Emily Ratajkowski has built a fascinating career that stretches across modeling, acting, fashion, social media, and activism. Many people first discovered her through the “Blurred Lines” music video, but there is much more to her story than that highly publicized appearance.
From an early start in the modeling industry to memorable roles in films such as Gone Girl, We Are Your Friends, and Entourage, Emily has steadily developed a career of her own. She has also spoken publicly about feminism, body image, politics, and women's rights.
Here are 15 interesting facts about Emily Ratajkowski that reveal some of the lesser-known details behind her journey from young model to internationally recognized actress and public figure.
15. Her Gone Girl Character Was Very Different From Amy Dunne
In Gone Girl, Emily played Andie Fitzgerald, the younger woman involved with Ben Affleck's character, Nick Dunne. Her character was intentionally presented as a contrast to Rosamund Pike's Amy, creating an important difference between the two women in Nick's life.
The role also helped demonstrate that Emily wanted to move beyond modeling and establish herself as an actress. Although she became widely recognized for her appearance in music videos and fashion campaigns, acting offered her an opportunity to explore more challenging characters.
14. She Signed With Ford Models At 14
Emily entered professional modeling at a remarkably young age. At only 14, she signed with Ford Models, one of the best-known agencies in the fashion industry.
Her early work included print campaigns for major retailers such as Kohl's and Nordstrom. Those first assignments gave her valuable experience and helped establish the foundation for a much larger career.
13. Her First Television Appearance Was On iCarly
Before becoming a major movie star, Emily made an appearance on the popular Nickelodeon series iCarly. She played Tasha, the girlfriend of Noah Munck's character, in two episodes.
The television appearance was an early step in her acting career. A few years later, she would land one of her best-known film roles in David Fincher's acclaimed thriller Gone Girl.
12. She Became A Major Social Media Model
Social media has transformed the modeling industry, allowing models to communicate directly with enormous audiences. Emily became one of the recognizable faces of this new generation of social media personalities.
Alongside names such as Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid, she demonstrated how a strong online presence could complement a traditional modeling and entertainment career. Her Instagram following also became an important part of her public profile.
11. She Studied Art At UCLA
Modeling and acting are not Emily's only creative interests. She also studied art at UCLA before eventually leaving university to concentrate on her career.
She has continued to maintain an interest in painting and drawing. Her artistic background is another reminder that her career extends well beyond fashion and entertainment.
10. She Was Born In England And Raised In California
Emily was born in London to American parents and grew up in California. Her mother was an English professor, while her father worked as an art teacher and painter.
Her childhood environment was strongly influenced by art, literature, and education. Her parents' creative backgrounds played an important role in shaping her interests and outlook.
9. She Appeared In A Maroon 5 Music Video
Long before “Blurred Lines” became a worldwide phenomenon, Emily appeared in Maroon 5's “Love Somebody” music video. She played Adam Levine's love interest in the visually distinctive video.
Although “Blurred Lines” ultimately became far more closely associated with her public image, her appearance in the Maroon 5 project was another notable step in her early entertainment career.
8. She Initially Turned Down “Blurred Lines”
It is difficult to imagine Emily's career without “Blurred Lines,” but she reportedly wasn't immediately convinced that she wanted to participate. After considering the concept, she initially declined the opportunity.
After meeting director Diane Martel and discussing the project in greater detail, Emily changed her mind. The decision proved to be a major turning point in her career and introduced her to a worldwide audience.
7. Her Treats! Magazine Feature Helped Raise Her Profile
Emily's feature in Treats! magazine became an important moment in her early career. The exposure helped her attract greater attention within the fashion and entertainment industries.
Her rising profile eventually contributed to the opportunities that followed, including the role in “Blurred Lines” and, later, her casting in Gone Girl. It was an important link in her transition from model to actress.
6. She Supported Bernie Sanders
Emily has also been outspoken about political issues. During the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign, she publicly supported Bernie Sanders and even introduced him at a campaign rally.
Her political involvement attracted considerable attention and criticism, particularly from people who believed a model should stay away from politics. Emily's response demonstrated that she was interested in being recognized for her opinions and ideas as well as her appearance.
5. She Wrote About Sexuality And Body Image
Emily has used her public platform to discuss the complicated relationship between women, sexuality, and society. In an essay for Lenny Letter, she reflected on growing up and experiencing the way society can place expectations on women based on their appearance.
Her perspective attracted considerable discussion because it challenged assumptions about how women in the public eye should present themselves.
4. She Identifies As A Feminist
Emily has consistently described herself as a feminist and has spoken about personal choice, confidence, and women's independence. Her views have sometimes generated debate because of the contrast between her public image and traditional expectations surrounding feminism.
For Emily, feminism includes the freedom for women to make their own choices about their bodies and how they present themselves. Whether people agree with her approach or not, it has become an important part of her public identity.
3. She Advocated For Planned Parenthood
Her activism has also included support for Planned Parenthood. Emily participated in advocacy efforts highlighting women's access to reproductive healthcare and birth control.
Using her celebrity platform to discuss these issues helped bring additional attention to subjects she considered important. It was another example of Emily using her public profile for causes beyond entertainment.
2. She Became Friends With Kim Kardashian
Emily and Kim Kardashian attracted plenty of attention when they publicly supported each other during a social media debate about personal expression and body confidence.
The two later appeared together in a widely discussed social media photo. Their friendship became another example of how celebrity culture, social media, and conversations about female empowerment often intersect.
1. The Pronunciation Of Her Last Name Is Easy To Get Wrong
One of the most interesting details about Emily's name is its pronunciation. The “J” in Ratajkowski is silent, meaning the surname is pronounced differently from how many English speakers might initially expect.
Her name may be a little challenging at first, but it has become instantly recognizable around the world thanks to her successful career in fashion, film, and popular culture.
Emily's career is a good example of how quickly the entertainment industry can change. She began modeling as a teenager, gained international attention through music videos and fashion, and then transitioned into film while developing a strong voice on social and political issues.
Her work in Gone Girl, We Are Your Friends, and other projects helped establish her as more than a model, while her writing and activism gave audiences another perspective on her personality and interests.
Perhaps that is what makes Emily Ratajkowski such an interesting public figure: her career has never been limited to a single category. She has continued to explore fashion, acting, writing, entrepreneurship, and cultural conversations while building an identity that extends well beyond her early modeling work.