Introduction
Woody Allen wife is Soon-Yi Previn, a South Korean-born American public figure born on October 8, 1970, in Seoul, South Korea. Her legal birth date was assigned after she was adopted, and her exact birth date is unknown. She later became the wife of acclaimed filmmaker Woody Allen after the couple married in 1997.
Woody Allen is an American filmmaker, writer, actor, and comedian best known for award-winning films such as Annie Hall, Manhattan, Hannah and Her Sisters, and Midnight in Paris. Over a career spanning more than six decades, he has earned multiple Academy Awards and remains one of cinema’s most influential directors.
The topic of Woody Allen wife has drawn significant public attention for many years because of the couple’s highly publicized and controversial relationship. While their marriage has remained stable for more than 25 years, it has also been widely discussed due to the circumstances surrounding how their relationship began. This article explores who Soon-Yi Previn is, her background, education, career, marriage to Woody Allen, their family life, social media presence, and other verified facts.
Who Is Soon-Yi Previn?
Soon-Yi Previn, born Oh Soon-hee, is the wife of filmmaker Woody Allen and the adopted daughter of actress Mia Farrow and composer André Previn. She was born in Seoul, South Korea, and spent her earliest years in difficult circumstances before being adopted and brought to the United States in 1978. Because little information was available about her birth, South Korean authorities assigned October 8, 1970, as her official birth date, though the exact date remains uncertain.
After moving to the United States, Soon-Yi grew up in New York alongside her adoptive siblings. She later attended Drew University, where she studied psychology, before earning a master’s degree in special education from Columbia University.
Unlike many celebrity spouses, Soon-Yi has generally preferred a private lifestyle. She has rarely appeared in interviews and has largely stayed away from Hollywood despite being connected to one of the film industry’s most recognizable directors.
The Woody Allen wife keyword often generates interest because Soon-Yi’s life story is unique. Her background includes international adoption, higher education, and decades of maintaining a low public profile despite intense media attention.
Soon-Yi Previn’s Career & Professional Life
Soon-Yi Previn has never pursued a traditional Hollywood career. Although she has appeared in documentaries and a few public projects, she is not primarily known as an actress or filmmaker.
She completed advanced studies in special education and has generally focused on family life rather than building a public entertainment career. Her media appearances have mostly been connected to Woody Allen’s projects or documentaries, including Wild Man Blues (1997).
Because she avoids interviews and public appearances, relatively little information exists about her professional activities. This privacy has contributed to public curiosity over the years.
Various media outlets estimate her personal net worth to be several million dollars, although no verified public financial records confirm an exact figure. Much of the couple’s wealth is associated with Woody Allen’s successful filmmaking career rather than publicly documented individual earnings.
Despite constant media attention, Soon-Yi has consistently maintained a quiet personal life, avoiding celebrity culture and rarely discussing her relationship publicly.
How Did Woody Allen and Soon-Yi Previn Meet?

The story of Woody Allen and Soon-Yi Previn remains one of Hollywood’s most discussed relationships.
Allen met Soon-Yi through his long-term relationship with actress Mia Farrow during the 1980s. According to Soon-Yi, their friendship developed years later after Allen helped her during a sports injury while she was in high school. They later attended New York Knicks basketball games together and gradually became closer around 1990–1991.
Their romantic relationship became public in 1992 after Mia Farrow discovered intimate photographs of Soon-Yi in Allen’s apartment. The revelation ended Allen’s relationship with Farrow and led to extensive media coverage and public controversy.
The circumstances surrounding their relationship have remained controversial for decades. Allen has consistently stated that Soon-Yi was never his adopted daughter or legal stepdaughter because he and Farrow were never married, while critics have continued to question the relationship’s origins.
Despite ongoing public scrutiny, the couple remained together throughout the 1990s before deciding to marry.
Marriage & Wedding Details
Woody Allen and Soon-Yi Previn married on December 23, 1997, in a private civil ceremony held in Venice, Italy. The wedding was intentionally small and away from the Hollywood spotlight.
The marriage surprised many observers because of the intense controversy that had surrounded their relationship during the previous several years. Nevertheless, the couple chose to keep their personal lives largely private after their wedding.
Since marrying, Woody Allen and Soon-Yi have remained together for more than two decades. They occasionally attend film festivals, Broadway events, and cultural gatherings but generally avoid extensive media exposure.
Their marriage is among the longest-lasting relationships in Allen’s personal life.
Children & Family Life

After their marriage, Woody Allen and Soon-Yi Previn adopted two daughters:
- Bechet Allen
- Manzie Allen
Both daughters were adopted during the late 1990s and were named after jazz musicians, reflecting Allen’s lifelong passion for jazz music.
The family has largely remained private throughout the children’s upbringing. Unlike many celebrity families, they have rarely shared details of everyday life through interviews or social media.
Allen has occasionally spoken about enjoying family life and credits marriage with bringing greater stability to his personal routine. Soon-Yi has similarly preferred keeping family matters away from public attention.
Although the couple continues to attract media interest, they have consistently maintained a relatively quiet lifestyle compared with many Hollywood celebrities.
Soon-Yi Previn on Social Media
Soon-Yi Previn does not maintain a verified public Instagram account or other major social media profiles.
Unlike many celebrity spouses, she has chosen to remain largely offline. As a result, fans will not find regular updates about her daily life, family, or public appearances through official social media channels.
Most photographs of Soon-Yi that appear online come from film premieres, festivals, or media coverage rather than personal accounts. Her limited online presence reflects her long-standing preference for privacy.
Quick Facts About Woody Allen’s Wife
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Soon-Yi Previn (born Oh Soon-hee) |
| Date of Birth | October 8, 1970 (official/legal date) |
| Nationality | South Korean-born American |
| Profession | Public figure; studied special education |
| Married to | Woody Allen |
| Marriage Year | 1997 |
| Children | Two adopted daughters: Bechet Allen and Manzie Allen |
| Net Worth | Not publicly confirmed |
FAQs About Woody Allen Wife
What is Woody Allen’s wife name?
A: Woody Allen’s wife is Soon-Yi Previn. The couple married in Venice, Italy, in December 1997 and remain married today.
How old is Soon-Yi Previn?
A: Soon-Yi Previn’s official birth date is October 8, 1970, although reports note that her exact birth date is unknown because it was assigned after her adoption.
What does Soon-Yi Previn do for a living?
A: Soon-Yi Previn studied psychology and special education. She has largely lived a private life and has made only occasional appearances in documentaries and public events.
When did Woody Allen and Soon-Yi Previn get married?
A: They married on December 23, 1997, in a private civil ceremony in Venice, Italy.
How many kids do Woody Allen and Soon-Yi Previn have?
A: Woody Allen and Soon-Yi Previn have two adopted daughters, Bechet Allen and Manzie Allen.
Conclusion
The answer to the Woody Allen wife search is straightforward: Woody Allen has been married to Soon-Yi Previn since 1997. Born in Seoul, South Korea, and adopted into the United States as a child, Soon-Yi later pursued higher education and has chosen to live a notably private life. Although their relationship has remained the subject of longstanding public controversy, their marriage has endured for more than two decades, and together they have raised two adopted daughters while largely staying out of the public spotlight.
