Nicole Merry (Claire Merry) Wiki, Age, Husband, Net Worth, Kids, Family: BIO of Thierry Henry’s Ex-wife
Nicole Merry, also known as Claire Merry, is a British actress and former model who was once married to the legendary French footballer Thierry Henry. She is best known for her role in the 1997 sci-fi film The Fifth Element, where she played a VIP stewardess. She also appeared in a Renault Clio TV advertisement with Henry in 2001, which sparked their romance.
However, their marriage ended in 2008 after Henry’s controversial move to Barcelona. Here is everything you need to know about Nicole Merry, her life and career, and her relationship with Thierry Henry.
Nicole Merry (Claire Merry) Wiki/Bio
| Name | Nicole Merry (Claire Merry) |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 1980 |
| Place of Birth | Croydon, London, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Actress, Model, Entrepreneur |
| Net Worth | Estimated at £15 million |
| Ex-husband | Thierry Henry (2003-2008) |
| Daughter | Tea Henry (born in 2005) |
| Current Partner | Daniel Gray (since 2016) |
| Famous for | The Fifth Element, Renault Clio advert, Merry Body |
Early Life, Birthday and Modeling Career
She was born in 1980 (age: 43 years, as of 2023) in Croydon, London, England. Her father was an advertising executive, but her mother’s identity is unknown. She started modeling at a young age and adopted the name Nicole Merry as her professional name. She modeled for various brands and magazines and also ventured into acting.
She landed a small role in the 1997 film The Fifth Element, directed by Luc Besson and starring Bruce Willis and Milla Jovovich. She played a VIP stewardess who escorted the main characters to a luxury cruise ship. The film was a huge success, grossing over $260 million worldwide and becoming the highest-grossing French film at the time.
Marriage and Divorce with Thierry Henry
Nicole Merry met Thierry Henry in 2001, when they were both cast in a TV advert for Renault Clio. The advert featured Henry as a French footballer who drove a Renault Clio to impress Merry, who played his love interest. The advert was a hit, and so was their chemistry.
They started dating soon after, and got married in a lavish ceremony at the Highclere Castle, Hampshire, on July 5, 2003. The wedding was attended by many celebrities and football stars, including David Beckham, Zinedine Zidane, and Patrick Vieira. The couple welcomed their daughter, Tea, on May 27, 2005. Henry celebrated her birth by scoring a goal against Newcastle United and making a “T” gesture with his fingers.
However, their marriage was not as smooth as it seemed. In 2006, Henry announced that he was leaving Arsenal, the club where he had spent eight years and became their all-time top scorer, to join Barcelona. The move was a shock to many fans and pundits, who accused Henry of being disloyal and greedy. It was also reported that Merry was unhappy with the move, as she wanted to stay in London and raise their daughter.
She felt betrayed by Henry, who had promised her that he would never leave Arsenal. She also suspected that he was having an affair with another woman in Spain. The couple tried to save their marriage, but it was too late. They separated in 2007, and finalized their divorce in 2008. The divorce was one of the most expensive in British history, as Henry had to pay Merry £10 million as a settlement.
Football Stars Join Forces to Fight Racism in the Sport
A group of prominent footballers, led by former France teammates Lilian Thuram and Thierry Henry, have signed a pledge to use their influence and platforms to demand an end to racism in the sport. The pledge was announced at a conference in Nottingham, where players and Harvard academics discussed how to advance racial equality in football.
The pledge was inspired by the Lilian Thuram Foundation, which promotes anti-racist education and awareness. It references the recent incidents of racist abuse faced by black players, such as Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan and Coventry midfielder Kasey Palmer. The pledge calls for stricter and decisive measures, anti-racist fan and player education, and more athlete input in decision-making.
The signatories of the pledge include current and former players such as Viv Anderson, Anthony Elanga, Robert Pires, Callum Hudson-Odoi, John McGovern, Zé Maria, Jason Lee, Olivier Dacourt, Taiwo Awoniyi and Paul Elliott. They hope that their initiative will spread across the professional game and create a more unified front against racism.
Thuram, who is the founder and president of the Lilian Thuram Foundation, said that racism is a systemic problem that requires collective action. He said that black players often face discrimination and intimidation, which makes them reluctant to speak out. He urged his fellow players to become advocates and allies in the fight against racism.
Henry, who is widely regarded as one of the best strikers of all time, said that the responsibility to change the situation lies with the football authorities. He said that players can only do so much, and that they need the support and commitment of the governing bodies. He said that racism is not only a football issue, but a social issue that affects everyone.
The conference, which was held at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground, was organized by the Lilian Thuram Foundation, the Harvard Kennedy School’s Carr Center for Human Rights Policy, and the Nottingham Forest Community Trust. It was part of a series of events and workshops aimed at fostering dialogue and collaboration between players, academics, and activists on the topic of racial and gender equity in European football.
Life after Divorce
After the divorce, Nicole Merry decided to focus on her daughter and her career. She resumed her acting and modeling, and also launched her own fashion line, called Merry Berry. She also changed her name back to Claire Merry, and moved to a new house in Hampstead, North London.
She dated a few men, but none of them lasted long. She was also involved in a scam, when a former footballer named Medi Abalimba impersonated Henry and tricked her into giving him money. She later realized that he was a fraud and reported him to the police.
Thierry Henry, on the other hand, continued his football career in Barcelona, where he won several trophies, including the Champions League in 2009. He then moved to the United States, where he played for the New York Red Bulls. He retired from football in 2014, and became a coach and a pundit. He remarried in 2017, to a model named Andrea Rajacic, with whom he has two sons.
Social Media Account
Nicole Merry is a British actress and former model who was once married to the legendary French footballer Thierry Henry. She is best known for her role in the 1997 sci-fi film The Fifth Element, where she played a VIP stewardess. She also appeared in a Renault Clio TV advertisement with Henry in 2001, which sparked their romance. However, their marriage ended in 2008 after Henry’s controversial move to Barcelona. She has since focused on her daughter and her career, and has also launched her own fashion line, called Merry Berry. She is a strong and independent woman who has overcome many challenges in her life.
