In the glamorous yet turbulent world of Wall Street in the 1990s, few names carried the same allure as Nadine Caridi — the British-born model who would later become known as Nadine Macaluso. To many, she’s best recognized as the real-life inspiration for the character “Naomi Lapaglia,” played by Margot Robbie in The Wolf of Wall Street. But beyond the glitz and scandal, Nadine Macaluso’s life tells a story of transformation, resilience, and redemption. Today, she is no longer just Jordan Belfort’s ex-wife — she is a renowned therapist, author, and advocate for trauma recovery.
This is the complete story of who Nadine Macaluso is now — from her early modeling days as Nadine Caridi, to her family, marriage, education, net worth, and the inspiring woman she has become.
Early Life and Background: The Making of Nadine Caridi
Nadine Caridi was born on December 24, 1967, in London, England, and raised in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, New York. Her family moved to the United States when she was young, and she quickly adapted to the New York lifestyle. Despite growing up far from England, Nadine maintained her soft British accent for years — a touch that gave her a unique charm in the American modeling industry.
As a teenager, Nadine pursued education at John Dewey High School in Brooklyn. After graduation, she attended Adelphi University, where she earned a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology. Her love for human behavior and understanding relationships would later form the foundation of her second career.
Physically, Nadine stood out for her elegant poise and natural beauty. With a height of approximately 5′6″ (167 cm), golden hair, and blue eyes, she embodied the ideal image for commercial modeling in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Nadine Caridi Young: The Model Behind the Miller Lite Girl
In her youth, Nadine Caridi was one of the recognizable faces in American advertising. She was represented by Elite Petite Model Management, a respected agency that specialized in models under the traditional runway height standard.
Her biggest career break came when she appeared in a series of Miller Lite commercials, which made her a household name in the United States. She also modeled for Seagram’s and was featured in multiple print campaigns, including one tied to the 1992 Winter Olympics.
Nadine’s modeling success brought her not just fame, but also proximity to New York’s financial elite — a world that would soon change her life forever.
Meeting Jordan Belfort: The Start of a Notorious Love Story
During one of the lavish parties in the Hamptons in the late 1980s, Nadine Caridi met Jordan Belfort, the charismatic yet controversial stockbroker who would later earn the nickname “The Wolf of Wall Street.” At that time, Belfort was still married to his first wife, Denise Lombardo. However, his meeting with Nadine sparked a whirlwind romance that quickly became tabloid material.
The two began dating secretly before eventually making their relationship public. Their chemistry was undeniable — Nadine was the glamorous young model, and Jordan was the ambitious, high-flying millionaire. They married in 1991 in a lavish ceremony attended by New York’s elite.
Life with Jordan Belfort: Wealth, Chaos, and Fame
As Jordan Belfort’s wealth grew through his firm Stratton Oakmont, so did the excesses of their lifestyle. The couple lived in a luxurious mansion, owned yachts and sports cars, and threw extravagant parties that became legendary. One of the yachts, interestingly, was originally built for fashion designer Coco Chanel — Belfort later renamed it The Nadine in honor of his wife.
However, beneath the surface of glamour lay deep dysfunction. Belfort’s business empire was built on fraudulent trading practices, and his personal life was spiraling under the weight of drug addiction, infidelity, and recklessness. Nadine’s marriage became increasingly difficult as Jordan’s substance abuse worsened.
In interviews and on her website, Nadine has since opened up about the emotional and physical abuse she endured during this time. Their relationship, she explained, was characterized by trauma bonding — a cycle of highs and lows that kept her emotionally trapped despite the turmoil.
The couple’s life together became immortalized in Martin Scorsese’s 2013 film, The Wolf of Wall Street. Actress Margot Robbie portrayed “Naomi Lapaglia,” a character inspired by Nadine Caridi, capturing both her beauty and her resilience. Although the film focused heavily on Belfort’s perspective, it helped reintroduce Nadine to the world — not as a scandal figure, but as a woman who survived and rebuilt her life.
Children and Family: Chandler and Carter Belfort
Nadine and Jordan had two children together: Chandler Belfort and Carter Belfort.
Chandler Belfort, their daughter, is a psychology graduate and currently works as a mental health counselor, following in her mother’s footsteps. Carter Belfort, their son, has pursued a career in music and business. Both have chosen relatively private lives, avoiding the limelight that surrounded their parents.
Despite the chaos of her marriage, Nadine has always been a devoted mother. In interviews, she often credits her children as her motivation to seek therapy, earn higher education, and find emotional healing after her divorce.
The Divorce and a Journey of Self-Reinvention
Nadine Caridi and Jordan Belfort officially divorced in 2005, after years of tension, public scandal, and legal troubles that followed Belfort’s conviction for securities fraud and money laundering. Following the separation, Nadine decided to step away completely from the world of finance and fame.
