Richard Theodore Otcasek, better known as Ric Ocasek, was an American singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is best known as the co-lead singer of the rock group The Cars. Furthermore, he has also worked on his solo career over the years, releasing a total of seven albums. As of 2021, Ric Ocasek’s net worth is estimated to be around $40 million.
| Full Name | Richard Theodore Ocasek |
| Birth Date | March 23, 1944 |
| Birth Place | Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. |
| Profession | Singer, Songwriter, and Record Producer |
| Relationship Status | Paulina Porizkova (1989–2019), Suzanne Ocasek (1971–1988), Constance Campbell (1963–1971) |
| Net Worth | $40 million |
Early Life
Rick attended Maple Heights High School, graduating in 1963. He went on to study at Bowling Green State University, but ultimately decided to drop out of the program to pursue his music career.
It was during these early years that he met Benjamin Orr, who would later become his closest bandmate. Finally, in 1968 they decided to form a group called ID Nirvana and performed at various universities, including Ohio State University.
Ric Ocasek Net worth and career
The two band members continued to perform together at various events, eventually forming a new rock band called Milkwood. They then released their debut album, How’s the Weather, in 1973, but it was not as successful as expected.
Later, Greg Hawks, who was part of his album, joined another new band called Richard and the Rabbits. There was another phase where they were part of the captain swing performance.
Having gained so much experience with different bands during this time, Rick finally understood what it took to lead a band, and that’s how this new band eventually became The Cars. The group began releasing music in 1978 and continued to write songs for several years, enjoying great success.
Rick’s role in the band was to be the author of most of the songs they produced. Although the band has broken up and parted ways over the years, they reunited in 2010 on an album called Move Like This.
Rick also worked as a producer, producing several albums for various bands.
Personal Life
In total, Rick has been married three times in his life. His third wife was a beautiful model named Paulina Porizkova, whom he began dating while he was still married to Suzanne Ocasek, his second wife.
In 1989, after Rick divorced Suzanne, he married Paulina the following year. At the time, the two were known as a power couple, as Rick was well known in the music business and Paulina was known as a supermodel earning millions of dollars through various endorsement deals.
Rick and Paulina broke up in 2018 after Rick heard that Paulina had left him before his surgery. He died on September 15, 2019 from complications of high blood pressure.
Ric Ocasek net worth
In 2021, Ric Ocasek’s net worth was estimated at $40 million. One of Rick and Paulina’s first real estate purchases dates back to 1989, when they bought a $2.5 million row house in New York.
As Rick and Paulina’s relationship eventually soured, Rick did not give Paulina any part of his personal fortune. In addition, two of her six children were disinherited.