The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›Model›Paulina Porizkova
Entertainment • Model

Paulina Porizkova

Paulina Porizkova is a Czech-born American-Swedish model, author, and actress.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Paulina Porizkova is a Czech-born American-Swedish model, author, and actress. She became the first Central European woman to appear on the cover of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue in 1984, and later worked in film, television, and writing.

Early life and background

Porizkova was born in 1965 in Prostějov, then part of Czechoslovakia. Sources describe her as Czech-born and later associated with Sweden and the United States.

Modelling career

She began modelling as a teenager and became internationally known in the 1980s. Her appearance on the 1984 Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover marked a notable milestone for Central European models.

Acting and writing

After modelling success, Porizkova took on acting roles in film and television. She also published books and became known as an author and public commentator.

Personal life

She was married to Ric Ocasek, lead singer of The Cars, until his death in 2019. Public profiles and interviews also discuss her family background and later life.

Key facts

  • Became the first Central European woman to appear on the cover of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue in 1984.
  • Was born in Prostějov, Czechoslovakia, and her birth name was Pavlína Pořízková.
  • Built a career as a fashion model before moving into acting and writing.
  • Has appeared in films and television productions, including roles listed by IMDb and Wikipedia sources.
  • Has written books, including a novel and a memoir referenced in later public appearances.
🍁
Canadian context

She has no major direct Canada-specific connection in the provided sources, though she is relevant to Canadian readers as an internationally known model and author.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Paulina Porizkova?
She is a Czech-born model, actress, and author best known for her modelling career and her 1984 Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover.
What is Paulina Porizkova's birth name?
Her birth name is Pavlína Pořízková.
Where was Paulina Porizkova born?
She was born in Prostějov, Czechoslovakia, now in the Czech Republic.
Why is Paulina Porizkova notable in modelling?
She became the first Central European woman to appear on the cover of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue in 1984.
Did Paulina Porizkova act in film and television?
Yes. Sources list her as an actress with roles in films such as Her Alibi and Arizona Dream, and in television appearances.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paulina_Porizkova
    Supports: Birth name, date of birth, occupations, and Sports Illustrated milestone.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005320/bio/
    Supports: Birth details, acting credits, and marriage to Ric Ocasek.
  3. Czech Wikipedia — https://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pavl%C3%ADna_Po%C5%99%C3%ADzkov%C3%A1
    Supports: Czech birth name, birthplace, modelling milestone, and occupations.
  4. National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library — https://ncsml.omeka.net/items/show/4178
    Supports: Early life background, family emigration, and modelling career development.
  5. The Guardian — https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2022/nov/27/being-heard-is-better-than-being-seen-supermodel-paulina-porizkova-on-living-unfiltered
    Supports: Later-life profile details and modelling career context.