Soon-Yi Previn Bio, Age, Husband Woody Allen, Career, Net Worth, Controversies

Soon-Yi Previn stands out as a figure in Hollywood’s complex family dynamics, best known as the wife of acclaimed filmmaker woody allen and the adopted daughter of actress Mia Farrow and musician André Previn. Her life story, marked by a challenging early childhood in South Korea and a high-profile marriage, has drawn widespread attention for its blend of personal triumphs and public scrutiny. As of 2026, Previn continues to live a relatively private life in New York, focusing on her family while occasionally addressing controversies tied to her past.

Quick Facts

Early Life & Education

Soon-Yi Previn was born as Oh Soon-hee around October 8, 1970, in Seoul, South Korea. Her exact birth date remains approximate, as a bone scan during her adoption estimated her age between 6 and 8 years old, leading to the assigned date on her official documents. Abandoned as a young child, she survived on the streets before being placed in an orphanage. In 1978, at about age 7, she was adopted by American actress Mia Farrow and conductor André Previn, who were married at the time. This marked a dramatic shift from hardship to a life amid Hollywood’s elite, though it came with its own challenges in a large, blended family of biological and adopted siblings.

Growing up in New York and Connecticut, Previn navigated a bustling household filled with Farrow’s children from previous relationships and adoptions. She faced early difficulties, including learning English and adjusting to a new culture. Despite these hurdles, she showed resilience. Previn attended the Marymount School of New York, graduating in 1991. She then pursued higher education at Drew University in New Jersey, earning a bachelor’s degree, followed by a master’s degree from Columbia University in New York City. Her early interests leaned toward the arts, influenced by her adoptive parents’ careers in film and music, though she kept a low profile during her formative years.

Career Journey

Soon-Yi Previn’s professional path has been modest compared to her family’s entertainment legacy, with her focusing more on personal life than a full-fledged career in Hollywood. She has appeared in a handful of films, often in uncredited or minor roles, and largely stepped away from the spotlight after marriage and motherhood.

Early Appearances and Uncredited Roles

Previn’s entry into film came through small, uncredited parts in projects connected to her family. In 1986, at age 16, she appeared as a Thanksgiving guest in Woody Allen’s Hannah and Her Sisters, a film starring her adoptive mother, Mia Farrow. This was followed by another uncredited role in Allen’s 1991 comedy Scenes from a Mall. These early experiences introduced her to the industry but did not lead to a breakout acting career.

Documentary and Notable Credits

Her most prominent work came in the late 1990s. In 1997, Previn featured in the documentary Wild Man Blues, directed by Barbara Kopple, which followed Woody Allen’s jazz band on tour. She appeared alongside Allen, showcasing their relationship shortly after their marriage. A decade later, in 2007, she had a role in Le Cirque: A Table in Heaven, a documentary about the famous New York restaurant. Previn also contributed to Very Important Pennis in 1996, a British comedy series. Beyond acting, she has worked as a graphic designer, though details remain sparse as she prioritized family over professional pursuits.

Recent Activity and Focus Shift

As of 2026, Previn has not taken on new projects since 2007, choosing instead to be a dedicated mother to her daughters. She occasionally accompanies Allen to events, such as film festivals or Broadway premieres, but avoids the limelight. Her career reflects a deliberate choice for privacy amid public interest in her personal story.

Career Stats and Filmography

Previn’s film credits are limited but noteworthy for their ties to Allen’s circle:

• Hannah and Her Sisters (1986) – Uncredited
• Scenes from a Mall (1991) – Uncredited
• Very Important Pennis (1996) – Guest appearance
• Wild Man Blues (1997) – Documentary subject
• Le Cirque: A Table in Heaven (2007) – Featured role

No major awards or box office stats are associated with her work, as her roles were primarily supportive or documentary-based.

Personal Life

Soon-Yi Previn leads a quiet family life in New York City, centered around her marriage and children. She married filmmaker Woody Allen on December 22, 1997, in Venice, Italy, after a relationship that began in the early 1990s. The couple, with a 35-year age difference, has remained together for nearly three decades, defying early skepticism. They adopted two daughters: Bechet in 1999 (now 26) and Manzie in 2000 (now 25), both named after jazz musicians. Previn has described herself as a hands-on mother, exposing her girls to cultural experiences like museums and theater that she missed in her own childhood.

Family, Husband, and Children

• Husband: Woody Allen (married 1997–present)
• Children: Bechet Allen (adopted, studying or recently graduated from Bard College); Manzie Tio Allen (adopted, graduated from Whittier College)
• Extended Family: Previn maintains limited public ties with her adoptive siblings due to family rifts, but she has spoken fondly of her role as a parent.

Dating History/Affairs

Previn’s most notable relationship was her affair with Woody Allen, which started around 1991 when she was 21 and he was her mother’s long-term partner. The discovery of nude photos of Previn by Mia Farrow in 1992 led to a highly publicized breakup and custody battles. No other public relationships or affairs have been reported.

In her hobbies and interests, Previn enjoys family outings and has been seen at events like the Venice Film Festival in 2023 with her daughters. She has limited involvement in community or philanthropic activities, preferring privacy.

