A Stressful Transition for Paulina Porizkova
Paulina Porizkova, a renowned model and writer, is facing an unexpected challenge as she prepares to tie the knot with her fiancé, Jeff Greenstein. The Czech-born 61-year-old is being forced out of her New York City apartment by the end of June, just four days before her scheduled wedding in Italy. This situation has added a layer of stress to what should be a joyous time in her life.
Porizkova shared her feelings on her podcast, Twenty Good Summers, explaining that her landlord was unwilling to extend their lease despite her being a great tenant for six years. “Even though I begged and pleaded,” she said, highlighting the difficulty of the situation. The unexpected transition has undermined the joy she should be feeling about marrying Greenstein, a 62-year-old Emmy-winning producer after a three-year courtship.
A Change of Scene
Originally, Porizkova moved into her New York City residence in January 2021. Prior to that, she spent part of the COVID-19 pandemic living in an Upstate New York home she co-owns with her adult sons, John and Oliver. The move to the city was a significant change for the silver-haired model-writer.
However, the emotional impact of selling the $10 million Gramercy Park townhouse she lived in for decades with her late husband, Ric Ocasek, still lingers. Ocasek’s body was discovered there in 2019 at age 75. Porizkova’s 27-year marriage to the The Cars frontman ended in 2017, and he cut her from his will. She eventually settled with his estate in 2021, receiving a third of his fortune under New York state law.
A New Chapter
Greenstein made a significant sacrifice by leaving his own home after 38 years in Los Angeles, California, to move in with Porizkova four months after they first met in February 2023. He described this move as a big gesture, but Porizkova felt it was not enough. “Well, not even that. I don’t feel like you’ve done any sacrificing or any big gestures. I think when you sell your house in LA, you will be equal to my predicament,” she remarked.
The couple plans to temporarily live at her Upstate home or his LA home until they can find a new apartment in New York City. They have completed the necessary paperwork to get married in Italy in the first week of July after applying seven months ago.
Preparing for the Big Day
Porizkova and Greenstein, who first connected on the dating app Raya, have been rehearsing their first dance as a married couple since February. They learned how to waltz at the Fred Astaire Dance Studios, adding a touch of elegance to their preparations.
Greenstein, who fathered an adult son from his prior 25-year marriage, hasn’t had an IMDb-credited gig since 2024 when he served as a consulting producer and director for NBC sitcom Extended Family starring Jon Cryer. The show only lasted one season. Previously, he worked on NBC’s Friends, NBC’s Will & Grace, ABC’s Desperate Housewives, and NBC’s Parenthood.
Future Projects
Porizkova will next portray the character Zuzana in Madeleine Rotzler’s AI dramedy O Horizon, which hits US theaters on June 12. The film also stars Maria Bakalova, David Strathairn, and Adam Pally. This new role marks another exciting chapter in her career.
