Irina Sheik (born Irina Shaykhlislamova) grew up in the Russian village of Yemanzhelinsk. Close with her father, whose Tartar origins blessed her with olive-toned skin, Shayk experienced a sudden tragedy at 14 years old when her father passed away from pneumonia. As a result, her mother worked multiple jobs to support the entire family, and Shayk was fortunate not to have any major health problems throughout her upbringing.
