Svetozar Marinkovic is a name that often appears in celebrity history because of his extremely short marriage to American actress Robin Givens. Known as a professional tennis instructor from the former Yugoslavia, Marinkovic found himself in the spotlight in 1997 after his wedding to Givens lasted less than a day. Many reports described it as a “seven-minute marriage,” though records suggest the separation happened later the same afternoon. His life and story remain one of the most unusual footnotes in Hollywood.
Quick Bio Table of Svetozar Marinkovic
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Svetozar Marinkovic |
| Other Spelling | Svetozar Marinković |
| Profession | Tennis Instructor / Coach |
| Known For | Marriage to Robin Givens in 1997 |
| Marriage Date | August 22, 1997 |
| Spouse | Robin Givens (1997, divorced) |
| Marriage Length | Less than one day (“7-minute marriage”) |
| Divorce Filing | December 19, 1997 |
| Divorce Finalized | 1999 |
| Nationality | From former Yugoslavia |
| Age / Birthday | Not publicly confirmed |
| Net Worth | Unknown (unverified online claims) |
| Current Status | Private life, away from media |
Early Life and Background
Information about Svetozar Marinkovic before his marriage is very limited. What is confirmed is that he worked as a tennis instructor, helping people learn the sport at professional and private levels. Born in the former Yugoslavia, his exact birthday, age, and early family background are not well-documented. The lack of public records means fans mostly know him only for his connection with Robin Givens, rather than his personal or athletic history.
Career as a Tennis Instructor
While not widely famous for sports achievements, Svetozar Marinkovic was respected as a coach. He dedicated himself to tennis and worked with both new learners and more experienced players. Unlike many celebrity spouses, he was not an actor or public figure, but someone from a quieter, athletic profession. This made his sudden appearance in Hollywood headlines even more surprising.
Marriage to Robin Givens
The biggest moment in Svetozar Marinkovic’s life came on August 22, 1997, when he married Robin Givens, the actress best known for roles in Head of the Class and her marriage to Mike Tyson. The ceremony took place at the Hotel del Coronado in San Diego. By evening, however, the marriage had already ended. Reports said Marinkovic himself told journalists the marriage lasted “seven minutes,” though news coverage later clarified the couple separated within hours.
The “Seven-Minute” Marriage Myth
Calling it a “seven-minute marriage” has become a tabloid phrase connected forever to Svetozar Marinkovic. In reality, the marriage lasted part of a single day before separation. Still, the phrase captured media attention, making his story a popular example of the shortest Hollywood marriages. This event has made his name appear in lists alongside other short celebrity unions, though his case stands out for its extreme brevity.
Divorce Timeline
Though separated on the wedding day, the legal process continued. Robin Givens filed for divorce on December 19, 1997. The process took time, and the divorce was finalized in 1999. During this period, the media paid little attention to Marinkovic himself, focusing instead on Givens, who was already a well-known figure for her marriage and difficult divorce from Mike Tyson.
Connection to Robin Givens’ Family
At the time of her marriage to Svetozar Marinkovic, Robin Givens already had an adopted son, Michael “Buddy” Givens, whom she adopted in 1993. Later, in 1999, she had another son, William “Billy” Givens Jensen, with tennis player Murphy Jensen. These children are not related to Marinkovic, but their names are often connected in online searches because of Robin’s relationships.
Nationality and Heritage
Svetozar Marinkovic’s nationality is often listed as Yugoslavian, since that was the name of his country of origin before its breakup into smaller nations. Today, he would be considered either Serbian, Montenegrin, or from another successor state, but official records do not confirm his exact ethnic identity. The original spelling of his surname is Marinković, with the diacritic “ć” used in Slavic languages.
Media Attention and Legacy
Unlike many celebrity spouses, Svetozar Marinkovic did not pursue fame after his marriage ended. He remained private and did not give major interviews. His story, however, is still widely told because of the unusual length of his marriage. Entertainment websites and magazines continue to bring up his name whenever they write about short celebrity marriages, keeping his story alive long after the event.
Age, Birthday, and Net Worth
Fans often search for Svetozar Marinkovic’s age, birthday, and net worth, but these details remain unverified. Unlike Robin Givens, who has a long acting career and media history, Marinkovic did not leave behind many public records. Some websites list speculative net worth figures, but none are supported by reliable sources. What is clear is that he worked as a tennis coach, which suggests a modest income compared to Hollywood stars.
Life After the Divorce
After the final divorce in 1999, Svetozar Marinkovic disappeared from the public eye. There are no clear reports about his later life, career, or location. He may have continued coaching tennis, but without interviews or updated profiles, his life remains private. This has made him somewhat mysterious, adding to the fascination with his brief but famous marriage.
Relation to Other Names
Names like Murphy Jensen, Michael Givens, and William Givens Jensen often appear near searches for Svetozar Marinkovic. It is important to understand that these names are linked to Robin Givens’ family life, not directly to Marinkovic. This confusion happens because all these names are tied to Robin’s marriages and children.
Why His Story Still Matters
The story of Svetozar Marinkovic may seem like only gossip, but it highlights how quickly private people can become public figures through relationships with celebrities. In his case, one short marriage made him a permanent part of Hollywood trivia. His experience also shows how tabloids shape stories, since the “seven-minute marriage” phrase oversimplified what was more likely an hours-long union.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Svetozar Marinkovic?
Svetozar Marinkovic is a tennis instructor from the former Yugoslavia, best known for his brief marriage to actress Robin Givens.
2. How long was Svetozar Marinkovic married to Robin Givens?
The marriage lasted less than a day on August 22, 1997. Media often called it a “7-minute marriage.”
3. When did Svetozar Marinkovic and Robin Givens divorce?
Robin Givens filed for divorce on December 19, 1997. The process was completed in 1999.
4. What is Svetozar Marinkovic’s nationality?
He is from the former Yugoslavia, though his exact regional identity is not specified.
5. What is Svetozar Marinkovic’s net worth or current job?
His net worth and current career are not confirmed. Most reports only highlight his past role as a tennis coach.
Final Thoughts
Svetozar Marinkovic is remembered today not for his work as a tennis coach, but for his brief marriage to Robin Givens. While his life before and after remains private, the unusual event of a marriage that ended within hours has kept his name alive in entertainment history. From his Yugoslavian background to the San Diego wedding and quick separation, his story remains a unique part of celebrity culture. For readers searching about him, the most reliable facts are simple: tennis instructor, marriage in 1997, separation the same day, and a finalized divorce in 1999.
Curious for more? Dive deeper on our site now! News Well