She later married John Macaluso, a successful businessman and former CEO of Wizard World, taking his surname and becoming Nadine Macaluso. The marriage brought stability and companionship, a stark contrast to her earlier life with Belfort.
This period marked the beginning of Nadine’s transformation. She returned to academia, earning a Ph.D. in Somatic Psychology from the Pacifica Graduate Institute, and became a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).
Who Is Nadine Macaluso Now?
Today, Dr. Nadine Macaluso is a respected psychologist, author, and trauma expert who helps people break free from unhealthy relationship patterns. She runs a private practice in California and also teaches workshops on trauma recovery and somatic healing.
Her professional work focuses on narcissistic abuse, trauma bonds, and the psychological effects of toxic relationships — areas she knows intimately. She often shares insights through her website DrNae.com, as well as on Instagram and TikTok, where she has built a large following under the handle @therealdrnadine.
In 2024, she published a book titled Run Like Hell: A Therapist’s Guide to Recognizing, Escaping, and Healing from Trauma Bonds, blending her personal story with clinical wisdom. The book has been well received by both readers and therapists alike, positioning her as an authoritative voice in trauma recovery.
Nadine Macaluso’s Philosophy: Healing Through Understanding
Dr. Macaluso often speaks about her belief that understanding our past wounds is the key to transforming our present. Through social media videos, interviews, and lectures, she discusses the cycle of trauma bonds — how people can become psychologically addicted to the highs and lows of toxic love.
She uses her platform to remind followers that healing is possible. Her personal journey from a high-profile model to a deeply introspective therapist exemplifies this truth. Nadine has turned her painful experiences into tools for others to reclaim their power and self-worth.
Nadine Macaluso’s Net Worth
While exact figures vary, Nadine Macaluso’s net worth is estimated to be around $2 million USD as of 2025. Her income sources include her therapy practice, book sales, speaking engagements, and online programs.
Although this figure is modest compared to the wealth she experienced during her years with Jordan Belfort, Nadine’s current success reflects something far greater: independence, purpose, and peace of mind. She often emphasizes that true wealth comes not from luxury, but from emotional freedom and self-respect.
Age, Birthday, and Physical Attributes
As of 2025, Nadine Macaluso is 57 years old, celebrating her birthday each year on December 24 — Christmas Eve. Standing around 5 feet 6 inches (167 cm) tall, she has maintained a graceful appearance that reflects both vitality and self-care.
Her followers often comment on her ageless beauty, which she attributes to a balanced lifestyle, emotional wellness, and mindfulness practices rather than vanity.
Nadine Macaluso’s Family and Current Life
Nadine’s family remains her grounding force. She continues to maintain a close relationship with her two adult children, Chandler and Carter Belfort, and values privacy when it comes to their personal lives. Her marriage to John Macaluso has provided her with a supportive partnership and, according to various reports, she is also a stepmother to his children from a previous relationship.
The family divides time between California and New York, where Nadine conducts therapy sessions both online and in person. Despite her fame, she lives a grounded and peaceful life — far from the chaos that once defined her world.
The Legacy of Nadine Macaluso
Nadine Macaluso’s journey can be summarized as one of transformation through self-awareness. From her early modeling career to the whirlwind years as the wife of the “Wolf of Wall Street,” to the empowered psychologist she is today — her evolution reflects strength, intelligence, and emotional resilience.
She embodies the idea that our past does not define us; instead, it can refine us. Nadine’s work continues to inspire thousands of women and men who are seeking healing from emotionally abusive relationships. Through her therapy practice, books, and online presence, she offers a roadmap for overcoming trauma and reclaiming self-worth.
As she often says in her videos:
“You can’t change the past, but you can change how the past lives inside you.”
This mantra encapsulates her life’s mission — to help others find peace after pain.
Conclusion: From Wall Street to Wellness — The True Story of Nadine Macaluso
The story of Nadine Macaluso — once Nadine Caridi — goes far beyond tabloid headlines and Hollywood portrayals. She is a woman who lived through chaos, found her strength, and built a new identity rooted in compassion and self-discovery.
From her early fame as a model, through the turbulent marriage to Jordan Belfort, to her current life as a therapist and author, Nadine’s path exemplifies the power of transformation. Her resilience serves as a powerful reminder that no matter how painful our stories may be, they can still lead us toward healing and purpose.
Today, Dr. Nadine Macaluso is not defined by her past — she’s rewriting it.
And as her story continues to unfold, she remains an inspiration for anyone seeking to reclaim their life after trauma.
Written and Researched by Infory.