FOUR YEARS AFTER HIS DIVORCE
FROM FIRST WIFE DIANE LANE

The 42 year old French heart-throb’s new bride is 22 year old American, Jaymis Haft

Four years ago after his amicable split from his first wife, actress Diane Lane, Christopher Lambert swore he was “not made for living with someone”. But now the 42-year old star of Tarzan, Highlander, Subway and more recently Nirvana seems to have had a change of heart.

On February 6 dressed in a morning suit and wearing a pair of gold rimmed glasses, the man who had sworn off matrimony for the rest of his days, slid a wedding ring onto the finger of 22-year old beauty Jaymis Haft, described in the US press as a “script girl”.

After the bride and groom, the most excited person at the ceremony – which took place at Christopher’s LA mansion – was Eleanor, his five year old daughter from his previous marriage, who acted as bridesmaid.

The ceremony was largely a family affair, although there were several Hollywood faces among the guests, and it was followed by a reception at the Beverly Hills Hotel, complete with banquet and dancing.

Throughout, Jaymis sparked in a wedding gown designed by Vera Wang and jewellery by Harry Winston which included a necklace studded with 146 diamonds.

“Marriage has never been a statement of love for me” Christopher had declared back in 1995 but as he kissed Jaymis in front of his guests it appeared time had modified his perspective on this age-old institution.

Clearly this was no longer the same person who has said “security makes me panic” and maintained he was determined to keep “living on the edge”. Something has happened to alter all that.

The French actor and his new wife talked to “HELLO” on their wedding day about the happiness they have found and how his change of heart came about.

Christopher, what was the most exciting moment of the wedding for you?

“When I saw the emotion in Jaymis eyes. It’s something that has always moved me about people, but it affects me particularly in her. Sincerity is the most important thing for me. This afternoon I am happy because Jaymis has made me dream. And all the people I love are here. The only cloud on the horizon is that my parents, who I adore, have not been able to make it. My father is very old and the journey would have been too much for him. But they’ve sent us a wedding gift and I know they did that with all their hears, so it’s a little as if they’ve been here with me”

What has Jaymis brought to your life?

“Balance, strength and magic. She’s very young but she’s also mature. She has a sound take on things while I’m much more disorganised in many respects. I would never have decided to get married again if Jaymis had not been able to bring me more dreams than realities”.

What struck you about Jaymis the first time you met?

“I didn’t judge her at all. I never judge anyone. I watch and I try to understand. All the same, when I met Jaymis I knew I had just met the love of my life and I think that she knew that too”.

What makes you happy now that you’re older?

“Being able to say that I haven’t made a mistake. That’s all”

Jaymis seems to get on very well with your daughter Eleanor.

“Yes and I’m happy about that. It means I’ve chosen well. If there hadn’t been that click between them, I would have been questioning what I’m doing now. But what Jaymis has with Eleanor is sincere because you can’t fool children. So, my daughter has simply confirmed my heart’s choice”.

Jaymis, was meeting Christopher love at first sight for you too?

“Our first encounter was explosive. We met at a dinner party in January 1997 and as soon as we caught sight of each other I felt very attracted to him. Christopher looked as though he had suffered heartache and I found that very touching. I’ve always been lucky in life and, as it happened the next day he was due to return to New York, but his flight was cancelled. So we met up for lunch, and haven’t left each other’s side ever since”.

Had you seen any of his films?

“No, I didn’t know anything about Christopher’s career. But I don’t think that matters, I’m in love with the man, not the actor. Christopher is a star in my heart, the love of my life.

INTERVIEW: WESLEY JOHANSEN
HELLO MAGAZINE ISSUE NO 549 FEBRUARY 27, 1999