When people hear the name Julian Ozanne, they often remember him as Gillian Anderson’s ex-husband. But there’s a lot more to his story than that. He’s a talented Kenyan-born producer, photojournalist, and filmmaker who has lived a life full of creativity, travel, and quiet success.
Julian may not be a celebrity in the traditional sense, but his work behind the camera has reached audiences around the world. He’s also a man who values privacy and simplicity, which makes his story even more interesting in today’s fast-paced world.
In this article, we’ll take a friendly look at who Julian Ozanne is — his early life, career, marriage to Gillian Anderson, and the path that shaped his life. Let’s begin with where it all started.
Julian Ozanne Quick Bio
| Full Name | Julian Ozanne |
| Birth Date | November 30, 1965 |
| Age (2025) | 59 years old |
| Birthplace | Kenya |
| Nationality | Kenyan |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Religion | Christian |
| Mother | Patricia Ozanne |
| Father | Not known |
| Siblings | Not known |
| Education | London School of Economics (Economics, 1986) |
| Early Career | Foreign correspondent (Financial Times) |
| Other Work | Investment advisor, activist |
| Film Career | Producer & Director (1999–2003) |
| Notable Films | Giorgio Armani: A Man for All Seasons, This Is Not an Exit, Here to Where |
| Ex-Spouse | Gillian Anderson (m. 2004–2007) |
| Children | None |
| Current Job | CEO, New Forests Company Holdings Ltd |
| Social Media | Not active |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| Weight | 72 kg |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Net Worth (Est.) | $100,000 – $2 million |
| Marital Status | Single |
Who Is Julian Ozanne?
Julian Ozanne is a Kenyan-born film producer and documentary filmmaker who became known to many as Gillian Anderson’s ex-husband. But before his marriage to the famous actress, he had already built a name for himself through hard work and creativity.
He has produced and directed several documentaries, combining his love for storytelling and real-life events. Many people admire him for staying true to his craft, even while being connected to a Hollywood star.
Julian is known as someone who prefers a simple, grounded life. He focuses more on his work and values rather than fame — something that truly sets him apart.
Julian Ozanne’s Early Life and Background
Julian Ozanne was born on November 30, 1965, in Kenya. He was raised by his mother, Patricia Ozanne, and grew up surrounded by nature and culture. Interestingly, he spent part of his childhood in the palace of King Moshoeshoe II of Lesotho, where his mother worked.
Growing up in Africa helped Julian develop a love for people, stories, and the world around him. This early connection to global experiences later shaped his curiosity for journalism and filmmaking.
Not much is known about his father or siblings, but Julian’s Kenyan roots and childhood adventures surely played a role in the creative storyteller he became.
Education and Smart Start in Life
After finishing school in Kenya, Julian moved to London to continue his studies. He attended the London School of Economics, one of the most respected universities in the world. There, he studied Economics, graduating in 1986.
His education gave him a smart start in life. It opened doors not just in business and finance, but also in the world of international communication. His studies helped him understand people, systems, and how the world works — a skill that became useful in both journalism and film.
Even though his background was academic, Julian always had a creative side. He used his knowledge to tell stories about the world in ways that felt real and meaningful.
Julian Ozanne’s Career in Journalism and Finance
Before making films, Julian Ozanne worked in journalism and finance. He began as a foreign correspondent for the London Financial Times, where he covered international news and politics. His job took him across countries and allowed him to see life from many different sides.
Later, Julian worked with European and American investment banks, providing business advice and analysis. He also held positions with the World Economic Forum and was known for being a strong critic of the Zimbabwean government, showing his courage and concern for justice.
Through these roles, he built a career that mixed intelligence, purpose, and passion for the truth. His experience as a journalist gave him a deep understanding of real-world issues — something that later shaped his work as a filmmaker.
From Reporter to Filmmaker: Julian Ozanne’s Film Work
After years in journalism, Julian Ozanne decided to follow his passion for storytelling through films. He became a documentary filmmaker, using his voice and vision to share meaningful stories with the world.
Some of his most famous works include:
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Giorgio Armani: A Man for All Seasons (2000)
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This Is Not an Exit: The Fictional World of Bret Easton Ellis (1999)
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Here to Where (2002)
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Lara Croft: Lethal and Loaded
These projects gave viewers a look into different worlds — from fashion and fiction to personal journeys. His documentaries are known for their honesty and creative direction.
