Sonia Rolland Biography: Age, Net Worth, Husband & Kids

Sonia Rolland is a multi-talented French-Rwandan actress, model, filmmaker, director, producer, writer, and former beauty queen. Born on February 11, 1981, in Kigali, Rwanda, she made history by becoming the first woman of African origin to win the prestigious Miss France title in 2000. Over the decades, she has successfully transitioned from pageantry to a prominent career in French television and cinema. She has also established herself as a dedicated humanitarian and author.

Her journey from a displaced child escaping regional conflict to a celebrated cultural figure in France is marked by resilience, artistic evolution, and continuous professional growth.

Sonia Rolland Biography Overview

To understand the complete scope of her life and public profile, the following table summarizes key biographical facts about Sonia Rolland:

• Full Name: Sonia Rolland
• Date of Birth: February 11, 1981
• Age: 45 years old
• Place of Birth: Kigali, Rwanda
• Nationality: French-Rwandan
• Ethnicity: Rwandan and French
• Height: 178 cm (5 ft 10 in)
• Occupation: Actress, Model, Director, Producer, Writer
• Net Worth: €4 million
• Spouse: Guillaume Gabriel (m. 2025)
• Children: Tess Rolland-Rocancourt, Kahina Lespert-Rolland
• Religion: Christianity

Early Life, Background, and Family

Sonia Rolland was born in Kigali, Rwanda, to a Rwandan mother, Landrada Rolland, and a French father, Jacques Rolland. She grew up alongside her brother, Mikaël Rolland, attending a French consular school. Her family ran a successful printing business during her early years.

In 1989, when Rolland was roughly eight years old, her family fled escalating political and ethnic instability in Rwanda, relocating to neighboring Burundi. Five years later, in 1994, at the age of 13, the family escaped the brewing civil war in Burundi and immigrated permanently to France, settling in Cluny, Burgundy. Adjusting to a completely new social and cultural climate proved challenging, but Rolland immersed herself in sports, basketball, theater, and cinema. She later relocated to Paris for her final year of secondary education, studying communication and advertising.

Pageantry and Rise to Fame

Rolland’s entry into the entertainment world began through pageantry. In 1999, she won the title of Miss Burgundy at age 18. Shortly after, in December 1999, she won Miss France 2000, breaking historical ground as the first winner of African descent. She subsequently represented France at the Miss Universe 2000 pageant, finishing in the Top 10 at 9th overall.

Her national win opened doors to high-profile modeling contracts, magazine covers, and television appearances. She notably served as a brand ambassador for the French cosmetics giant Mixa.

Acting Career and Filmography

Determined to establish herself as a serious dramatic artist, Rolland undertook professional acting training, including courses at the Pygmalion studio. Her screen debut arrived in 2002 in Radu Mihaileanu’s television film Les Pygmées de Carlo.

Her breakthrough leading role came in the M6 police procedural series Léa Parker, where she starred across 50 episodes from 2004 to 2006. Her expansive film and television credits include:

• Moloch Tropical (2009)
• Désordres (2012)
• Toussaint Louverture (2012)
• The French Minister (2013)
• Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris (2011), in which she portrayed the legendary Josephine Baker
• Tropiques criminels (2019-present), starring as Mélissa Sainte-Rose

In addition to performance, she expanded into directing, writing, and producing. In 2022, she established Sonia Rolland SASU in Paris to manage her modeling, acting, audiovisual production, and corporate communication activities.

Net Worth

Sonia Rolland has an estimated net worth of €4 million. Her wealth is accumulated through decades of successful work in television, film acting, directing, producing, modeling, brand ambassadorships, and publishing.

Husband, Relationships, and Children

Sonia Rolland has two daughters from previous relationships and is currently married.

• Guillaume Gabriel: Rolland married actor Guillaume Gabriel, whom she initially met more than 20 years earlier during her time working on Léa Parker and later reunited with on Tropiques criminels. The couple celebrated a civil ceremony in Paris in March 2025, followed by a religious wedding on September 20, 2025, at the Saint-Jacques church in Illiers-Combray, accompanied by a traditional Rwandan celebration.
• Tess Rolland-Rocancourt: Born in 2007 from her past relationship with Christophe Rocancourt.
• Kahina Lespert-Rolland: Born in 2010 from her relationship with actor and director Jalil Lespert, with whom she separated in 2018.

Humanitarian Work and Writing

Deeply connected to her roots, Rolland founded an organization in 2001 that later evolved into Maïsha Africa, a charity dedicated to supporting vulnerable and orphaned children in Rwanda, particularly survivors of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.

As an author, she published her autobiography, Les gazelles n’ont pas peur du noir, detailing her childhood in East Africa, her family’s displacement, and her rise to fame in France. She also contributed to the beauty guide Beauté Black.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sonia Rolland’s age?

Sonia Rolland is 45 years old, born on February 11, 1981.

Who is Sonia Rolland’s husband?

She is married to actor Guillaume Gabriel. The couple wed in 2025 after a friendship and professional association spanning over two decades.

How many children does Sonia Rolland have?

She has two children: daughters Tess Rolland-Rocancourt (born 2007) and Kahina Lespert-Rolland (born 2010).

What is Sonia Rolland’s net worth?

Her net worth is estimated at €4 million, earned through her acting, modeling, television production, and brand endorsements.

What is Sonia Rolland’s ethnicity and nationality?

She holds French-Rwandan nationality and possesses Rwandan and French ethnic heritage.

What made Sonia Rolland famous initially?

She gained national fame in France by winning the Miss Burgundy title and subsequently being crowned Miss France 2000, making history as the first woman of African origin to hold the title.