Mellody Hobson is an influential American businesswoman, investor, and philanthropist, widely recognized as the president and co-CEO of Ariel Investments, one of the largest African-American-owned money management firms in the United States.
A Princeton University graduate, Hobson has built an impressive career, also serving as chairman of DreamWorks Animation and a director of major corporations like Starbucks and The Estée Lauder Companies. She is celebrated not only for her financial acumen but also for her advocacy on financial literacy and investor education.
Mellody’s Marriage to George Lucas: A Union of Two Visionaries
Mellody Hobson’s personal life gained public interest when she married legendary filmmaker George Lucas, creator of the Star Wars franchise. The couple first met in 2006 at a business conference in Aspen, Colorado, and began dating soon after. Their relationship blossomed over the years despite the challenges of long-distance, with Hobson based in Chicago and Lucas in California.
After seven years together, they announced their engagement in January 2013 and were married on June 22, 2013, at Lucas’s Skywalker Ranch in Marin County, California.
George Lucas, born in 1944, is a celebrated film director, screenwriter, producer, and entrepreneur. Beyond his cinematic legacy, he is known for founding Lucasfilm and contributing significantly to the entertainment industry and philanthropy. Hobson is Lucas’s second wife; he was previously married to Marcia Lucas and has three adopted children from that marriage.
Mellody Hobson’ Family Life and Parenthood
Shortly after their wedding, Mellody Hobson and George Lucas welcomed their daughter, Everest Hobson Lucas, born via surrogacy in August 2013.
Hobson became a mother at age 44, and she has described Everest as a “miracle” and a source of immense joy for the family. The couple planned their family thoughtfully, emphasizing a strong foundation of mutual respect and support in their relationship.
Hobson has spoken openly about the healthy dynamics of their marriage, highlighting how they celebrate each other’s individual successes without competition.
She credits their happiness to their openness, mutual admiration, and the ability to thrive both together and independently. This balance allows them to maintain a joyful partnership while managing demanding careers and parenting.
Business and Philanthropy
Mellody Hobson continues to be a prominent figure in business and philanthropy. She remains at the helm of Ariel Investments, managing billions in assets, and actively contributes to discussions on financial literacy through media appearances and speaking engagements. She was photographed by renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz for the 2016 Pirelli Calendar, underscoring her status as a cultural icon.
In 2018, Hobson was honored with the Order of Lincoln, Illinois’s highest award, recognizing her charitable work and leadership. She also appeared on television programs and podcasts, sharing insights about her career and personal life, including her fulfilling marriage to George Lucas.
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Together, Hobson and Lucas exemplify a partnership that blends creativity, business acumen, and family values. Their story resonates as one of mutual respect and shared success, inspiring many who admire their accomplishments both individually and as a couple.
