Jocelyn Wildenstein, famous as “Catwoman” for her unique, feline-like features, went through an incredible transformation over the course of her life, thanks to a series of high-profile cosmetic surgeries. But a throwback pre-surgery photo she shared in her later years revealed a very different side of her—one that showed off her natural beauty before all the procedures that made her so infamous.
The Swiss-born socialite, who passed away on December 31, 2024, at 84, left behind a life full of drama, luxury, and a fascinating glimpse of who she was before it all.
From Natural Beauty to Catwoman: Jocelyn Wildenstein Before and After Plastic Surgery
Jocelyn Wildenstein, famously dubbed “Catwoman,” looked entirely different before plastic surgery. She underwent numerous cosmetic procedures to achieve feline-like features, inspired by her grandmother’s high cheekbones and eyes. Her transformation began shortly after marrying billionaire Alec Wildenstein, with eye lifts becoming just the start of her long surgical journey.
The throwback picture Jocelyn shared on Instagram a few months before her death showed her holding baby Diane. She looked stunning with her blonde hair perfectly done, subtle makeup, and a chic kaftan. Her Hollywood-worthy charm had fans raving in the comments, amazed at how different she looked. In the caption, she sweetly wished Diane a happy birthday, offering a rare glimpse into her life before all the surgeries.
Jocelyn’s journey into the world of plastic surgery began during her marriage to billionaire art dealer Alec Wildenstein, with whom she shares two kids. The pair tied the knot in 1978, and just a year later, they reportedly got their first procedures together—a matching set of eye lifts. While Alec seemed to stop there, Jocelyn kept going, embracing a long journey of surgical enhancements.
Over time, she underwent numerous procedures, with the goal of mimicking the exotic features of a lynx. She said her love for feline-like eyes and high cheekbones was inspired by her grandmother, who she claimed had similar traits. Even though she insisted much of her look was natural, she did admit to spending millions on surgeries specifically to achieve those cat-like eyes.
Jocelyn Wildenstein’s changing looks became a subject of curiosity and mockery, earning her nicknames like “The Bride of Wildenstein” and “Catwoman.” Alec, who loved cats and exotic animals, was rumored to have supported her transformations. But during their chaotic divorce, he strongly denied it, insisting Jocelyn’s surgeries were impulsive and not thought through. “She was thinking that she could fix her face like a piece of furniture,” he told Vanity Fair in 1998, insisting her choices were more about her insecurities than anything he wanted.
Jocelyn’s 1997 divorce threw her into the public eye, and it was anything but quiet. There were claims of cheating, over-the-top spending, and messy fights. She walked away with one of the biggest divorce payouts ever—$2.5 billion upfront and $100 million a year for 13 years. But there was a catch: she wasn’t allowed to spend the money on more cosmetic surgeries. Even so, people couldn’t help but speculate she was still getting work done, thanks to her constantly changing appearance.
Later on, Jocelyn ran into serious financial troubles. By 2018, she had to file for bankruptcy, claiming the loss of her yearly payments was a big reason why. Even though she used to live a high life with fancy properties, luxury items, and a famous art collection, she admitted she was having a hard time getting her settlement enforced. To deal with her financial struggles, she apparently thought about making a documentary about her life to share her story and the decisions that led her to where she was.
Billionaire socialite ‘Catwoman’ Jocelyn Wildenstein claims she has to live off $900 social security per month after filing for bankruptcy.
Wildenstein received $2.5 billion in her divorce settlement and $100 million a year for 13 years following the divorce. pic.twitter.com/6EM47ta9KX
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) December 28, 2024
Jocelyn Wildenstein’s on-again, off-again relationship with fashion designer Lloyd Klein, which started in 2003, was definitely a wild ride. Their time together was full of ups and downs, with dramatic incidents and public fights making headlines. In 2016, things got intense during a domestic dispute that ended with both of them getting arrested, though the charges were eventually dropped.
Despite all the drama, they managed to patch things up and stayed together until Jocelyn’s passing. Klein was heartbroken, stating she seemed perfectly fine just days before her sudden death from complications related to phlebitis. He shared that they were getting ready to celebrate New Year’s Eve when she peacefully passed away during a nap.
‘Catwoman’ socialite Jocelyn Wildenstein has died pic.twitter.com/1arRFu7wEt
— The Sun (@TheSun) January 1, 2025
Jocelyn Wildenstein owned the constant notoriety surrounding her looks throughout her life. She embraced her “Catwoman” image, rocking animal prints and furs, and even had a lynx as a pet. Her over-the-top lifestyle and quirky personality kept her in the tabloids and on everyone’s radar. But in her final year, she posted a throwback photo that hit differently—a reminder of who she used to be: a stunning beauty with a natural charm, so far from the exaggerated image people came to know her for.
