacy & Influence
Emily Ratajkowski stands out as a modern cultural icon who:
- Bridges modeling, acting, and activism with an unapologetic voice.
- Represents a new wave of celebrities who blend art, politics, and personal empowerment.
- Has helped reshape conversations around female sexuality and agency in the digital age.
Social Media Presence
- Personal Website: https://www.emrata.com/
- Instagram: @emrata (30M+ followers)
- Uses social media to promote her projects, personal views on feminism, fashion, and lifestyle, engaging with a large and diverse audience.
Recent & Upcoming Projects (as of 2025)
- Working on expanding her writing career with new essays and a potential memoir.
- Developing new film projects and collaborations within the fashion industry.
- Continuing advocacy through partnerships with feminist organizations and campaigns.
