Overview Jocelyn Wildenstein (born Jocelyne Périsset on September 7, 1945, in Lausanne, Switzerland) was a Swiss socialite known for her extensive cosmetic surgery, her marriage to billionaire art dealer Alec Wildenstein, and her extravagant lifestyle. She passed away on December 31, 2024, in Paris, France, at the age of 79.
Early Life Jocelyn Périsset was born in Lausanne, Switzerland, to a father who worked as a sporting goods salesman. In 1963, she met Swiss film producer Cyrille Piguet, and the couple moved to Paris two years later. During this time, she was introduced to the glamorous world of high society.
Marriage to Alec Wildenstein In 1978, Jocelyn married Alec Wildenstein, a billionaire art dealer. The couple had two children, Diane and Alec Jr. During their marriage, Jocelyn underwent numerous cosmetic surgeries, reportedly to please her husband, who had a fascination with big cats. The surgeries drastically altered her appearance, earning her the nickname “Catwoman”.
Cosmetic Surgery and Public Image Jocelyn’s extensive cosmetic surgeries became a subject of public fascination and media coverage. She claimed that her first experience with plastic surgery was a blepharoplasty, which she underwent with her husband. Over the years, her appearance continued to change, leading to widespread speculation and commentary about her motivations and the extent of her surgeries.
Divorce and Later Life Jocelyn and Alec Wildenstein divorced in 1998, a highly publicized and contentious split. Despite the divorce, she retained the Wildenstein name and continued to live a luxurious lifestyle, supported by a substantial alimony. However, in a 2017 interview, she revealed that she had not received any alimony payments since 2015 and was facing financial difficulties.
Death Jocelyn Wildenstein passed away on December 31, 2024, in a Parisian hotel due to a pulmonary embolism. Her partner, Lloyd Klein, confirmed her death, describing her as an “icon”.
Legacy Jocelyn Wildenstein’s life and transformation have left a lasting impact on popular culture. She remains a figure of fascination and controversy, known for her dramatic physical changes and her place in high society.
