Basic Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Axel Jean Pierre |
| Occupation | Lawyer |
| Notability | Father of actress and television personality Garcelle Beauvais |
| Former Spouse | Marie‑Claire Beauvais (nurse) |
| Children | Garcelle Beauvais |
Early Life and Legal Career
Haitian-born Axel Jean Pierre studied law before starting his practise. After graduating, he practiced civil law and advised local clients. He married Marie-Claire Beauvais, a registered nurse, in the early 1970s and the couple established a family. After Garcelle was three years old, Axel and Marie-Claire divorced and Axel moved to the United States.
Axel kept a low profile in the 1980s and 1990s to pursue his legal career and support his daughter. He was respected by peers and clients for his work ethic and justice. Despite his privacy, Axel’s fatherhood and mentorship shaped Garcelle’s ambition and professionalism.
Family and Personal Life
Axel Jean Pierre’s life revolves around fatherhood and grandfatherhood. After his late 1960s divorce, Axel helped Garcelle emigrate to the US, where she became a popular entertainer. Despite his low social media presence, Axel provided counsel and support.
| Family Member | Relationship | Year of Birth | Notable Facts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garcelle Beauvais | Daughter | 1966 | Actress, model, entrepreneur |
| Oliver Saunders | Grandson | 1991 | Former rapper, entrepreneur |
| Jax Joseph Nilon | Grandson | 2007 | Prefers privacy, opted out of reality TV |
| Jaid Thomas Nilon | Grandson | 2007 | Emerging model and basketball player |
| Valley Marie‑Claire | Great-granddaughter | 2025 | Born February 2, 2025 |
| Oliver Jr. | Great-grandson | 2022 | Born April 2022 |
Axel has seen his family develop from his daughter’s pioneering entertainment career to his first great-grandchildren. His nurturing of each relationship shows his family values.
Garcelle Beauvais: Daughter’s Achievements
Born November 26, 1966, in Saint-Marc, Haiti, Garcelle Beauvais has a distinguished career in television and movies. After relocating to the U.S., Garcelle modelled before acting in major network shows and blockbuster blockbusters. Her breakout role was on The Jamie Foxx Show in 1996, followed by NYPD Blue and Coming to America (1988) and its 2021 sequel.
| Year | Project | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Coming to America | Supporting Role |
| 1996–1997 | The Jamie Foxx Show | Series Regular |
| 1997–1999 | NYPD Blue | Recurring Role |
| 2013 | White House Down | Supporting Role |
| 2017 | Spider‑Man: Homecoming | Supporting Role |
| 2020–2025 | The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills | Main Cast |
| 2020–2022 | The Real | Talk Show Co‑host |
In addition to her movie work, Garcelle founded Petit Bijou, a children’s jewellery business, and wrote a memoir and I Am Mixed. Her first-look television deal with NBCUniversal in 2022 solidified her media entrepreneur status.
Grandchildren and the Next Generation
Axel Jean Pierre’s legacy extends through his grandchildren, each carving their own path:
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Oliver Saunders (born 1991): Formerly Jayson Rose, Oliver currently hosts Bigger Than Us and is an entrepreneur. He married Samantha Saunders in 2022 and had his daughter Oliver Jr. in April 2022 and Valley Marie-Claire on February 2, 2025.
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Garcelle’s twins Jax Joseph and Jaid Thomas Nilon (born October 18, 2007) were reared privately. Jax left reality TV after online harassment, while Jaid models and plays youth basketball.
| Grandchild | Birth Date | Current Age (2025) | Public Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oliver Saunders | 1991 | 34 | Entrepreneur, podcast host |
| Jax Joseph Nilon | Oct 18, 2007 | 17 | Private, opted out of television |
| Jaid Thomas Nilon | Oct 18, 2007 | 17 | Emerging model, basketball player |
| Oliver Jr. | Apr 2022 | 3 | Great‑grandson |
| Valley Marie‑Claire | Feb 2, 2025 | 0 | Great‑granddaughter |
As Axel becomes the clan’s senior statesman, the Beauvais–Saunders–Nilon family has welcomed two great-grandchildren since early 2025.
FAQ
Who is Axel Jean Pierre?
Haitian lawyer Axel Jean Pierre is most known as Garcelle Beauvais’ father.
What is Axel Jean Pierre’s profession?
He is a practicing attorney who established his career in civil law and community counsel.
How many children does Axel Jean Pierre have?
Axel Jean Pierre has one daughter, Garcelle Beauvais.
Who are Axel Jean Pierre’s grandchildren?
His grandchildren are Oliver Saunders and twins Jax Joseph Nilon and Jaid Thomas Nilon.
When was Axel Jean Pierre’s great‑granddaughter born?
His great‑granddaughter, Valley Marie‑Claire, was born on February 2, 2025.
