Melissa Cohen is a South African wildlife enthusiast and documentary filmmaker, widely recognized as the wife of Hunter Biden, son of U.S. President Joe Biden. Passionate about visual storytelling from an early age, Cohen has pursued a career in filmmaking, with a particular focus on conservation. She currently co-owns Tribal Worlds, a documentary production company dedicated to promoting indigenous conservation efforts, as reported by The Washington Post.
Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 1988, Melissa Cohen comes from a Jewish family with mixed ethnic roots. Known for her liberal views and close family ties, she was raised in a supportive household by her parents, Lee and Zoe Cohen. She has one brother, Garyn, who still resides in South Africa. Although her exact date of birth and detailed educational background remain undisclosed, Cohen’s upbringing in South Africa had a strong influence on her interest in wildlife and conservation.
Melissa Cohen married Hunter Biden in a private ceremony on May 16, 2019, just six days after meeting him. The spontaneous wedding took place at her Los Angeles apartment and was officiated by a minister from the Universal Life Church, as reported by ABC News and TMZ. At the time of their marriage, Hunter was 49 and Cohen was in her early 30s. She is Hunter’s third wife. The couple welcomed their first child, a son named Beau, in March 2020. They currently reside in California and share a quiet, family-focused life.
Melissa Cohen gained national media attention during the 59th Presidential Inauguration of Joe Biden on January 20, 2021. She attended the ceremony alongside her husband, Hunter Biden, and other members of the Biden family. Notably, Cohen stood out in a crimson coat, contributing to the event's colorfully symbolic tone, similar to the purple ensembles worn by Kamala Harris and Hillary Clinton.
In his memoir, Beautiful Things, Hunter Biden candidly discusses his long battle with substance abuse and credits Melissa Cohen with playing a pivotal role in his recovery. According to ABC News and passages in the book, Hunter began drinking at a young age and struggled with drug addiction through much of his adult life, including arrests and recurring relapses.
Cohen is described in the memoir as a stabilizing force who took aggressive but supportive actions to help Hunter regain control. She removed influences related to drug use from his life and stayed by his side during periods of withdrawal. Her unwavering support is highlighted throughout the book as a major element in Hunter Biden's journey toward sobriety.
