In the world of Hollywood, where relationships can often be fleeting, the story of Brigitte Nielsen and her husband, Mattia Dessì, stands out as a tale of enduring love against the odds. While many know Nielsen for her iconic roles in films like Rocky IV and Beverly Hills Cop II, her personal life has been just as captivating. At the center of her modern-day love story is Mattia Dessì, a man who has been her rock for nearly two decades. This article explores everything you need to know about him, from his humble beginnings to his life as a dedicated husband and father.
Quick Bio of Mattia Dessì
| Fact | Detail |
| Full Name | Mattia Dessì |
| Date of Birth | October 22, 1978 |
| Place of Birth | Sardinia, Italy |
| Nationality | Italian |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 meters) |
| Spouse | Brigitte Nielsen |
| Marriage Date | July 8, 2006 |
| Children | One daughter, Frida Dessì |
| Known For | Husband of actress Brigitte Nielsen |
| Former Work | Model, Bartender |
| Current Residence | Palm Springs, California, USA |
| Met His Wife | In Lugano, Switzerland (2004) |
A Closer Look at the Man Behind the Headlines
So, who exactly is Mattia Dessì? Born on October 22, 1978, in the beautiful island region of Sardinia, Italy, he lived a relatively quiet life far from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. Before his name became linked with a global superstar, he worked in the hospitality industry, a path that would unexpectedly lead him to his future wife.

His Italian roots are a significant part of his identity, and he maintains a strong connection to his heritage. Unlike many who marry into fame, Mattia Dessì has always preferred to stay out of the direct spotlight, choosing instead to be a supportive figure behind the scenes. His focus has always been on his family and building a life grounded in genuine affection.
A Hollywood Romance: How Mattia Dessì Met Brigitte Nielsen
The story of how Mattia Dessì met Brigitte Nielsen sounds like something straight out of a movie. Their paths crossed in 2004 in a hotel in Lugano, Switzerland. Nielsen, a towering and famous actress, was a guest, while Dessì was working as a bartender. The connection between them was immediate and powerful, sparking a romance that would soon capture public attention.
Their relationship famously played out on the VH1 reality show Strange Love, which initially chronicled Nielsen’s quirky relationship with rapper Flavor Flav. However, the show took an unexpected turn as viewers watched Brigitte Nielsen’s genuine feelings for Mattia Dessì blossom. In the end, she chose the quiet Italian bartender over the flamboyant rapper, proving that their connection was the real deal.
Tying the Knot: The Wedding of Brigitte Nielsen and Mattia Dessì
Their commitment to each other was so strong that they held a symbolic wedding ceremony on February 21, 2005. However, this union wasn’t legally official because Nielsen’s divorce from her fourth husband, Raoul Meyer, had not yet been finalized. Despite this technicality, their dedication never wavered.
The couple made it official on July 8, 2006, in a beautiful and intimate ceremony at a luxury hotel in Malta. This legally binding wedding solidified their partnership, and since then, they have been inseparable. The journey of Mattia Dessì and Brigitte Nielsen to the altar showed their determination to be together, no matter the obstacles.
Bridging the Gap: Navigating a 15-Year Age Difference
One of the most talked-about aspects of their relationship has been their 15-year age difference. When they met, Nielsen was in her early 40s, while Mattia Dessì was in his mid-20s. The media often focused on this gap, but for the couple, it has never been an issue.
Both have stated publicly that age is just a number and that their love is based on mutual respect, understanding, and a deep emotional connection. The strength and longevity of their marriage have silenced many critics. The life Mattia Dessì has built with Nielsen proves that their bond transcends superficial details like age.
The Journey to Parenthood: Welcoming Daughter Frida
Perhaps the most inspiring chapter in their story is their long and difficult journey to becoming parents together. For over a decade, the couple tried to have a child through in-vitro fertilization (IVF). It was a challenging and emotional process filled with hope and disappointment.
Their dream finally came true on June 22, 2018, when they welcomed their daughter, Frida Dessì. Brigitte Nielsen was 54 years old at the time, and her pregnancy was celebrated as a miracle. For Mattia Dessì, becoming a father was a life-changing experience, and Frida’s arrival completed their family in a way they had long hoped for.
What Does Mattia Dessì Do for a Living?
Many people wonder about the profession of Mattia Dessì. Before meeting Nielsen, he had a career as a model in Italy and later worked as a bartender. Since their marriage and move to the United States, his primary role has been that of a dedicated family man.
He is often seen supporting his wife at public events and on red carpets, but he doesn’t have a public-facing career of his own. His work is centered on maintaining a stable and loving home for his family, allowing his wife to continue her career with his full support. He has embraced his life away from a traditional 9-to-5 job, focusing instead on what matters most to him.
Exploring Mattia Dessì’s Net Worth and Financials
When it comes to the net worth of Mattia Dessì, there is no publicly available information. He maintains a very private financial profile. While his wife, Brigitte Nielsen, has an estimated net worth of around $400,000 from her extensive career in acting and modeling, Dessì’s personal wealth is not known.
This privacy is consistent with his overall character. He is not someone who seeks wealth or fame for himself. His riches are clearly measured in the happiness of his family and the strength of his marriage, rather than a dollar amount. This focus on personal fulfillment over financial gain is a defining aspect of his life with Nielsen.

Physical Stature: Mattia Dessì’s Height and Appearance
Another point of public curiosity has been his physical appearance, particularly his height. Mattia Dessì stands at 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 meters) tall. This is often noted because his wife, Brigitte Nielsen, is famously tall, standing at an impressive 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 meters).
Their height difference is noticeable, but like their age gap, it’s something the couple has completely embraced. It serves as another visual representation of how they defy traditional expectations. The confident and happy couple proves that love isn’t about matching physical statistics but about finding a perfect fit in heart and spirit.
The Life of Mattia Dessì Today
Today, Mattia Dessì lives a peaceful life with his family in Palm Springs, California. He is a hands-on father to Frida and a loving husband to Brigitte. He has successfully navigated the complexities of being married to a celebrity by creating a life that is both supportive of her career and protective of his family’s privacy.
He is a testament to the idea that a strong partnership involves support, sacrifice, and a shared vision for the future. His journey from a bartender in Italy to a family man in California is a remarkable one, defined by love and an unwavering commitment to the woman he chose to spend his life with.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How did Mattia Dessì and Brigitte Nielsen meet?
They met in 2004 at a hotel in Lugano, Switzerland. Brigitte Nielsen was a guest, and Mattia Dessì was working there as a bartender. - What is the age difference between Mattia Dessì and his wife?
There is a 15-year age difference between them; Mattia Dessì is younger than his wife, Brigitte Nielsen. - Do Mattia Dessì and Brigitte Nielsen have children?
Yes, they have one daughter together named Frida Dessì, who was born on June 22, 2018, after the couple underwent a long IVF journey. - What does Mattia Dessì do for a living?
He previously worked as a model and a bartender. Today, his primary role is a dedicated husband and father, supporting his family’s home life. - When did the couple get officially married?
They were legally married in a ceremony in Malta on July 8, 2006, after Nielsen’s previous divorce was finalized.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mattia Dessì is far more than just Brigitte Nielsen’s husband. He is a man who entered the chaotic world of celebrity and brought a sense of calm, stability, and unconditional love. Their story is a powerful reminder that true love can be found in the most unexpected places and that it can overcome any perceived barrier, whether it’s age, height, or fame. Mattia Dessì represents a quiet strength and a deep dedication that have been the cornerstones of one of Hollywood’s most surprising and successful modern romances.
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