Olivier Martinez was once Hollywood’s ultimate heartthrob, earning the nickname the “French Brad Pitt” in the mid-90s.
Fast forward two decades, and the actor’s life looks very different from the glitz and glamour of his heyday.
Now 59, Olivier has stepped back from the spotlight amid legal battles and a slowing acting career.
A Career of Highs and Awards
Olivier made his mark in films like Unfaithful and S.W.A.T., earning a César Award and international recognition.
His early career skyrocketed after The Horseman on the Roof, which introduced him to American audiences.
Hailing from a working-class family in the Paris suburbs, Olivier left school early and held various jobs before pursuing acting at 23, eventually winning accolades including the Most Promising Actor at the César Awards and the Prix Jean Gabin award.
Over three decades, he’s appeared in 34 productions, though only three films have followed since 2018, with Mosquito State in 2020 being his most recent.
High-Profile Romances and Personal Life
Olivier’s personal life has been equally headline-grabbing.
He dated Kylie Minogue from 2003 to 2007, supporting her during her breast cancer diagnosis in 2005, and had relationships with Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Mira Sorvino.
In 2013, he married Halle Berry, with whom he shares an 11-year-old son, Maceo.
Their marriage ended in 2016, and the divorce finalized in 2023, resulting in joint custody with Halle paying child support.
Bitter Custody Battle with Halle Berry
In recent years, Olivier has been at the center of a contentious custody dispute.
Halle filed legal motions last year, claiming Olivier attempted to skip co-parenting therapy and alleging he relied on her child support payments for financial stability.
She also claimed she spent over $200,000 in legal fees, voluntarily contributing $80,000 toward Olivier’s expenses.
Halle sought sole custody, citing Maceo’s academic struggles, ADHD, and mild dyslexia.
She criticized Olivier’s priorities, saying he emphasized soccer over school, which she believes contributed to their son falling behind his peers.
Early Life and Rise to Stardom
Olivier’s journey to stardom was unconventional. Initially set to follow his father into boxing, friends encouraged him to try acting.
After enrolling in the International Conservatory of Paris at 23, he quickly moved from television to international cinema.
His breakthrough in 1995 earned him widespread recognition, and he became known for his suave, commanding presence on screen.
Life Today Away from the Spotlight
Now residing in Los Angeles, Olivier has kept a low profile since his divorce.
He has not publicly confirmed any new romantic relationships and appears to have embraced a quieter lifestyle.
Despite the slowdown in his acting career, Olivier remains a figure whose past work and high-profile romances continue to capture public interest.