When most people think of The Wolf of Wall Street, they picture Leonardo DiCaprio’s electrifying portrayal of Jordan Belfort — the infamous stockbroker who built a financial empire on greed and excess. But behind that legendary tale of money and madness stood a real woman: Nadine Caridi, whose life journey from young model to renowned psychotherapist is as fascinating as any Hollywood plotline.
Nadine Caridi, also known today as Dr. Nadine Macaluso, was once the glamorous muse behind Belfort’s lavish lifestyle. Her story, however, extends far beyond the yachts and parties. She is a story of resilience, transformation, and rebirth — from a model wrapped in luxury to a therapist helping others heal from trauma.
Nadine Caridi – Early Life and Background
Nadine Caridi was born in London, England, and raised in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, New York, where she spent her formative years. She attended John Dewey High School, a well-known institution in Brooklyn, before venturing into the world of modelling.
Growing up in a middle-class environment, Nadine had a childhood far removed from the glamour that would later define her public image. Her charm, confidence, and distinctive looks soon attracted attention from modelling agencies in New York City. What began as a way to earn money during her teenage years quickly evolved into a promising career.
Nadine Caridi Young – A Star on the Rise
In her youth, Nadine Caridi embodied the quintessential New York model of the late 1980s — radiant, poised, and ambitious. She signed with Elite Model Management and became the face of several advertising campaigns.
Her most recognizable role was as the Miller Lite Girl, appearing in beer commercials that aired nationwide. She also featured in print ads and fashion promotions for various lifestyle and beverage brands. Her striking beauty and refined demeanor earned her the nickname “The Duchess of Bay Ridge” — a playful nod to her British birth and Brooklyn upbringing.
At this stage of her life, Nadine was already enjoying professional success and had become a well-known figure in New York’s high-society circles. But her life took a dramatic turn when she crossed paths with Jordan Belfort.
Nadine Caridi and Jordan Belfort – A Whirlwind Romance
Nadine met Jordan Belfort at a lavish Hamptons party hosted by her then-boyfriend, entrepreneur Alan Wilzig. Belfort, already making millions through his brokerage firm Stratton Oakmont, was immediately captivated by Nadine’s charm and beauty.
Their connection was instant and intense, but it also marked the beginning of a turbulent chapter in her life. Nadine and Jordan married in 1991, shortly after his divorce from his first wife. Together, they epitomized excess — luxurious mansions, yachts, expensive cars, and celebrity-style parties.
Belfort famously named his yacht “Nadine” after her — a symbol of his affection, and perhaps of his ego. Their life was portrayed (albeit dramatized) in Martin Scorsese’s The Wolf of Wall Street, where actress Margot Robbie played Nadine’s fictional counterpart, Naomi Lapaglia.
Behind the glamour, however, lay chaos. Belfort’s addiction to drugs, infidelity, and involvement in illegal stock schemes eroded their marriage. Nadine has since spoken openly about the emotional abuse and trauma she endured, describing it as a “trauma-bonded relationship” that took years to heal from.
Nadine Caridi’s Family and Children
Despite the turmoil, Nadine and Jordan’s union produced two children:
- Chandler Belfort (daughter)
- Carter Belfort (son)
Both have grown up away from the media spotlight. Chandler pursued higher education and a career in mental health counseling, following in her mother’s footsteps. Carter Belfort, on the other hand, has worked in creative fields, including marketing and music.
After her divorce from Belfort, Nadine focused on creating a stable, nurturing environment for her children. She later married John Macaluso, a successful entrepreneur and former CEO of Wizard World. Together, they built a quiet life away from the frenzy of Wall Street headlines.
Life After Belfort – Nadine Caridi Now
Today, Nadine Caridi is no longer the party-girl or the model associated with Jordan Belfort’s extravagant empire. She has rebuilt her identity as Dr. Nadine Macaluso, a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in trauma-bond recovery, attachment theory, and narcissistic abuse.
After her divorce, Nadine returned to school, earning a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and later a PhD in Somatic Psychology. Her academic and personal journey gave her the tools to understand the deep patterns of trauma she had experienced — and to help others overcome theirs.
Dr. Nadine Macaluso now runs her own private practice in Hermosa Beach, California, where she offers therapy sessions, educational programs, and workshops focused on emotional healing and self-growth. Through her website and social-media presence, she shares insights on relationships, self-worth, and recovery from toxic dynamics.
