Milla Jovovich, a Ukrainian-born powerhouse in entertainment, has made an impressive mark as an actress, model, singer, and designer. With a substantial net worth of $80 million, her fame skyrocketed primarily from her action-packed roles, most notably in the Resident Evil franchise, and a modeling career that has garnered global recognition. Beyond her notable acting in sci-fi and thriller genres, Jovovich is also a musician, fashion designer, and successful businesswoman.
Early Life and Background
Milica Bogdanovna Jovovich was born on December 17, 1975, in Kyiv, Ukraine. At the time, Kyiv was part of the Soviet Union, and Milla’s family resided mainly in Moscow. Her mother, Galina Loginova, was a famous Soviet actress, while her father, Bogich Jovovich, was a doctor. Milla has recounted that her birth in Ukraine happened by chance, as her family primarily identified with Russian culture and spent her formative years in Moscow.
In the early 1980s, when Milla was just five years old, her family emigrated to the United Kingdom, hoping to escape the political turmoil of the Soviet Union. They initially settled in London, but soon after, the Jovovich family made their way to California and ultimately settled in Los Angeles. The family struggled financially upon their arrival in the U.S., as the language barrier prevented Galina from continuing her acting career. Both parents worked long hours in low-wage jobs, including cleaning and cooking, to support their family.
Milla’s father later faced legal troubles and was convicted in one of the largest health insurance fraud cases in American history. Sentenced to 20 years in prison, he served five years before being released. Despite the turmoil at home, Milla was determined to pursue a career in the entertainment world.
A Tough Transition and Early Modeling Breakthroughs
As a young immigrant, Milla faced bullying in school for her Russian background, which was a common experience for many Eastern European immigrants at the time. However, she showed incredible resilience, picking up English within just three months of her arrival in America. At 12, she decided to leave school and pursue modeling full-time, a path her mother supported. Milla’s career as a model began even earlier, at age nine, when she was discovered by photographer Richard Avedon, who featured her in a series of magazine covers, including Vogue and Mademoiselle.
Although she later admitted to engaging in some rebellious behavior during her teenage years, including petty crimes like vandalism and occasional drug use, Milla remained committed to her modeling career and showed incredible determination. By 12, she was booking modeling gigs regularly and eventually transitioned into acting.
Early Career in Film
Milla made her film debut at the age of 13 with a minor role in Two Moon Junction in 1988. From there, she landed several television roles and continued to appear in modeling campaigns. Her big breakthrough came with her role in Return to the Blue Lagoon, a movie that brought her into the spotlight despite her young age. She quickly followed up with a part in Dazed and Confused, a cult classic that earned her significant acclaim and solidified her reputation as a rising star.
In 1997, her career reached new heights with the sci-fi cult classic The Fifth Element, directed by French filmmaker Luc Besson. Jovovich starred alongside Bruce Willis and established herself as an action star with her portrayal of Leeloo. The film, which grossed over $263 million worldwide, remains one of the defining roles of her career. Following The Fifth Element, she starred in He Got Game, The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc, and made a cameo in Zoolander, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
The Resident Evil Franchise and the Rise of an Action Heroine
In 2002, Milla’s career soared to a new level with the lead role in Resident Evil, a horror-action film adapted from the popular video game series. Playing the role of Alice, Milla became synonymous with the franchise, and her performance received widespread praise from fans. Although critics often gave the movies mixed reviews, the films collectively grossed over $1.2 billion, making Resident Evil the highest-grossing movie franchise based on a video game series. Milla continued to reprise her role as Alice in five sequels, solidifying her status as one of Hollywood’s top female action stars.
Outside of Resident Evil, she appeared in other action and sci-fi films, such as The Fourth Kind, The Three Musketeers, Zoolander 2, Paradise Hills, and the 2019 Hellboy reboot. Her consistent work in the genre has earned her a loyal following and further established her reputation as a skilled actress capable of handling demanding physical roles.
Musical Pursuits and Collaborations
In addition to her acting career, Milla has also made a name for herself in music. At 13, she signed her first record deal, leading to the release of her debut album, The Divine Comedy, in 1994. The album, which includes a blend of her compositions, acoustic guitar, and Ukrainian folk-inspired songs, received praise from critics for its originality. Although music took a backseat to her acting and modeling career, Milla continued to dabble in music, forming an experimental band called Plastic Has Memory in 1999.
Over the years, she has collaborated with artists such as The Crystal Method and Deepak Chopra, contributing to various film soundtracks and expressing her artistic range.
High-Flying Modeling Career
While her acting career was blossoming, Milla continued to work as a model and was one of the highest-paid models at the height of her career. In 2004, she reportedly earned more than $10.5 million from modeling alone, collaborating with brands such as Christian Dior, Versace, Banana Republic, and Giorgio Armani. Although she has stated that modeling was never her primary focus, her work in the industry has left a lasting impression, earning her respect from iconic figures like Miuccia Prada and Gianni Versace.
Alongside her modeling work, Milla ventured into fashion design, partnering with fellow model Carmen Hawk to create a successful clothing line. Although they eventually ended the business in 2008, her influence on fashion remains, and her designs reflect her unique style and creativity.
Personal Life, Family, and Spirituality
Despite not adhering to any particular religion, Milla describes herself as deeply spiritual. She practices meditation, yoga, and prayer, which she credits with helping her maintain a balanced life amidst her busy career. Milla also openly shares her love for cannabis, having previously appeared in High Times magazine, and expresses her commitment to health and wellness.
Staying connected to her Russian roots, she still speaks Russian fluently and reads to her children in the language. Milla has three children with her husband, director Paul W.S. Anderson. The two met in 2002 on the set of Resident Evil and got engaged in 2003, welcoming their first child in 2007 before marrying in 2009. They expanded their family with a second child in 2015 and a third in 2020.
Real Estate Ventures
Milla and Anderson have made strategic investments in real estate, buying and selling properties in prestigious locations. In 2016, they acquired a Beverly Hills property for $3.922 million, which they rented out for $20,000 a month before selling it for $4.6 million in 2021.
In 2005, they purchased a townhouse in New York’s West Village for $6.375 million. The four-story home featured a blend of historical elegance and modern design, including a gourmet kitchen, a master suite with a terrace, and a rooftop deck with an outdoor shower. They sold it in 2013 for $6.7 million, gaining a modest profit.
In 2007, the couple upgraded to a lavish $8.5 million Mediterranean-style mansion in Beverly Hills, where they continue to reside. Located near other celebrity homes, the property spans 8,493 square feet, complete with luxurious amenities and architectural grandeur. In early 2022, they listed this home for sale at $14 million.
In March 2022, they acquired a new property: a sprawling 9,000-square-foot mansion in the Hollywood Hills, purchased for $10.2 million. This new home marks the couple’s latest investment in luxury real estate.
Legacy and Impact
Milla Jovovich’s career reflects her adaptability and resilience in a competitive industry. Her commitment to her craft, be it acting, modeling, or music, has allowed her to leave a lasting legacy. Known for her generosity and down-to-earth nature, Milla inspires fans worldwide, reminding them of the value of hard work, self-acceptance, and perseverance.
Through her film roles, particularly her portrayal of Alice in Resident Evil, Milla has broken barriers for women in action cinema, proving that female characters can be as tough, complex, and enduring as their male counterparts.
