Catwoman Jocelyn Wildenstein, 84, Dies in Paris from Pulmonary Embolism

Jocelyn Wildenstein, widely recognized as ‘Catwoman’ for her striking transformation through plastic surgery, has passed away at the age of 84 from a pulmonary embolism in Paris. The news was confirmed by her partner, Lloyd Klein, just weeks after she was seen dining out with him in the French capital.

Born Jocelyne Périsset, Wildenstein became a fixture in high society, largely due to her dramatic cosmetic procedures aimed at achieving a feline appearance. Prior to her fame, she came from modest beginnings, eventually marrying a French-born American billionaire in the 1970s. Their tumultuous divorce grabbed headlines in the late 1990s, yielding a staggering settlement—over $2 billion and an additional annual payout that kept her among the wealthiest women globally for a time. However, Wildenstein’s lavish lifestyle and extravagant spending led to her financial downfall.

Wildlife enthusiasts may recall her fascinating backstory: she cultivated an interest in African culture and wildlife after discovering picture books about the continent during her childhood. Her passion for hunting sparked her relationship with her husband Alec N. Wildenstein, introduced on a safari adventure. While she once claimed to have never undergone surgery, Wildenstein eventually admitted to having had cosmetic procedures, though she remained reticent about the extent of their effect on her appearance.

Throughout her life, Wildenstein endured notable highs and lows. She faced legal troubles, including an arrest for a violent incident involving Klein in 2016. The couple had a tumultuous relationship marked by reconciliation and conflict.

Despite her immense wealth and public persona, Jocelyn Wildenstein lived a life rife with complexity—mixing opulence with personal struggles. As she leaves behind a legacy intertwined with fame, fortune, and a quest for beauty, her impact on popular culture remains undeniable.