Elie Samaha Biography: Age, Wife, Net Worth, Parents, Height, Movies, Nightclub, Career

Elie Kheir Samaha also known as Elie Samaha is a successful Lebanese-American film producer, nightclub owner, and real estate entrepreneur.

He is best known for co-founding Franchise Pictures and producing numerous films, often focusing on action and star-driven projects. Through his ventures in entertainment and business, he has established himself as a notable figure in Hollywood with Lebanese roots.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Elie Kheir Samaha
• Stage Name: Elie Samaha
• Born: May 10, 1955
• Age: 70 years old
• Birthplace: Zahlé, Beqaa Governorate, Lebanon
• Nationality: Lebanese-American
• Ethnicity: Lebanese
• Occupation: Film Producer, Nightclub Owner, Real Estate Entrepreneur
• Net Worth: $10 million USD
• Height: 6’0″ (183 cm)
• Religion: Christianity
• Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Samaha
• Siblings: Demitri Samaha (brother), Carol Samaha (sister)
• Spouse: Diane Shammas (M. 1980-1988); Tia Carrere (married 1992-2000)
• Children: None
• Relationship: Single

Early Life and Education

Elie Samaha was born on May 10, 1955, in Zahlé, Lebanon. He grew up in a challenging environment after losing his father at a young age, which led him to mature quickly under his mother’s care.

Details about his formal education remain limited, but he showed early entrepreneurial skills, such as promoting concerts as a teenager in Lebanon. His ethnicity is Lebanese. His religion is Christianity.

He immigrated to the United States around 1979, where he began building his career from humble beginnings.

Career

Elie Samaha first gained recognition in Hollywood through business ventures before entering film production. He owned a chain of dry cleaners called Celebrity Cleaners and the popular Roxbury nightclub on Sunset Strip, which helped him form connections in the industry.

In 1997, he co-founded Franchise Pictures with partners Andrew Stevens and Ashok Amritraj, serving as chairman and CEO. The company focused on producing action films and passion projects for stars at lower costs, often rescuing stalled projects from major studios. Franchise secured a distribution deal with Warner Bros. in 1998 and produced films like The Boondock Saints (1999), Battlefield Earth (2000), Driven (2001), Heist (2001), and The Whole Nine Yards (2000).

He has credits on over 83 projects since 1995, including some video games. Later, he co-founded Luminosity Entertainment and served as president of Take 3 Productions, producing titles such as Back on the Strip (2023).

Despite facing legal challenges, including a major judgment against Franchise Pictures in 2004 leading to bankruptcy, his persistence and business approach have marked his long career in independent film production.

Awards and Nominations

• Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Picture (shared) – Battlefield Earth (2000)

Social Media

Elie Samaha does not have social media accounts.

Personal Life

Elie Samaha, 70, is a successful Lebanese-American film producer, nightclub owner, and real estate entrepreneur. He first married Diane Shammas in 1980, with the marriage ending in divorce in 1988. He later wed actress Tia Carrere on November 22, 1992, in a relationship that lasted until their divorce in February 2000.

No children are publicly documented from either marriage. He maintains close ties with his family, including his brother Demitri and sister Carol, who have been involved in his business activities.

Currently single, Elie focuses on his professional endeavors while drawing from his immigrant experience and family values in his life and work.

Net Worth

Elie Samaha is a successful Lebanese-American film producer, nightclub owner, and real estate entrepreneur. Net worth is estimated at $10 million USD. His income has come from film production deals, real estate investments, nightclub operations, and other entrepreneurial activities over the decades.

Filmography

(as producer, selected notable films)

• The Boondock Saints (1999)
• Battlefield Earth (2000)
• Driven (2001)
• 3000 Miles to Graceland (2001)
• Heist (2001)
• The Pledge (2001)
• The Whole Nine Yards (2000)
• Spartan (2004)
• Back on the Strip (2023)