Julian Ozanne Biography

Julian was born Julian V Ozanne, on November 30, 1965, in Kenya. His mother’s name was Patricia Ozanne. Julian spent most of his childhood in the palace of King Moshoeshoe II of Lesotho

In 1986, Julian graduated with a degree in economics from the 'London School of Economics.'

Julian has made his mark as a photojournalist and a documentary filmmaker. However, before venturing into mainstream filmmaking, Julian had worked with a few British news agencies. From 1987 to 1997, he worked as a foreign correspondent with the ‘Financial Times.' There, he was the Middle East correspondent and the Africa bureau chief. In between his tenure at the 'Financial Times,' from 1994 to 1999, Julian served as an advisor to many US and European investment banks. He majorly focused on the business and political risks in the African market. Julian has also worked with the 'World Economic Forum' and 'S.G. Warburg Group Plc,' a London-based investment bank.

Julian has also worked for a ‘Democrat’ congressman in Washington. He is known for his bold criticism of the Zimbabwean government. He has often condemned the governmental oppression of the poor people of Zimbabwe. He was previously appointed as a spokesperson for the 'Zimbabwe Benefit Foundation,' a registered UK-based charitable organization working to uplift the lives of poor and underprivileged Zimbabwean people. He helps the weaker communities of the country rebuild their lives.

Julian currently serves as the chief executive officer and the managing director of 'New Forests Company Holdings Limited.' Having spent a considerable number of years in Africa, Julian is well-equipped with the knowledge of the continent’s political and geographical status. He also happens to know a number of influential people and understands Africa’s business environment quite well. Julian utilized his knowledge to change a barren and desolate region in central Uganda by planting more than 14 million pine and eucalyptus trees. Additionally, he also generated employment opportunities for more than 14 hundred people. Unfortunately, the project was later subjected to heavy criticism on several grounds, which led Julian to announce the suspension of the tree-planting operations and subsequently lay off the workers.

Julian has worked at a production company named 'Bedford Square.' Julian has also directed a few films. Some of his notable works include the documentary 'Giorgio Armani: A Man for All Seasons.' Released in 2000, the film showcases the life of fashion mogul Giorgio Armani and was directed by Julian. The same year saw the release of the documentary 'This is Not an Exit: The Fictional World of Bret Easton,' which was produced by him. He has also produced the documentary 'Here to Where,' which released in the Netherlands in 2002.

Julian was married to Gillian Anderson of ‘The X-Files’ fame. The two met for the first time in Kenya during a safari. They began dating in 2002 and got married 2 years later.

The two were supposed to get married in September 2003. However, due to some unknown reason, the wedding got delayed. The two finally got married on December 29, 2004, in the village of Shella on Lamu’s Island, off the Kenyan Indian Ocean coast. Julian is Gillian’s second husband. She was earlier married to Canadian TV art director and production designer Clyde Klotz. They got married in 1994. The same year, they had a daughter, Piper Maru. Piper was Gillian’s bridesmaid at Gillian and Julian’s wedding.

Gillian announced her separation from Julian in April 2006, and their divorce was finalized on July 24, 2007. The news of their separation surfaced shortly after Gillian’s alcohol-fueled outburst on a flight that year. Some sources suggest that Julian’s cold relationship with Piper was also the reason for the divorce. Some blamed Gillian's bisexual nature for the split. However, the two cited irreconcilable marital differences as the main reason for the end of their marriage. Julian and Gillian have not had any children from their relationship.

Julian is reportedly still single. However, he has been seen a few times with Gillian after their divorce.