Emily O'Hara Ratajkowski is an American model and actress born on June 7, 1991. She was born to American parents in London and grew up in San Diego, California. Ratajkowski first worked as a child actor and later moved into modeling and feature films. Her visibility increased dramatically after a high-profile appearance in a popular 2013 music video, and she has since combined commercial entertainment work with public writing and advocacy.
Career and notable works
Ratajkowski began performing as a child and took small roles on television before modeling became her primary public role. She gained widespread attention in 2013 through her appearance in a music video by Robin Thicke for the song "Blurred Lines", which became a global hit and a frequent subject of cultural debate. Around the same period she was credited with modeling campaigns and editorial work that increased her profile in fashion and popular media.
Alongside modeling, Ratajkowski has pursued acting in film. Early screen credits include a small television role on the Nickelodeon series iCarly, and she made a more prominent transition to feature films with roles such as in Gone Girl (2014). Other film appearances have included Entourage, I Feel Pretty and We Are Your Friends, among various independent and studio projects.
Activism, writing and public positions
Beyond entertainment, Ratajkowski has become known for public commentary about feminism, sexualization, and body autonomy. She has supported reproductive health organizations such as Planned Parenthood and has used interviews and essays to reflect on her experiences as a woman working in modeling and film. Her work in print and longform has discussed the intersections of image-making, consent and personal agency, and she has published a collection of essays exploring these themes.
Ratajkowski has also engaged in electoral politics by endorsing candidates whose platforms emphasize social and economic issues. She publicly supported Bernie Sanders in his bids for the office of President of the United States, and she has used her platform to encourage civic participation on issues affecting women and families.
Impact and public reception
Ratajkowski's presence in a major pop-culture moment placed her at the center of conversations about the depiction of women in media. Critics and supporters alike have discussed how her career reflects broader tensions: the commercial value of beauty and sexual imagery, and simultaneous efforts to assert control over personal representation. She has been both celebrated for her modeling work and scrutinized for how images of her are used, prompting debates about consent and commercialization in the digital age.
Selected credits and activities
- Television: early appearances including roles on youth-oriented series
- Music video: high-profile appearance in a 2013 music video that amplified her public profile
- Film: credits include Gone Girl, Entourage, I Feel Pretty, We Are Your Friends
- Writing and advocacy: essays and public statements on feminism, body image and reproductive rights
Emily Ratajkowski remains active across modeling, acting and public discourse. Her career illustrates how contemporary celebrities can move between commercial entertainment and political or cultural advocacy, shaping conversations about image, agency and the responsibilities of public figures.