Ric Ocasek is best known for being the frontman of the 80’s new wave band The Cars. However, he is also commonly referred to as “that dorky guy who married a supermodel.” Both of these things are correct, but few know that this iconic geek has yet another claim to fame… his father was a NASA computer scientist.
Ocasek and supermodel wife, circa 2008
Ocasek and friend Benjamin Orr started The Cars in 1976. Orr was the band’s original lead singer, but Ocasek started doing more vocals as their style progressed. Eventually, he took over the duties as the lead singer. The Boston-based act broke up in 1988, but decided to do a reunion tour in 2010 (see main photo above). To date, they have released 7 studio albums, many of which are adored by the geek community.
The Cars, circa early-1980s (Ocasek is 2nd from right)
Moving on to Ocasek’s other claim to fame… he married supermodel Paulina Porizkova in 1989… and they are still married. The couple originally met in 1985 (Porizkova was 19 at the time) while filming one of The Cars‘ videos. Needless to say, they had an instant attraction. Ocasek, who is not generally referred to as a handsome man, married a woman who was literally considered to be one of the most beautiful on the planet (at the time). This is the event that made him a geek legend. Ocasek is proof that the awkward nerdy guy really can get the hot girl! Because of this, he is idolized by geeks all over the world.
Porizkova, circa mid-1980s
Today, at age 63, Ocasek is a record producer. He has done some minor acting roles, several TV appearances, and has even published a book of poetry. He and Porizkova have been quietly living “happily ever after” with their two sons. A true inspiration to nerds everywhere, Geek Trio proudly adds Ric Ocasek to our list of celebrated geeks.
KALE: A geek who works in the IT Security field and lives in Omaha, NE. He is also a local musician and has played in several bands in the area. Previous to his IT career, Kale worked as a photojournalist. He brings technical advice and artistic counterpoint to the podcast. 
