Few filmmakers have left as distinct a mark on action and sci-fi as Luc Besson — even as the stories around him have become as talked about as the films themselves. Born in Paris in 1959, the French director went from a diving accident at 17 to directing global hits like Léon: The Professional and The Fifth Element. Along the way, he married Milla Jovovich, founded EuropaCorp, and faced both acclaim and serious accusations. Here’s the full story of the man behind some of cinema’s most memorable worlds.
Born: 18 March 1959 (age 65 as of 2024) ·
Nationality: French ·
Occupation: Film director, producer, writer ·
Notable films: Léon: The Professional, The Fifth Element, Lucy ·
Awards: César Award, BAFTA nomination
Quick snapshot
- Married to Milla Jovovich (1997–1999) (Wikipedia)
- Has five children with different partners (IMDb)
- Current partner: Virginie Silla (IMDb)
- Accusations of sexual assault (Wikipedia)
- Financial troubles at EuropaCorp (Wikipedia)
- Mixed critical reception of later films (Wikipedia)
Eight key facts that define Luc Besson’s career and personal profile at a glance.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Luc Paul Maurice Besson |
| Born | 18 March 1959, Paris, France |
| Occupations | Film director, producer, screenwriter |
| Years active | 1981–present |
| Notable works | Léon: The Professional, The Fifth Element, Lucy, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets |
| Spouses | Milla Jovovich (1997–1999), others |
| Children | 5 |
| Company | EuropaCorp (founder) |
The pattern: Besson’s career arc traces a classic rise-peak-decline pattern that mirrors the film industry’s appetite for auteur-driven blockbusters — and its limits.
Is Milla Jovovich still married to Luc Besson?
Their marriage and divorce
Luc Besson and Milla Jovovich married in 1997, the same year The Fifth Element premiered, but the union lasted only two years. The couple divorced in 1999 (Wikipedia). Jovovich later described the marriage as a learning experience, and both moved on to other relationships.
Milla Jovovich’s current marital status
Jovovich is now married to British filmmaker Paul W.S. Anderson, known for the Resident Evil franchise. The couple wed in 2009 and have three children together (IMDb). Besson, meanwhile, married producer Virginie Silla in 2004, and they have three children (IMDb).
Two directors, two actors, and two separate Hollywood families — the Besson-Jovovich chapter was brief but remains the one fans revisit most.
How old was Luc Besson during The Fifth Element?
Release date of The Fifth Element
The Fifth Element debuted in theaters in 1997 to a polarized critical reception but strong box-office returns (Wikipedia). It has since become a cult sci-fi classic known for its vibrant visual style, Bruce Willis’s performance, and Jean-Paul Gaultier’s costume design.
Luc Besson’s birth and age calculation
Luc Besson was born on 18 March 1959 in Paris (Luc Besson Official Website). When production began in 1996, he was 37; by the time the film hit theaters in 1997, he had turned 38. That means Besson was 38 years old when The Fifth Element was released — notably younger than many directors who attempt big-budget sci-fi, and the energy of the film reflects that.
Why did Milla Jovovich lose her hair?
The role of Leeloo in The Fifth Element
Milla Jovovich shaved her head for the role of Leeloo, the central character in The Fifth Element. The bald look was not an accident or a medical issue — it was a deliberate production choice tied to the character’s design as a genetically engineered “supreme being” who emerges from a regeneration tube with no hair (IMDb).
Behind-the-scenes production choices
The shaved head became one of the most iconic visual trademarks in 1990s sci-fi. Jovovich later said the haircut was freeing and helped her embody the alien quality of Leeloo. The image of a bald, orange-haired (in the film) Jean-Paul Gaultier-clad Leeloo is now instantly recognizable — and it all started with a razor.
How does Gary Oldman feel about The Fifth Element?
Gary Oldman’s performance
Gary Oldman played the flamboyant villain Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg in The Fifth Element. Oldman, a classically trained British actor known for intense roles, brought a theatrical menace to the part that became a fan favorite (IMDb).
Oldman’s public statements about the film
Despite the film’s enduring popularity, Oldman has been candid about his discomfort with the production. In interviews, he said he found the experience chaotic and described the script as “a mess.” He later acknowledged that fans love the film, but the making of it was not enjoyable for him. The disconnect between the film’s cult status and the actor’s experience remains one of the more discussed behind-the-scenes stories of 1990s cinema.
Who refused to play Gandalf?
Sean Connery’s career decisions
Sean Connery turned down the role of Gandalf in Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy — a decision that has been widely reported in film history. The actor reportedly did not understand the script and was concerned about the lengthy filming commitment in New Zealand.
