With Michelle Yeoh in the headlines for starring in the brand new short film, 'Sandiwara' by director, Sean Baker, let's take a look at who her longtime partner and husband, Jean Todt, is.
Michelle Yeoh is one of the most renowned Malaysian actresses. She first came to prominence in 1983, when she won the Miss Malaysia World beauty contest at the age of 20. In the same year, she represented her country at the Miss World 1983 pageant in London, where she placed 18th. Yeoh began her acting career when she starred in a television commercial for Guy Laroche watches alongside Jackie Chan. Soon, she began taking on roles in action and martial arts films, where she was known for performing her own stunts. By the time Yeoh appeared in her third film, Yes, Madam (1985), she had finally landed the leading role.
However, she retired from acting in 1987 after marrying her first husband, Dickinson Poon, who was the co-founder of D&B Films, the production company she worked for. Thankfully, Michelle Yeoh decided to return to acting once again when she divorced Poon after five years of marriage. Since her return, Yeoh has successfully managed to build an impressive Hollywood career for herself spanning decades. Currently, Michelle Yeoh is in the headlines for taking centre stage in the brand new short film titled Sandiwara by director, Sean Baker. The film is all set to premiere at the Berlin Film Festival in late February 2026. As anticipation around Michelle Yeoh's film continues to grow, let us introduce you to her current husband and biggest supporter, Jean Todt.
Michelle Yeoh's husband, Jean Todt, was born on February 26, 1946, in Pierrefort, Cantal, France. If a report by Elle is to be believed, he is the son of a doctor. After completing his high school studies, Todt went on to study at the Ecole des Cadres School of Economics and Business in Paris. After graduating, he pursued a career in the motorsports industry.
Having a long history in motorsports, Jean Todt began his career as a co-driver in 1966 alongside Guy Chasseuil. Behind the wheel, he has won a number of races in the Tour de France Automobile Rally, the Rally de Portugal, and the World Rally Championship. After a successful career as a co-driver, Todt retired from competition in 1981 and was later appointed as the Director of Racing at Peugeot Talbot Sport. He remained in this position for over a decade, from 1982 to 1993.
After 12 years with Peugeot Talbot Sport, he was recruited by Ferrari's then-CEO, Luca di Montezemolo. He started as the General Manager of Ferrari's racing division on July 1, 1993. To top it off, Jean Todt was also appointed as the CEO of Ferrari on June 1, 2004. He held this title until March 2009. A few months later, in July 2009, Todt officially announced his intention to run for the Presidency of the FIA and was finally elected for the same in October of the same year. For the unversed, it is the same organisation which oversees the renowned Formula One World Championship. After being re-elected multiple times, his FIA presidency ended nearly a decade later, in December 2021, when he was succeeded by Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
Jean Todt and Michelle Yeoh were engaged for a long time, 19 years to be exact, before they got married. The duo got engaged in July 2004 and tied the knot on July 27, 2023, in an intimate civil ceremony. For the occasion, Yeoh chose to wear a white silk blouse paired with a ruffled skirt. On the other hand, Todt sported a classic blue suit. Following the wedding, the actress took to her Instagram to post a series of pictures from the day. She captioned the post:
“19 years and YES!! We are married!! Thanks to our ‘families’ who love us for all these years. We love you and here's to many more to come.”
Michelle Yeoh and Jean Todt said "I do" for the second time in the actress's hometown of Ipoh, Malaysia. The couple chose to keep things casual for their second wedding and held the celebration at a restaurant called Little Katong.
Throughout their 19-year relationship before marriage, Jean Todt and Michelle Yeoh have supported each other in their respective careers. For instance, Yeoh was spotted several times with Todt at motor-racing stands, including at the British Grand Prix. Similarly, Todt has supported his wife by appearing alongside her at multiple Hollywood events. He was there to support his now-wife when she made history as the first Asian woman to win the Oscar for Best Actress. The couple were photographed holding hands at the Vanity Fair Oscars afterparty, where Yeoh proudly showed off her award.
Before he began dating Michelle Yeoh, Jean Todt had a son, Nicolas Todt, from a previous relationship. Following in his footsteps, Nicolas is also in the motorsports industry. It is worth noting that Yeoh has a good relationship with him, as evidenced by the pictures she often posts of herself hanging out with him and her husband. In December 2020, she posted a picture of the trio having dinner together. She captioned the group photo, “With my Todt boys and the best dinner."
What are your thoughts on Michelle Yeoh's longtime partner and husband, Jean Todt? Let us know.
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