It is well known that Monaco has been a magnet for the wealthy and famous for decades. When Grace Kelly became a princess, she introduced this luxurious haven to her friends from Hollywood. Alfred Hitchcock was as captivated by the Principality as he was by the Côte d’Azur. Roman Polanski, drawn by the thrill of Formula 1, filmed his documentary Champion’s Day here. However, neither Hitchcock nor Polanski made Monaco their long-term home.
That said, several renowned figures from the creative arts chose to settle in Monaco. In the 1990s, the glamorous streets of the Principality were frequented by top models such as Claudia Schiffer, Karen Mulder, and Eva Herzigová. Belgian actor Jean-Claude Van Damme also succumbed to Monaco’s charm and stayed for several years.
Shirley Bassey, the iconic voice behind several James Bond theme songs, rose to fame after singing the soundtrack for the legendary spy film series.
She left school at 14 to work in a factory, yet became a globally renowned vocalist. Known for “Goldfinger” and “Diamonds Are Forever,” she divides her time between London and Monaco. She was honored with the title of Dame Commander by Queen Elizabeth II.
In May 2019, Dame Shirley received the Freedom of Cardiff, a title also held by Churchill, Mandela, and Pope John Paul II.
Italian actress Ornella Muti began as a teenage model and debuted in film in 1970. She became known for her roles in erotic psychological dramas and the cult sci-fi film Flash Gordon.
In 1994, she was voted the Most Beautiful Woman in the World. That same year, she became a resident of Monaco. With roots in Russia, she currently holds a residency permit in Moscow while engaging in local projects.
Bono (Paul Hewson), the U2 frontman, owns a villa near Monaco and is often seen in places like Saint-Tropez and Antibes. His guests include Robert De Niro, Angelina Jolie, and Penélope Cruz.
A resident of Monaco, Bono is also a philanthropist and director at Elevation Partners. In 2018, he met with Pope Francis to discuss abuse within the church.
Colombian artist Fernando Botero is known for his distinctive voluminous figures. His works, such as Adam and Eve near Monte-Carlo Casino, are iconic in Monaco.
Botero studied in Spain, Paris, and Florence. Now in his late 80s, he continues to work actively and resides in Monaco while maintaining studios around the world.
Opera legend Ruggero Raimondi is famous for his role as Don Giovanni, performed over 400 times. He began his career at 22 and later brought Don Carlos to the Monte-Carlo Opera stage in 2003.
Now a naturalized citizen of Monaco, he lives in the Principality with his wife Isabelle, whom he met in 1971.
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