Have you ever wondered who captured the heart of Oscar-winning actress Michelle Yeoh? After a famously long engagement, she is now happily married to a man with a legendary career of his own.
The man in question is Jean Todt, a prominent figure in the world of motorsports. Their love story is as unique as their individual achievements, marked by a 19-year engagement that culminated in a beautiful wedding.
Who Is Jean Todt?
Background and Early Life
Jean Todt was born in Pierrefort, a small town in south-central France, in February 1946. His father was a doctor, and from an early age, Todt was driven by a passion for cars and racing.
He pursued his education at the École des Cadres School of Economics and Business in Paris, which laid the groundwork for his future in managing high-profile racing teams.
A Legendary Career in Motorsports
From Rally Driver to Ferrari CEO
Todt’s career began not in the boardroom, but behind the wheel as a world championship rally co-driver in 1966. He achieved significant success, winning prestigious events like the Tour de France Automobile Rally and the World Rally Championship.
His leadership skills soon became apparent, leading him to become the Director of Peugeot Talbot Sport. However, his most famous role was as the CEO of Ferrari, a position he held from 2004 to 2009, guiding the iconic brand to numerous victories.
Leading the Global Motorsport Industry
After his tenure at Ferrari, Jean Todt’s influence continued to grow. He was elected President of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) in 2009, a role he held until 2021.
Beyond racing, he has dedicated himself to humanitarian work, serving as the United Nations’ Special Envoy for Road Safety and as a board member of the FIA Foundation for the Automobile and Society.
How Michelle Yeoh and Jean Todt Met
The couple’s story began in Shanghai in June 2004. Michelle Yeoh was in the city for a Ferrari promotional event, where she first crossed paths with Todt.
Their connection was immediate and powerful. Within just one month of meeting, Todt proposed, and Yeoh accepted, marking the beginning of their long journey together.
The Famous 19-Year Engagement
So why did Michelle Yeoh and her husband wait nearly two decades to get married? The couple often cited their incredibly busy schedules and constant travel as the primary reason.
Yeoh once joked in an interview, “We’ve been threatening to get married for such a long time. Sometimes we say, ‘Wait, didn’t we already do it?’” Todt romantically counted their engagement as 6,992 days before they finally tied the knot.
Finally Saying “I Do”
The Geneva Wedding
On July 27, 2023, after their 19-year engagement, the couple officially married in a simple yet elegant ceremony in Geneva, Switzerland. Surrounded by close family and friends, it was a deeply personal moment.
Yeoh wore a stunning, sculptural Schiaparelli gown, adding a touch of Hollywood glamour to the intimate affair.
Celebrating in Malaysia
To share their joy with more loved ones, they held a second, more casual wedding celebration in December 2023 in Yeoh’s hometown of Ipoh, Malaysia.
The event took place at a local restaurant called Little Katong, where even Yeoh’s Oscar statue made an appearance among the decorations.
Their Marriage Philosophy
Michelle Yeoh has shared that the secret to their lasting relationship is their shared philosophy: “Every day should be a celebration.” They don’t believe in waiting for special occasions to express their love.
She praises her husband for being incredibly supportive of her demanding career, a sentiment he clearly reciprocates. This mutual respect has been the foundation of their bond.
Family and Personal Life
Todt’s Son Nicolas
Jean Todt has a son, Nicolas Todt, from a previous relationship. Following in his father’s footsteps, Nicolas is also deeply involved in the motorsports world and founded All Roads Management, a company that manages racing drivers.
Becoming Grandparents
In January 2024, the family welcomed a new addition. Nicolas and his wife, Darina, had a son named Maxime, making Jean Todt and Michelle Yeoh proud grandparents.
Yeoh expressed her immense joy on social media, calling the baby a “little miracle.”
FAQ Section
How long were Michelle Yeoh and Jean Todt engaged?
They were engaged for 19 years, or exactly 6,992 days, before getting married.
When did Michelle Yeoh marry Jean Todt?
They married on July 27, 2023, in Geneva, Switzerland.
Does Jean Todt have children?
Yes, he has one son, Nicolas Todt, from a previous relationship.
What is Jean Todt’s profession?
Jean Todt is a former rally co-driver, former CEO of Ferrari, and former President of the FIA. He is currently the UN Special Envoy for Road Safety.
Why did they wait 19 years to get married?
The couple attributed the long engagement to their busy international schedules and frequent travel.
Does Michelle Yeoh have children with Jean Todt?
No, they do not have children together, but Yeoh is a step-grandmother to Todt’s grandson.
How did Michelle Yeoh and Jean Todt meet?
They met in Shanghai in June 2004 at a promotional event for Ferrari.
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