Who is model Emily Ratajkowski?
Emily Ratajkowski, born Emily O'Hara Ratajkowski on June 7, 1991, in Westminster, London, England, is an American model, actress, and author. Often known online as "EmRata," she achieved widespread international recognition in 2013 after appearing in the music video for Robin Thicke's hit single "Blurred Lines". Over her career, she has transitioned into runway modeling for major luxury fashion houses, appearing in high-profile feature films, and establishing herself as a bestselling writer.
Background/biography
Ratajkowski was born in London to American parents, Kathleen Anne Balgley, an English professor and writer, and John David "J. D." Ratajkowski, a painter and art teacher. She spent her early years in London before her family relocated to the San Diego suburb of Encinitas, California, when she was five years old. Raised in an artistic and intellectually focused household, she was exposed early on to classical art and visual media.
Her initial creative interests included theater, ballet, and acting. At the age of 14, Ratajkowski signed with Ford Models after an acting coach encouraged her to seek representation. She attended San Dieguito Academy high school while simultaneously pursuing modeling and acting opportunities in Los Angeles. Following high school graduation, she enrolled at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) to study fine arts. However, after one year of college, she chose to drop out to pursue modeling full-time.
Modeling and acting career
- 2009–2010: Played the recurring guest role of Tasha in the Nickelodeon teen sitcom iCarly.
- 2012: Modeled for the cover of the erotic art publication treats! magazine, which caught the attention of music video directors.
- 2013: Starred in the music video for Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines" and Maroon 5's "Love Somebody".
- 2014: Made her major feature film debut as Andie Fitzgerald in David Fincher's thriller Gone Girl.
- 2014–2015: Featured in back-to-back editions of the annual Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
- 2015: Made her high-fashion runway debut walking for Marc Jacobs at New York Fashion Week.
- 2015: Starred alongside Zac Efron in the drama film We Are Your Friends and appeared as herself in Entourage.
- 2017: Founded her own body-conscious clothing and swimwear brand, Inamorata.
- 2018: Co-starred in film projects including I Feel Pretty, In Darkness, and Welcome Home.
- 2021: Published her debut essay collection, My Body, which became a New York Times bestseller.
Following her breakthrough appearance in the "Blurred Lines" music video in 2013, Ratajkowski rapidly expanded her presence within the fashion and entertainment industries. In modeling, she expanded from commercial print work to high-fashion runways, walking for major fashion houses such as Versace, Miu Miu, Bottega Veneta, and Dolce & Gabbana. She has also served as a brand ambassador for major global brands, including Kérastase, Paco Rabanne, and DKNY.
Parallel to her modeling career, Ratajkowski actively pursued acting, intentionally choosing film roles that challenged stereotypes. Her role in David Fincher's Gone Girl was widely noted, leading to subsequent leading and supporting roles in features and television series like Easy. Beyond performance arts, she expanded into literature and media, authoring the essay collection My Body and hosting her own podcast project.
The publication of My Body and image ownership
A central topic in public discussions surrounding Ratajkowski is her evolution into a prominent writer and advocate for image rights and female agency. In September 2020, she published an influential essay on The Cut titled "Buying Myself Back," which explored themes of body ownership, intellectual property, and the commodification of women's images in fashion and media. The essay detailed her experiences with copyright claims over photographs of her own body and served as the foundation for her 2021 book, My Body. Her transition from a widely commercialized subject to an outspoken commentator on the business of modeling became a signature turning point in how her career is viewed.
Public reception
Public and media perception of Ratajkowski has evolved considerably throughout her career. Initially rising to prominence in media outlets centered on her visual image, her early work in high-profile music videos generated substantial discussion surrounding sex appeal and modern media portrayals. Critics and fashion commentators have noted her ability to leverage high-volume viral exposure into longevity across high-fashion runways, feature films, and corporate brand campaigns.
Following the publication of her written essays and book, literary and cultural critics frequently highlighted her nuanced perspectives on body politics, third-wave feminism, and the economics of female beauty. While her public commentary on social issues, political endorsements, and women's rights has at times drawn debate across media platforms, she is broadly recognized in the industry as a multi-hyphenate figure who successfully bridged the gap between commercial modeling, fashion, and cultural commentary.