Who is Jill Tavelman?
Jill is an American architect, perhaps most widely known for being the second wife of British musician and Genesis frontman Phil Collins, with whom she has a daughter, actress Lily Collins. Their marriage lasted from 1984 until 1996.
Professionally, Jill was involved in antiques and interior design before establishing herself as an architect. She was also a board member of the Beverly Hills Women’s Club for a time. Despite her own accomplishments, much of the public interest in her has been related to her family connections.
Early Life and Education
Jill Tavelman was born on 9 April 1956, in Los Angeles, California. While most of her early life remains relatively private, it’s known that she grew up with a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for beauty, leading her to develop interests that would eventually shape her professional life.
Her interest in architecture emerged early on, yet it wasn’t her sole focus, as Jill also cultivated a love for the performing arts, and found herself drawn to the excitement of Hollywood.
Career as an Architect
Before Jill ventured into architecture, she dabbled in the world of antiques and interior design. Her inherent appreciation for aesthetics and form coupled with her knack for business helped her to excel in these areas. She had a talent for creating spaces that were not just aesthetically pleasing but also functional, which allowed her to make a name for herself in the industry.
Her move into architecture was a natural progression, one that enabled her to have a more significant influence over the design and function of the spaces she created. Jill’s architecture career has been largely kept away from the public eye, perhaps due to her penchant for privacy.
In the recent years, Jill has returned to her old passion of buying, selling and collecting antiques. In 2018, she opened an antique store in West Hollywood called Waverly on Doheny; the store is known for their unique collection of oddities, some of which date back to the 19th century.
Marriage with Phil Collins
Jill’s life took an unexpected turn when she met Phil Collins, the British musician best known as the drummer and singer for the rock band Genesis. The two crossed paths in the 1980s and quickly formed a connection. Their relationship blossomed, and in 1984 they tied the knot, however, the marriage would bring Jill into a world of fame and public scrutiny that was new to her.
In 1989, Jill and Phil welcomed their daughter Lily, who would later go on to become a successful actress. Despite the joy of parenthood, the couple’s relationship faced several challenges, not least of which was Phil’s demanding music career that often took him away from home, along with cheating allegations against him.
In 1994, he openly said that he had fallen out of love with Jill and filed for a divorce, which was finalized in 1996. Jill gained full custody of Lily, and Phil was ordered to pay her £17 million as a part of the divorce settlement. Her net worth is estimated at close to $25 million, as of 2023.
Where is She Now?
Today, Jill has managed to retreat from the limelight and return to a more private life. She remains active in her architecture work, and managing her antique store. In addition to her professional pursuits, Jill has devoted of her time to raising and supporting her daughter, Lily, who has made a name for herself in Hollywood. As a mother, Jill has maintained a close relationship with her daughter, often appearing at her side during important life events.
Lily Collins Wiki Bio
Lily Collins, born on 18 March 1989, is an accomplished British-American actress, model and writer, perhaps known best for her role in the popular sitcom “Emily in Paris”. Born in Guildford, Surrey, England, Lily moved to Los Angeles with her mother following her parents’ highly publicized divorce in 1996.
Having grown up with a love for acting and the arts, Lily’s passion was evident from a young age. However, she didn’t immediately dive into her acting career, instead she initially wanted to become a journalist and studied the field at the University of Southern California.
Lily wrote for several well-known publications, including “Elle Girl”, “Seventeen”, and “The Los Angeles Times”. She also dabbled in modeling, becoming recognized for her unique look and was chosen by Chanel to wear one of their gowns at the Bal des débutantes in Paris, which marked her entrance into the world of high fashion.
Despite her success in journalism and modeling, Lily’s love for acting never wavered. Her breakthrough role came when she was cast in the 2009 American drama film “The Blind Side”. However, it was her portrayal of Snow White in the movie “Mirror Mirror” (2012) opposite Julia Roberts that truly catapulted her into stardom. Her performance was praised by critics and audiences alike, showcasing her talent and on-screen charisma.
Her portrayal of an aspiring actress in “Rules Don’t Apply” (2016), earned her her first Golden Globe nomination.
One of Lily’s most noteworthy performances to date is her role as Fantine in the BBC miniseries adaptation of “Les Misérables” (2018), which was met with widespread acclaim. More recently, she gained recognition for her role as Emily in the hit Netflix series “Emily in Paris” (2020-), a performance that earned her another Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a TV Series.
Throughout her career, Lily has worked alongside notable actors and directors, further establishing herself as a leading lady in Hollywood. Despite her success, she remains grounded and focused on her craft, often crediting her mother Jill for instilling in her a strong work ethic.
Off-screen, Lily is known for her philanthropy work. She is an active supporter of anti-bullying organizations and has used her platform to raise awareness for mental health issues, drawing from her own experiences with eating disorders, as portrayed in her film “To the Bone” (2017).
Lily’s personal life has also been a subject of public interest, though she tends to keep it relatively private, stating that she avoids discussing her relationships publicly, after witnessing the media coverage of her parents’ divorce. In a rare exception, Lily announced that she became engaged with the American film director, Charlie McDowell in 2020. The couple tied the knot in September the following year at Dunton Hot Springs, Colorado.
As of August 2023, Lily’s net worth has been estimated at more than $25 million.