Controversies

Previn’s life has been overshadowed by controversies, primarily her relationship with Woody Allen. The affair, revealed in 1992, sparked outrage due to the 35-year age gap and Allen’s role as a father figure in the Farrow-Previn household, leading to accusations of grooming and impropriety. This fueled a bitter custody dispute between Allen and Mia Farrow, with allegations of child abuse against Allen (which he denied and was not charged for). Previn has defended Allen, stating in a 2018 interview that their relationship was consensual and that Farrow was an unfit mother.

More recently, in 2026-released jeffrey epstein files, emails from 2016 show Previn contacting Epstein, criticizing the #MeToo movement as having “gone too far” and expressing sympathy for figures like Anthony Weiner. These revelations reignited debates about her views on sexual misconduct and her association with Epstein, though no direct involvement in his crimes was alleged.

Awards & Achievements

• Featured in critically acclaimed documentary Wild Man Blues (1997), which received positive reviews for its intimate look at Allen’s life.
• Earned advanced degrees from prestigious universities, showcasing personal academic success amid a turbulent upbringing.
• Maintained a stable marriage and family life for over 25 years, often cited as a personal achievement in interviews.

No formal awards in acting or other fields have been recorded.

Physical Statistics

• Height: 5 feet 3 inches (1.60 meters)
• Weight: Not publicly available (estimated around 110–130 lbs based on public appearances)
• Body Measurements: Not disclosed
• Build: Slim
• Hair Color: Black (straight, shoulder-length in recent photos)
• Eye Color: Dark Brown
• Distinctive Features: Petite stature, Asian heritage features

Previn’s style is understated, often seen in casual or elegant attire at public events.

Quotes

• “I was never interested in writing a ‘Mommy Dearest,’ got much more out of ‘Mommy Dearest’ the movie than I did the book.” – From her 2018 Vulture interview, reflecting on her relationship with Mia Farrow.
• “Woody and I have a very, very good relationship. We’re very close.” – Speaking to the Wall Street Journal in 2025 about her marriage.
• “The public has misunderstood a lot about our family.” – Addressing controversies in various statements over the years.

Favorites

Limited public information exists on Previn’s favorites, but based on interviews:

• Food: Enjoys fine dining, as seen in her role in Le Cirque: A Table in Heaven.
• Activities: Cultural outings like jazz concerts and museum visits.
• Places: New York City (long-time residence); Venice, Italy (wedding location).

Salary & Net Worth

Previn does not have a traditional salary from ongoing work, as she stepped away from acting after 2007 to focus on family. Her net worth is estimated at $10–20 million in 2026, derived from shared assets with Woody Allen, whose fortune stands at approximately $140 million from his directing, writing, and real estate investments. Industry benchmarks for similar figures suggest potential earnings from occasional appearances or inheritance. Sources like Celebrity Net Worth tie her wealth to Allen’s successful career spanning decades.

Interesting Facts

• Previn’s age was determined by a bone scan upon adoption, as no birth records existed from her time in South Korea.
• She and Allen named their daughters after jazz legends Bechet and Manzie, reflecting Allen’s passion for music.
• Despite family estrangement, Previn has adoptive ties to notable figures like journalist Ronan Farrow (her half-brother).
• She rarely grants interviews but broke silence in 2018 to defend Allen against abuse allegations.
• Previn immigrated to the U.S. in 1978 and became a naturalized citizen.

Did You Know Already?

• Previn appeared in Allen’s films before their relationship became public, adding layers to the family dynamics.
• Her master’s degree from Columbia highlights her intellectual pursuits beyond Hollywood.
• The couple’s 2023 Venice Film Festival appearance with their daughters marked a rare family outing.

Social Media Links

Soon-Yi Previn maintains a low online presence and has no verified public accounts. She values privacy, so official links are unavailable. For related updates:

• Woody Allen’s official website (for joint appearances): woodyallen.com
• No confirmed Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube profiles for Previn.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Soon-Yi Previn known for?
Soon-Yi Previn is primarily known for her marriage to filmmaker Woody Allen and her adoption by Mia Farrow and André Previn. She’s also appeared in a few documentaries and films.

How old is Soon-Yi Previn in 2026?
As of February 2026, she is 55 years old, with her birthday on October 8, 1970. She’ll turn 56 later in the year.

Who are Soon-Yi Previn’s children?
She and Woody Allen adopted two daughters: Bechet (born 1999) and Manzie (born 2000). Both are now young adults pursuing their own paths.

What is Soon-Yi Previn’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is $10–20 million, largely connected to her husband Woody Allen’s $140 million fortune from his career in film.

Has Soon-Yi Previn been involved in any controversies?
Yes, her relationship with Woody Allen, which began while he was with her adoptive mother Mia Farrow, has been highly controversial. Recent Epstein file revelations have also sparked discussion.

What education did Soon-Yi Previn receive?
She graduated from the Marymount School of New York, earned a bachelor’s from Drew University, and a master’s from Columbia University.

Soon-Yi Previn’s journey from a South Korean orphanage to a life intertwined with Hollywood icons shows remarkable resilience. Despite controversies, she has built a stable family and chosen privacy over fame. If this biography sparked your interest, share it with friends or explore related articles on Mia Farrow’s bio or Woody Allen’s career for more insights.