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Jocelyn Wildenstein, famously known as the ‘Catwoman’ of Hollywood, has passed away in Paris at the age of 79. Her partner, Lloyd Klein, confirmed her death due to a pulmonary embolism. Jocelyn was a constant presence in the media for decades, renowned for her extreme cosmetic surgeries, extravagant lifestyle, and tumultuous personal relationships.
A Glamorous Journey from Lausanne to Paris
Born as Jocelyn Périsset in Lausanne, Switzerland, Jocelyn spent her early years immersed in the natural beauty of lakes and mountains. Her father’s passion for African wildlife ignited her lifelong love for big cats, a fascination that would later define her unique public image.
In her early twenties, Jocelyn moved to Paris, where she quickly became a prominent socialite. Her impeccable style and captivating presence made her a favorite among high society circles, paving the way for her future marriage to billionaire art dealer Alec Wildenstein.
Marriage to Alec Wildenstein: A Lavish Union
Jocelyn met Alec Wildenstein on a Kenyan safari in 1977, leading to their marriage the following year. Their union introduced Jocelyn to the opulent Wildenstein family, granting her access to their expansive ranch, Ol Jogi, in Kenya. The couple’s life together was marked by extravagant spending, including the installation of bulletproof enclosures for their tigers and maintaining a sprawling estate staffed by over 300 servants.
Despite their lavish lifestyle, Jocelyn and Alec’s marriage faced significant challenges. Allegations of infidelity and abuse surfaced, culminating in a highly publicized and contentious divorce in 1998. Alec was ordered to pay Jocelyn a staggering $2.5 billion and $100 million annually for 13 years, a settlement that would later contribute to Jocelyn’s financial downfall.
The Transformation: Embracing the ‘Catwoman’ Image
Jocelyn’s most defining feature was her dramatic transformation through extensive cosmetic surgery. Starting shortly after her marriage to Alec, she underwent numerous procedures to achieve her signature “cat eyes,” a look that earned her nicknames like “Catwoman” and the “Bride of Wildenstein” in the press.
Despite frequently downplaying the extent of her surgeries, Jocelyn’s altered appearance became her trademark. Her transformation sparked endless media speculation and made her a controversial yet fascinating figure. Jocelyn maintained that her look was a personal choice, emphasizing her confidence with her imperfections unless one chooses to alter their appearance with the right doctor.
A Contentious Divorce: From Billions to Bankruptcy
The divorce from Alec Wildenstein marked a significant turning point in Jocelyn’s life. Despite her massive settlement, Jocelyn’s extravagant spending and extensive cosmetic procedures led to severe financial strain. In 2018, she filed for bankruptcy, revealing that she had depleted her vast fortune despite her opulent lifestyle.
This financial downfall added another layer to Jocelyn’s already tumultuous personal life, highlighting the precarious balance between wealth and personal choices. Her bankruptcy filing underscored the challenges of maintaining such a lavish lifestyle without sustainable financial management.
Turbulent Relationship with Lloyd Klein
Following her divorce, Jocelyn entered a tumultuous relationship with French designer Lloyd Klein, nearly three decades her junior. Their relationship was marked by public disputes, including two arrests for altercations at their Trump World Tower residence in New York.
Despite the rocky romance, Jocelyn and Klein remained connected until her passing, navigating the pressures of fame and financial strain together. Lloyd Klein revealed that some of their fights were due to Jocelyn’s stress over financial duress, emphasizing the ongoing impact of her bankruptcy on her personal life.
Legacy and Lasting Impact
Jocelyn Wildenstein’s life story is a blend of glamour, controversy, and resilience. Her relentless pursuit of beauty and status left an indelible mark on Hollywood’s social scene, making her a campy icon admired and critiqued in equal measure.
Despite the mysteries surrounding her age, the true extent of her cosmetic transformations, and the whereabouts of her fortune, Jocelyn’s legacy as the ‘Catwoman’ of high society remains intact. Her life, marked by opulence and personal struggles, serves as a testament to the complexities of fame and the relentless pursuit of perfection.
Jocelyn Wildenstein will be remembered as a unique figure who navigated the highs and lows of celebrity life with unwavering determination.
