Paulina Porizkova is a Czech-American supermodel, actress, author, and activist who became one of the most recognizable faces of the 1980s and 1990s.
Known for her timeless beauty, intelligence, and outspokenness, Porizkova broke barriers as a top model, appearing on countless magazine covers and in high-profile campaigns. Beyond modeling, she has excelled as an actress and writer and has become a powerful advocate for womenโs empowerment, aging gracefully, and self-acceptance.
Early Life and Beginnings
Paulina Porizkova was born on April 9, 1965, in Prostฤjov, Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic). Her early childhood was marked by political turmoil, as her parents fled the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968, leaving her in the care of her grandmother. Porizkova reunited with her family years later, but the separation left a lasting impression on her.
In her early teens, Porizkovaโs striking looks caught the attention of a modeling scout in Sweden, where she was living at the time. By the age of 15, she had begun modeling professionally, quickly gaining recognition in the European fashion industry.
Rise to Supermodel Stardom
Porizkovaโs big break came in 1984 when she became the first woman from Central Europe to grace the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, catapulting her to international fame. She appeared on the cover again in 1985, solidifying her status as one of the most sought-after models of her era.
Her success led to campaigns for top fashion brands, including Estรฉe Lauder, Chanel, Versace, and Calvin Klein. Porizkova was known for her versatility, seamlessly transitioning from high fashion to commercial projects, and her images became iconic in the industry.
Acting and Writing Career
In addition to modeling, Porizkova ventured into acting, appearing in films such as Anna (1987), Her Alibi (1989) opposite Tom Selleck, and Arizona Dream (1993). While her acting career was secondary to modeling, she brought a unique presence to her roles, earning respect as a multi-talented performer.
Porizkova has also found success as a writer. Her debut novel, A Model Summer (2007), drew from her own experiences in the modeling industry and was praised for its honest and engaging storytelling. She has also contributed essays to prominent publications, discussing topics such as aging, beauty standards, and personal growth.
Personal Life
Porizkova married Ric Ocasek, the lead singer of The Cars, in 1989. The couple had two sons and remained married for nearly 30 years before separating in 2018. Following Ocasekโs death in 2019, Porizkova openly shared her experiences with grief and financial hardship, becoming a voice for resilience and transparency during challenging times.
Advocacy and Empowerment
In recent years, Porizkova has become a vocal advocate for embracing aging and challenging unrealistic beauty standards. Through social media and public appearances, she encourages women to celebrate their natural beauty and reject societal pressures. Her candid posts and essays about self-acceptance and life after 50 have resonated with audiences, making her an influential figure in conversations about aging and feminism.
Legacy and Influence
Paulina Porizkovaโs career and activism have left a lasting impact on the fashion industry and beyond. As one of the first supermodels, she paved the way for others, redefining what it means to be a successful model. Her honesty, intelligence, and courage continue to inspire fans and challenge industry norms.