She often emphasizes that her past does not define her — rather, it equipped her with empathy and understanding for her clients. Nadine’s story has thus evolved from one of scandal to one of strength, transformation, and purpose.
Nadine Caridi Height, Age, and Birthday
One of the most-searched questions about Nadine Caridi revolves around her age, height, and birthday. While sources vary slightly, most reliable biographies state that:
- Date of Birth: December 24, 1967 (or 1968 in some reports)
- Place of Birth: London, England
- Age: 56 (as of 2024)
- Height: Approximately 5 ft 6 in (167 cm)
Despite the minor discrepancies, these details align with her known modelling and career timeline. Her grace, poise, and youthful energy continue to inspire many, even decades after her modelling days.
Nadine Caridi’s Career as Dr. Nadine Macaluso
After years in the limelight for her association with Belfort, Nadine chose a new path grounded in service and healing. As Dr. Macaluso, she combines academic rigor with lived experience to help clients heal from trauma, emotional abuse, and dysfunctional attachment.
Her therapy approach integrates both somatic (body-based) and psychodynamic techniques, helping individuals reconnect with their emotions and establish healthier patterns in relationships.
She has been featured in interviews and articles where she discusses trauma bonds, a psychological phenomenon where victims form emotional attachments to their abusers. Her goal is to educate others on recognizing and breaking these cycles.
Through her practice, Nadine has transformed the pain of her past into a platform of empowerment. She stands as an advocate for women’s mental health, emotional recovery, and authenticity.
Nadine Caridi’s Net Worth
Over the years, Nadine Caridi has maintained a respectable level of financial independence. While her ex-husband Jordan Belfort’s empire collapsed under fraud charges, Nadine forged her own career outside of his shadow.
Her estimated net worth is around US $3 million, according to multiple online sources. This includes income from her previous modelling career, therapy practice, public speaking, and content creation.
Unlike the opulent wealth of her past, Nadine’s current life reflects stability and integrity — the result of years of personal growth and professional dedication.
Nadine Caridi’s Relationship With Carter Belfort
Among the many queries people search for online is “Carter Belfort,” Nadine’s son. Carter Belfort, born in the mid-1990s, largely avoids the spotlight. He graduated from college and has shown interest in creative fields, including marketing and music.
Nadine often speaks lovingly about her children and the importance of breaking generational patterns of emotional dysfunction. She has shared insights about parenting after trauma and fostering emotionally safe environments for adult children.
Her focus on family healing is a testament to how far she has come — from surviving a toxic marriage to nurturing a grounded, supportive family life.
Nadine Caridi’s Legacy – From Glamour to Growth
Nadine Caridi’s life can be divided into three clear chapters:
- The Glamour Era – A successful model known for her beauty and social presence.
- The Chaos Era – Marriage to Jordan Belfort, wealth mixed with pain.
- The Growth Era – Transformation into Dr. Nadine Macaluso, healer, author, and therapist.
What makes her story powerful isn’t just the fame or the film inspired by her, but the courage to rebuild and redefine herself. In interviews, she has said that healing is not linear — it’s a journey of unlearning, forgiving, and evolving.
Today, Nadine Caridi stands as a symbol of resilience. Her journey from the shadow of scandal to the light of healing proves that no matter how public your past, your future can still be your own creation.
Where Is Nadine Caridi Now?
As of 2025, Nadine continues her psychotherapy practice under the name Dr. Nadine Macaluso. She splits her time between California and New York, balancing professional commitments and family life.
Her work extends to online workshops, podcasts, and collaborations with mental-health professionals worldwide. She also maintains an active online presence, where she discusses emotional recovery, relationships, and authentic self-expression.
Far removed from the extravagance of the 1990s, Nadine now lives a quiet yet meaningful life. Her transformation serves as a reminder that one’s past need not define one’s destiny.
Final Thoughts – A Journey of Reinvention
Nadine Caridi’s story is not just about glamour, scandal, or fame. It’s about reinvention. Once the symbol of Wall Street opulence, she has evolved into a voice of empathy and strength.
Her journey reflects the timeless truth that growth is born from pain, and that true success lies not in wealth, but in healing and helping others.
Through her practice and public advocacy, Nadine Caridi (Dr. Nadine Macaluso) continues to inspire thousands to confront their trauma, reclaim their power, and write a new story for themselves.
For readers seeking stories of real transformation and resilience, this one stands as proof that every ending can become a new beginning.
— Written for ScrollBlogs, where stories meet purpose.