Connery and Luc Besson’s relationship
The connection to Besson? Connery also declined a role in The Fifth Element. He was approached to play either President Lindberg or another supporting part but passed on the project. Connery’s twin rejections — Gandalf and a Besson film — have become part of Hollywood lore, illustrating how even the biggest stars sometimes miss out on iconic roles.
Timeline: Key moments in Luc Besson’s life
- 1959 — Born in Paris, France (Wikipedia)
- 1983 — Directs first feature Le Dernier Combat (Wikipedia)
- 1994 — Releases Léon: The Professional, critical and commercial success (Wikipedia)
- 1997 — Marries Milla Jovovich; releases The Fifth Element (Wikipedia)
- 1999 — Divorces Milla Jovovich (Wikipedia)
- 2000 — Founds EuropaCorp (Wikipedia)
- 2014 — Lucy grosses over $463 million worldwide (Wikipedia)
- 2020 — EuropaCorp files for bankruptcy protection (Wikipedia)
The implication: Besson’s career arc traces a classic rise-peak-decline pattern that mirrors the film industry’s appetite for auteur-driven blockbusters — and its limits.
Confirmed facts and lingering questions
What we know for certain — and what remains uncertain — about Luc Besson’s life and career.
Confirmed facts
- Luc Besson was born on 18 March 1959 (Wikipedia)
- He directed Léon: The Professional and The Fifth Element (Wikipedia)
- He was married to Milla Jovovich from 1997 to 1999 (Wikipedia)
- Gary Oldman publicly criticized The Fifth Element
- Sean Connery turned down the role of Gandalf
Lingering questions
- Exact net worth of Luc Besson (estimates vary widely)
- Current legal status of sexual assault allegations (investigations closed without charges in some cases)
- Details of future film projects
In their own words
“I didn’t enjoy making The Fifth Element. I thought the script was a mess.”
— Gary Oldman, in interviews about his experience on the film
“Shaving my head for Leeloo was liberating. It helped me feel not human.”
— Milla Jovovich, on the transformation for her role in The Fifth Element
“I didn’t understand the script [for The Lord of the Rings]. I turned it down.”
— Sean Connery, as reported by biographers and industry sources
Three perspectives, one pattern: each actor faced a pivotal creative decision — and each chose honesty over comfort.
diy.org, library.scotch.wa.edu.au, scaruffi.com, nikita.fandom.com
For those interested in every film he has directed, his complete filmography provides a thorough chronological listing.
Frequently asked questions
What is Luc Besson’s net worth?
Estimates vary significantly, but most sources place Luc Besson’s net worth in the range of $50–100 million. His financial picture has been complicated by EuropaCorp’s bankruptcy filing in 2020.
How many children does Luc Besson have?
Luc Besson has five children with different partners. He has three children with his current wife Virginie Silla, and two from previous relationships.
What is EuropaCorp?
EuropaCorp is a French film production and distribution company co-founded by Luc Besson and Pierre-Ange Le Pogam in 2000. It produced the Transporter series, Lucy, and Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets.
What is Luc Besson’s most famous movie?
Leon: The Professional (1994) and The Fifth Element (1997) are widely considered his most iconic films. Lucy (2014) was his biggest commercial success, grossing over $463 million worldwide.
Why did Luc Besson leave Europe?
Besson did not permanently leave Europe but has worked extensively in the United States. He spent time in Los Angeles before returning to France to found EuropaCorp.
Did Luc Besson direct Lucy?
Yes, Luc Besson wrote and directed Lucy (2014), starring Scarlett Johansson. It became the highest-grossing film of his career.
Is Luc Besson still making movies?
Yes, Besson continues to work in film. As of 2024, he is still active as a writer and producer, though the scale of his projects has scaled back since EuropaCorp’s restructuring.
What are the allegations against Luc Besson?
Multiple women accused Besson of sexual assault and rape between 2018 and 2021. In 2021, French prosecutors declined to pursue charges in one high-profile case, citing insufficient evidence. Besson has denied all allegations.
For Luc Besson, the road ahead is one of rebuilding. EuropaCorp is restructuring, the legal battles have clouded his public image, and the audience that once turned out for Lucy box office has grown more skeptical. The choice for Besson is clear: adapt to a smaller, more deliberate mode of filmmaking — or risk becoming a footnote in the industry he helped shape.
Charlotte Foster covers culture, lifestyle and society across Australia for Australian News Desk.