At 59 years old, Paulina Porizkova remains a well-known figure in the fashion and entertainment industries. As of 2025, her net worth is estimated to be $10 million, a sum accumulated through her successful career as a supermodel, actress, and author. However, beyond her professional achievements, Porizkova has often been in the public eye due to her high-profile marriage and personal life. Her relationship with her late husband, Ric Ocasek, was both celebrated and tumultuous, making headlines even after his passing.
Who Was Ric Ocasek, Paulina Porizkova’s Late Husband?
Ric Ocasek was a musician, songwriter, and record producer, best known as the lead vocalist and guitarist for the rock band The Cars. Born in 1944, Ocasek became one of the most influential figures in new wave rock, producing numerous hits throughout the late 1970s and 1980s. His unique voice, innovative musical style, and distinct appearance made him a legend in the music industry.
Beyond his music, Ocasek was also known for his creative vision in production, working with bands like Weezer and No Doubt. His long career brought him both critical and commercial success, with The Cars being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018.
How Did Paulina Porizkova and Ric Ocasek Meet?
Paulina Porizkova met Ric Ocasek in 1984 on the set of The Cars’ music video for “Drive.” At the time, she was an up-and-coming supermodel, while Ocasek was an established rockstar. Despite their 21-year age difference, the two quickly developed a deep connection.
Their relationship blossomed over the next few years, leading to their marriage in 1989. At the time, Ocasek was still legally married to his second wife, but after finalizing his divorce, he and Porizkova officially tied the knot. Their marriage was often seen as a perfect blend of beauty and rock ‘n’ roll, and they remained together for three decades.
What Happened in Paulina and Ric’s Marriage?
For many years, their relationship appeared strong and stable. Porizkova often spoke about their deep bond, and despite Ocasek’s reserved nature, she embraced his eccentricities. They raised two sons, Jonathan Raven Ocasek (born 1993) and Oliver Ocasek (born 1999), and split their time between homes in New York City and Connecticut.
However, as time passed, challenges in their marriage surfaced. Porizkova later revealed that their relationship gradually became distant, and they eventually separated in 2017. Despite their separation, they continued to live together, and Paulina remained a caretaker for Ocasek as he battled health issues.
How Did Ric Ocasek’s Death Impact Paulina Porizkova?
On September 15, 2019, Ric Ocasek was found dead in his Manhattan townhouse at the age of 75. He passed away from natural causes related to heart disease and pulmonary complications. Porizkova, who was still living in the same home at the time, was the one who discovered his body.
His sudden passing shocked the music and entertainment world, but for Porizkova, it was not just an emotional loss—it became a legal and financial struggle. Despite their separation, she believed she was still in his will, but soon after his death, she discovered that Ocasek had removed her from his estate, claiming that she had “abandoned” him.
This unexpected financial exclusion left Porizkova in a difficult situation, as she publicly admitted she was struggling financially. She later revealed that she had no access to liquid assets and had to sell some of her personal belongings to stay afloat.
How Did Paulina Porizkova Overcome Financial and Emotional Struggles?
Following Ocasek’s death, Paulina openly shared her grief and financial struggles in interviews and social media posts. She later pursued legal action and reached a settlement in 2021, receiving a portion of Ocasek’s estate, though not the full inheritance she had expected.
Despite the challenges, Porizkova rebuilt her life by focusing on her career, writing, and advocacy. She became a voice for aging women in the fashion industry, embracing self-acceptance and financial independence. Her memoir, “No Filter: The Good, the Bad, and the Beautiful”, released in 2022, detailed her experiences with love, marriage, grief, and self-reinvention.
Has Paulina Porizkova Remarried or Found Love Again?
In recent years, Paulina Porizkova has explored new relationships but remains cautious about marriage. In 2021, she briefly dated Aaron Sorkin, the Oscar-winning screenwriter behind films like The Social Network and A Few Good Men. Their relationship was short-lived but gained media attention when they appeared together at the Academy Awards.
Since then, she has spoken about self-love and healing, emphasizing that she is open to love but does not feel the need to remarry. Porizkova has embraced independence, focusing on her writing, activism, and personal growth rather than rushing into another long-term commitment.
What Is Paulina Porizkova’s Life Like in 2025?
As of 2025, Porizkova continues to be a prominent voice in the fashion and entertainment industries. She remains active in modeling, proving that age should not define beauty. Her social media presence is strong, where she discusses topics like aging, relationships, grief, and empowerment.
Additionally, she is working on a second book, further exploring her journey of self-discovery after Ric Ocasek’s death. While she still cherishes the memories of her late husband, she has moved forward with strength and resilience.
Conclusion
Paulina Porizkova’s marriage to Ric Ocasek was a defining part of her life, filled with love, challenges, and ultimately, heartbreak. Their relationship lasted nearly 30 years, yet ended in unexpected financial and emotional struggles. Despite the hardships, she has emerged as a symbol of strength and reinvention, proving that life after loss is possible.
Her story serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating how to navigate grief, find independence, and embrace new opportunities while honoring the past. As she continues to evolve, Paulina Porizkova remains a testament to resilience, beauty, and reinvention at any stage of life.