David Hallyday Biography: Wife, Children, Age, Songs, Net Worth, Height, Awards, Books, Films, Father

  David Hallyday, born David Michael Benjamin Smet, is a French singer, songwriter, actor, and amateur sports car racer.

He gained recognition in 1987 with his role in the film “He’s My Girl,” for which he also performed the title song that charted in the U.S.

His musical career includes collaborations with his father, Johnny Hallyday, notably on the 1999 album “Sang pour Sang.”  

Profile

• Full name: David Michael Benjamin Smet
• Nickname: David Hallyday
• Date of birth: August 14, 1966
• Age: 59 years old
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Boulogne-Billancourt, France
• State of origin: Île-de-France
• Nationality: French
• Profession: Singer, songwriter, actor, sports car racer
• Height: 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
• Parents: Father – Johnny Hallyday; Mother – Sylvie Vartan
• Siblings: Half-sister – Laura Smet
• Spouse: Alexandra Pastor (m. 2004)
• Children: Ilona Smet, Emma Smet, Cameron Smet
• Relationship status: Married
• Religion: Christian
• Ethnicity: White
• Net worth: $16 million

Early Life and Education

David Hallyday is now 59 years old, having been born on August 14, 1966, in Boulogne-Billancourt, France. He is the son of renowned French singers Johnny Hallyday and Sylvie Vartan.

He has a half-sister, Laura Smet, from his father’s side. Raised in the United States, Hallyday was immersed in music from a young age, composing his first song at the age of seven. He pursued higher education at the University of Pittsburgh.

Personal Life

David Hallyday married Estelle Lefébure on September 15, 1989, and they had two daughters, Ilona and Emma. The couple divorced in 2001. On June 3, 2004, he married Alexandra Pastor, with whom he has a son named Cameron, born on October 8, 2004.

Career

Hallyday’s career began in the mid-1980s, with his debut album “True Cool” released in 1988. He gained international attention with the single “He’s My Girl,” which reached #79 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

In 1999, he collaborated with his father on the album “Sang pour sang,” contributing as a composer. Beyond music, he has acted in films such as “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2″ and participated in endurance racing events, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Awards

• NRJ Music Award for Francophone Male Artist of the Year (2000)

Net Worth

David Hallyday’s net worth is estimated at $16 million. His wealth stems from his successful music career, acting roles, and participation in motorsports.

Controversy

In 2017, following the death of his father, Johnny Hallyday, David Hallyday became involved in a legal dispute over the inheritance. Johnny’s will, drafted in California, left his entire estate to his widow, Laeticia Hallyday, excluding his half-sister, Laura Smet, and his son, David.

Under French law, children are entitled to a portion of their parent’s estate, leading David and Laura to contest the will. The legal battle garnered significant media attention and sparked debates about inheritance laws and the rights of children in France. The dispute was eventually resolved in 2020 when the parties settled.

Social Media

• N/A

Filmography

• He’s My Girl (1987)
• Lady Beware (1987)
• Jersey Girl (1992)
• The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 (2015)
• Captain Marleau (2023)

Discography

• True Cool (1988)
• Rock ‘n’ Heart (1990)
• On the Road (1993)
• Sang pour sang (1999)
• Un Paradis / Un Enfer (2000)
• Révélation (2002)
• Strangers (2004)
• Hallyday (2007)
• Un Nouveau Monde (2010)
• Le Temps d’une Vie (2011)

Books

• Meilleur album (2023)