Emily Ratajkowski Biography: A Multifaceted Star in 2025
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- July 21, 2025
Emily Ratajkowski, born June 7, 1991, in London, England, is an American model, actress, and author known for her bold presence and feminist advocacy. Rising to fame with the “Blur of the Night” music video, Emily Ratajkowski has become a global icon in fashion and entertainment. This biography explores her early life, career highlights, struggles, controversies, personal life, social media presence, philanthropy, and lesser-known facts, highlighting her influence in 2025.
About Emily Ratajkowski
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Emily O’Hara Ratajkowski |
| Born | June 7, 1991, London, England |
| Profession | Model, Actress, Author, Entrepreneur |
| Notable Work | “Blur of the Night,” Gone Girl, Inamorata, My Body |
| Marital Status | Divorced from Sebastian Bear-McClard (m. 2018–2022) |
| Children | Son: Sylvester Apollo Bear (b. March 2021) |
| Net Worth | ~$8 million (2025, Celebrity Net Worth) |
| Awards | Women of the Year (2013, Glamour), Unbound Filmmaker Award (2021) |
Emily Ratajkowski’s Early Life
London to California
Born in London to American parents, John Ratajkowski, an artist, and Kathleen Balgley, an English professor, Emily Ratajkowski moved to San Diego, California, at age five. Raised in Encinitas, she grew up in a creative household, fostering her love for art and performance.
Early Passions
Emily began acting at 14, performing in local theater productions like The Little Match Girl. She signed with Ford Models as a teen, balancing high school at San Dieguito Academy with early modeling gigs for Kohl’s and Nordstrom. Her ambition drove her to pursue bigger opportunities in Los Angeles.
Struggles and Down Phases
Early Rejections
Despite early modeling success, Emily faced rejection in acting auditions, often deemed “too sexy” for roles. She told Vogue in 2023 that these setbacks pushed her to work harder, though they initially dented her confidence.
Personal and Professional Struggles
After her 2022 divorce from Sebastian Bear-McClard, Emily navigated single motherhood while facing public scrutiny. Additionally, her 2020 sexual assault allegation against photographer Jonathan Leder brought emotional challenges, though it fueled her advocacy for survivors.
Career Highlights
Breakthrough with “Blur of the Night”
In 2013, Emily Ratajkowski gained global fame as the lead in Robin Thicke’s “Blur of the Night” music video, which amassed over 800 million views. The exposure led to modeling contracts with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit and campaigns for DKNY and Marc Jacobs.
Acting and Writing Success
Emily debuted in Gone Girl (2014) as Andie Fitzgerald, earning critical praise. She starred in We Are Your Friends (2015) and I Feel Pretty (2018). Her 2021 essay collection, My Body, became a New York Times bestseller, exploring fame and feminism.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
In 2017, Emily founded Inamorata, a swimwear and clothing brand, which expanded into lingerie by 2025. Her 2025 role in Too Much alongside Eddie Murphy and Pete Davidson, plus a Vogue cover, solidified her as a multifaceted star.
Personal Life
Emily married film producer Sebastian Bear-McClard in 2018 after a whirlwind romance, welcoming their son, Sylvester, in 2021. They divorced in 2022 amid infidelity rumors. As of 2025, she dates casually, living in New York and Los Angeles, and enjoys painting and yoga.
Controversies
“Blur of the Night” Backlash
The 2013 music video sparked debate for its explicit content, with some X users like @FeminismNow criticizing it as objectifying. Emily defended her choice in The Guardian, saying it empowered her, though she later reflected on its complexities in My Body.
Sexual Assault Allegations
In 2020, Emily accused photographer Jonathan Leder of assault during a 2012 shoot, detailed in a New York magazine essay. Leder denied the claims, but the controversy amplified her advocacy. In 2024, her silence on the Gaza conflict led to her inclusion on the “Blockout 2024” list, sparking mixed reactions on X.
Social Media Presence
With 31 million Instagram followers (@emrata) and 1.2 million on X (@emrata), Emily shares bold fashion posts, Inamorata promotions, and feminist insights. Her 2025 Instagram post about Too Much gained 400,000 likes, while her X posts on women’s rights resonate widely.
Lesser-Known Facts
- Theater Roots: Acted in The Little Match Girl at 14 in San Diego.
- Artistic Family: Her father is a painter, influencing her creative side.
- Irish Ancestry: Traces her roots to Irish and Polish heritage.
- Ford Model: Signed with Ford Models at 14 for teen campaigns.
- Bookworm: Reads feminist literature, citing Simone de Beauvoir as an influence.
- Nude Shoot Stance: Defended her nude shoots as artistic expression in 2023.
- Podcast Host: Launched High Low with EmRata in 2022, covering culture.
- Dog Lover: Owns a German Shepherd named Colombo, featured on Instagram.
Philanthropy
Emily supports women’s rights through Planned Parenthood and Gurls Talk, advocating for reproductive health and mental wellness. Her 2023 fundraiser for survivors of assault raised $100,000. She also backs environmental causes, promoting sustainable fashion with Inamorata in 2025.
Current Status and Influence
In 2025, Emily Ratajkowski thrives with an $8 million net worth. Her role in Too Much, Inamorata’s expansion, and advocacy for women’s rights keep her in the spotlight. Named a Time100 Next Phenom in 2024, she continues to shape fashion, film, and feminism.
Conclusion
This Emily Ratajkowski biography highlights her journey from a teen model to a global icon. Overcoming rejections and personal challenges, Emily Ratajkowski excels in modeling, acting, and writing while championing women’s rights. Her bold style and ventures like Inamorata define her legacy. In 2025, she remains a powerful voice in entertainment and activism.
