Simon Wakelin has long occupied a unique space in Hollywood’s creative circles. Known primarily as a skilled photojournalist and on-set photographer, he has also worked as a magazine editor, publicist, and optioned screenwriter. Many people first encounter his name through his past marriage to actress Tia Carrere, yet his professional story stretches far beyond that chapter.
From capturing stills alongside directors like Ridley Scott and Spike Jonze to contributing articles for major entertainment publications, Simon Wakelin built a multifaceted career rooted in visual storytelling and industry insight. Based in Los Angeles for many years, he has balanced commercial assignments, editorial work, and personal creative projects.
This article explores the full picture of Simon Wakelin’s life and work. It covers his background, career highlights, marriage and family, life after divorce, and ongoing presence in the creative world. Readers will find a clear, factual overview designed for anyone curious about the man behind the camera and the bylines.
Quick Facts About Simon Wakelin
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Simon Wakelin |
| Profession | Photojournalist, photographer, publicist, screenwriter |
| Known For | On-set still photography and entertainment journalism |
| Nationality | British |
| Height | 6′4″ (1.93 m) |
| Born | March 28, 1966 |
| Spouse | Tia Carrere (m. 2002 to 2010) |
| Children | One child, Jude Wakelin, born in 2005 |
| Residence | Los Angeles, California |
| Notable Collaborations | Ridley Scott, Spike Jonze, Red Hot Chili Peppers |
Early Life and Background
Simon Wakelin was born in the United Kingdom. Sources point to London as his birth city and Northamptonshire as a hometown connection. He later studied at Concordia University in Montreal, where he focused on Classics and English Literature. That academic foundation helped shape his later work as both a writer and visual storyteller.
Growing up with an interest in words and images, he eventually moved into photojournalism. The transition from literature studies to practical photography and reporting is common among creatives who value both narrative and visual impact. By the time he established himself in Los Angeles, Simon Wakelin had developed a professional style that combined technical skill behind the camera with an editor’s eye for detail.
His British roots and North American education gave him a flexible perspective that proved useful in the international entertainment industry. Hollywood attracts talent from many places, and Wakelin’s path reflects that mix of cultural influences.
Her Age and Physical Features
Simon Wakelin was born on March 28, 1966, making him 60 years old as of 2026. He stands notably tall at 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 meters). Industry profiles and public appearances have consistently noted his height as a distinctive physical trait.
Beyond height, detailed public descriptions of his appearance remain limited, as he has generally kept a lower personal profile compared with on-screen celebrities. Green eyes have been mentioned in some professional bios. Overall, he presents as a tall, professional figure comfortable both on film sets and in editorial environments.
His physical presence has occasionally been noted in red-carpet photos from the years he attended events with Tia Carrere, yet he has never sought the spotlight as a public personality himself.
Career and Major Achievements
Simon Wakelin’s career rests on three main pillars: photography, journalism, and writing for the screen.
As a still photographer, he worked on feature films including *The Death and Life of Bobby Z* with Paul Walker and Laurence Fishburne, and *Half Past Dead 2*. He also contributed to music videos and commercials. Directors he collaborated with include Ridley Scott, Spike Jonze, John Frankenheimer, Sydney Pollack, and Marcus Nispel. Music-related assignments covered artists such as the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Courtney Love, India.Arie, and Nas for labels including Virgin, Jive, and Columbia Records.
His editorial work has appeared in respected outlets such as *Variety*, *The Hollywood Reporter*, *American Cinematographer*, *Rolling Stone*, *Fast Company*, *GQ*, and *Ad Age*. He served as head editor for *HDVideoPro* magazine and held additional senior editorial roles. These positions allowed him to shape coverage of cinematography, production technology, and industry trends.
Later, Simon Wakelin expanded into publicity and communications. He has worked as a US publicist and marketing figure, including associations with creative studios focused on design for film, games, and experiential projects. As an optioned screenwriter, he has developed feature scripts, with titles such as *Laced* associated with his name, along with short-form projects.
Taken together, these achievements show a professional who moves comfortably between capturing images, shaping written narratives, and supporting broader creative communication.
Relationship with Tia Carrere
Simon Wakelin’s most publicly visible relationship was with actress, model, and singer Tia Carrere. The two met in entertainment circles and married in late 2002. Their relationship placed him on red carpets and at industry events for several years.
During the marriage, they appeared together at premieres, award tributes, and charity functions. Photographs from that period often show them as a couple navigating Hollywood’s social calendar. The relationship ended amicably enough that both later focused on co-parenting, though the divorce itself brought media attention in 2010.
Marriage and Family Life
Simon Wakelin and Tia Carrere married on December 31, 2002 (some records list November 30). They welcomed a child on September 25, 2005. At the time the child was known as Bianca Wakelin. In later years, Tia Carrere has publicly referred to their child as son Jude, noting that he has come out as transgender and is happy in his identity.
The couple’s marriage lasted roughly seven and a half years. In April 2010, Carrere filed for divorce in Los Angeles Superior Court, citing irreconcilable differences. Court documents indicated a prenuptial agreement was in place. The divorce was finalized in August 2010, with the parents sharing custody.
Family life during the marriage involved the typical blend of Hollywood schedules and private parenting. After the split, both prioritized the child’s well-being while pursuing their individual careers.