Even though his career as a filmmaker was not very long, his work earned respect. Julian proved that a person doesn’t need fame to make a difference — passion and purpose are enough.
How Julian Ozanne Met Gillian Anderson
Julian’s personal life caught public attention when he met Gillian Anderson, the famous actress known for The X-Files. Their love story began in Kenya, the place where Julian was born.
According to reports, they met either during a safari trip or at a dinner party hosted by mutual friends. At first, Gillian didn’t find him very pleasant — she even admitted she thought he was a bit too lively. But as they met again in London, their friendship grew stronger.
Soon, friendship turned into romance. They started dating, spending time together, and realizing they shared similar values despite their different lifestyles. Their love story moved quickly — and within a short time, they were engaged.
Their Wedding and Married Life
Julian Ozanne and Gillian Anderson married on December 29, 2004, in a small, beautiful ceremony held on Lamu Island, off the coast of Kenya. The wedding was private, simple, and filled with close friends and family.
The island’s sandy beaches and peaceful setting made it a memorable day. It was not a Hollywood-style wedding — it reflected Julian’s calm and natural lifestyle.
After marriage, they lived together in London, balancing their work and personal lives. Gillian continued her acting career, while Julian focused on his projects and causes. They appeared happy together for a while, attending events side by side and supporting each other’s work.
Why Julian Ozanne and Gillian Anderson Split
Sadly, the love story between Julian Ozanne and Gillian Anderson didn’t last very long. After just over a year of marriage, the couple announced their separation in April 2006. Their divorce was made official on July 24, 2007.
They shared the news through a quiet and respectful statement asking for privacy. They didn’t go into personal details, which matched Julian’s calm and private nature. The statement simply said that the marriage had come to an end and asked everyone to respect their space.
Even though they never fully explained the reason, some reports mentioned a few possible issues. There were rumors about tension between Julian and Gillian’s daughter from her first marriage. Others pointed to differences in their personal lives or even Gillian’s openness about her sexuality. However, both Julian and Gillian listed “irreconcilable differences” as the reason — meaning they simply grew apart.
Julian Ozanne’s Life After the Divorce
After his divorce from Gillian Anderson, Julian Ozanne stepped away from the spotlight. While Gillian continued acting and appearing in popular shows like The Crown and Sex Education, Julian returned to his quieter lifestyle.
In 2009, he was seen attending an event with interior designer Kelly Hoppen, and some believed they might be dating. But neither of them confirmed any relationship. After that, there were no big stories or headlines about Julian.
Unlike many others connected to Hollywood, Julian didn’t try to stay in the media. He didn’t write a book, give interviews, or post on social media. He simply moved on — just like many regular people do when a chapter in life ends.
What Is Julian Ozanne Doing Now?
So, where is Gillian Anderson’s ex-husband Julian Ozanne today? While he stays out of the public eye, a few reports say that he is working in environmental conservation.
Julian is said to be the CEO and Managing Director of New Forests Company Holdings Limited, a business focused on forestry and sustainable development in Uganda and other parts of Africa. This work supports local communities and helps protect the environment — something Julian has always cared about.
He has also been connected to the Zimbabwe Benefit Foundation, where he helped raise awareness and support for people facing tough times under government rule. Even after leaving the film industry, Julian found ways to use his time and skills to make the world a better place.
Julian Ozanne’s Personal Traits and Beliefs
Julian Ozanne is a private and thoughtful person. He follows the Christian faith, and from all signs, he values peace, purpose, and privacy more than popularity.
Even though he was married to a Hollywood star, Julian never tried to become a celebrity himself. He didn’t chase attention or fame. Instead, he focused on work that mattered to him — whether it was journalism, film, or forest conservation.
He doesn’t have children and is believed to be single. He also has no public social media, making him almost invisible in today’s digital world. But sometimes, that’s exactly the life someone wants — quiet, real, and grounded.
Final Thoughts
Julian Ozanne, best known as Gillian Anderson’s ex-husband, has lived a life full of different paths — from journalism to filmmaking to environmental leadership. While many people know him because of his famous marriage, Julian has always had his own story.
He was a smart student, a brave reporter, a thoughtful filmmaker, and now, a quiet leader helping nature and people in Africa. His journey proves that not everyone needs to be in the spotlight to make a difference.
In a world where people often share everything online, Julian chose another way — a quiet life filled with real work and calm strength. And maybe that’s why his story still matters today.
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