Life After Divorce
Following the 2010 divorce, Simon Wakelin continued his professional work in photography, writing, and publicity. He maintained a lower public profile than during the marriage years, focusing on assignments rather than media appearances.
He remained based in Los Angeles and kept developing screenwriting projects. Industry profiles describe him as an optioned screenwriter still active in creative development. His photography portfolio continued to include commercial and on-set work, and he took on communications roles that leveraged his earlier editorial experience.
Public records and professional listings show no major personal controversies after the divorce. Instead, the post-marriage period appears marked by steady creative output and professional adaptation to changing media landscapes.
Who Is Tia Carrere?
Tia Carrere, born Althea Rae Duhinio Janairo on January 2, 1967, in Honolulu, Hawaii, is an American actress, model, and singer. She gained early attention on the soap opera *General Hospital* and achieved breakout success as Cassandra Wong in the 1992 comedy *Wayne’s World* and its sequel.
Her film credits include *Showdown in Little Tokyo*, *Rising Sun*, and voice work in the *Lilo & Stitch* franchise. As a singer she has released Hawaiian-language albums and won Grammy Awards for her music. Carrere has balanced acting, music, and public appearances throughout a decades-long career.
Her marriage to Simon Wakelin was her second; she was previously married to producer Elie Samaha. She continues to work in film and television while raising her son.
Personality and Interests
Public information about Simon Wakelin’s private personality is limited, which aligns with his preference for working behind the camera and the keyboard. Professional bios and self-descriptions portray him as editorial-minded, detail-oriented, and passionate about cinema and visual storytelling.
He has expressed interest in film history and narrative craft through his screenwriting efforts. One profile notes a personal challenge of completing a Rubik’s Cube quickly, suggesting a playful side alongside professional focus. Quotes attributed to him in creative contexts emphasize independent thinking and a skepticism toward manufactured fame.
Overall, he comes across as a thoughtful professional more interested in the work itself than in celebrity culture.
Social Media Presence
Simon Wakelin maintains an Instagram account under the handle @simonwakelin. Posts there mix personal observations, film references, fitness notes, and occasional professional updates. The tone is reflective rather than promotional, often featuring quotes, movie stills, or everyday moments.
He does not appear to run high-volume influencer-style accounts. Instead, the presence serves as a quiet extension of his interests in cinema, culture, and personal routine. Official photography work has also been shared through dedicated portfolio sites over the years.
Net Worth and Income
Reliable public figures for Simon Wakelin’s net worth are not widely available. As a working photojournalist, editor, publicist, and screenwriter, his income has likely come from a combination of assignment fees, editorial salaries, commercial photography, and any screenwriting options or sales.
Unlike A-list actors or major directors, professionals in still photography and specialized journalism typically earn solid but not extravagant sums. Factors such as high-profile commercial campaigns, magazine leadership roles, and ongoing publicity work would contribute to financial stability. Without verified disclosures, any specific net-worth number would be speculative and is best avoided.
Public Image and Legacy
Simon Wakelin’s public image rests on quiet competence rather than headline-making. Within industry circles he is recognized as a reliable stills photographer who has worked with top directors and talent, a published writer in major trade and consumer outlets, and a communicator who understands both visual and written storytelling.
His legacy is that of a multi-hyphenate creative who adapted across decades of change in media and entertainment. From film sets in the 2000s to later editorial and publicity roles, he has demonstrated range without chasing the spotlight. For those researching entertainment photography or Hollywood-adjacent careers, his path offers a practical example of sustained professional versatility.
Conclusion
Simon Wakelin’s story is one of steady craft rather than sudden fame. As a photojournalist, photographer, editor, publicist, and screenwriter, he has contributed to film, advertising, and journalism while navigating the personal chapter of marriage to Tia Carrere and life afterward.
His height, British background, Los Angeles base, and collaborations with notable directors form part of a larger picture of quiet professional achievement. Whether capturing stills on set, shaping magazine content, or developing scripts, Simon Wakelin has consistently focused on the work of storytelling in its many forms.
For readers interested in the people who operate just outside the brightest lights of Hollywood, his career provides a clear and grounded example of creative longevity.
FAQs About Simon Wakelin
Who is Simon Wakelin?
Simon Wakelin is a British photojournalist, on-set photographer, publicist, and optioned screenwriter based in Los Angeles. He is also known as the former husband of actress Tia Carrere.
How tall is Simon Wakelin?
He stands 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 meters) tall.
When was Simon Wakelin married to Tia Carrere?
They married in late 2002 and divorced in 2010 after roughly seven and a half years together.
Does Simon Wakelin have children?
Yes. He and Tia Carrere share one child, born in 2005 and now known as Jude.
What films has Simon Wakelin worked on?**
His still photography credits include *The Death and Life of Bobby Z* and *Half Past Dead 2*, among other film and music video projects.
What publications has Simon Wakelin written for?
His work has appeared in *Variety*, *The Hollywood Reporter*, *American Cinematographer*, *Rolling Stone*, *Fast Company*, *GQ*, and *Ad Age*. He also edited *HDVideoPro* magazine.
Is Simon Wakelin still working in the industry?
Yes. He continues photography, screenwriting development, and communications or publicity roles in the creative sector.
Where does Simon Wakelin live?
He is based in Los Angeles, California.
