Eric Maurice rose to fame as award-winning Hollywood actress Sheryl Lee Ralph’s first husband. His identity extends beyond this high-profile marriage – he’s a successful French businessman who tied the knot with the star in the 1990s.
Eric Maurice’s roots trace back to Abidjan, Ivory Coast, where he was born to an African-American father and American mother. While his exact birth year remains unconfirmed, sources point to the early 1950s, making him around 60 years old today. His professional life flourished as he became the co-owner of 1515 Design and Manufacturing, a thriving design and manufacturing company in Inglewood, California.
Let’s take a closer look at Eric Maurice’s life story that spans his heritage, business ventures and his relationship with Sheryl Lee Ralph. Their marriage lasted a decade, from 1990 to 2001, during which they built a family together.
Early Life and Background
Eric Maurice’s story begins in the lively city of Abidjan, Ivory Coast, on West Africa’s southern coast. This coastal metropolis buzzes with cultural energy and became the setting for his childhood years. His early experiences in this dynamic setting helped shape his outlook on life and personal values.
Where was Eric Maurice born?
Abidjan, Eric Maurice’s birthplace, stands as a true melting pot where different ethnicities, languages, and traditions come together. This rich cultural environment left its mark on his early years. While one source claims Paris as his birthplace, most reliable sources point to his Ivorian origins. The city’s unique blend of French colonial heritage and African traditions gave him a global perspective that would serve him well later in life.
Eric Maurice nationality and ethnicity
Eric Maurice holds both French and Ivorian citizenship, with his Ivorian status coming from birth. His family tree tells an interesting story. His father’s African-American roots combined with his American mother’s background created a unique heritage. Some records suggest his father’s ancestry mixed African and European elements, adding another layer to Eric’s cultural identity.
Eric Maurice keeps his French citizenship even though Africa saw his first steps. This mix of cultures shows up in both his personal and work life. His language skills reflect his varied background, and English wasn’t even his first language.
What do we know about Eric Maurice’s age?
No one seems to know exactly when Eric Maurice was born. Most sources place him in his 60s, with some suggesting he’s pushing 70. Based on available information, several publications narrow it down to somewhere between 1957 and 1959, making him around 66-68 years old.
Some sources think he might have been born earlier in the 1950s, which would put him closer to 70. The mystery around his exact birth date has led to these different estimates. One less reliable source stands alone in suggesting a much younger age, claiming he was born in July 1976. This seems to be either a mistake or refers to someone else with the same name.
Most trusted sources agree that as of 2023, Eric Maurice is somewhere in his mid-to-late 60s.
Career and Business Ventures
Eric Maurice has built a successful career as an entrepreneur who works away from the public eye. His professional life shows a man who builds successful businesses while keeping a low profile.
What does Eric Maurice do professionally?
Eric Maurice stands out as an entrepreneur known for his business sense and strategic mindset. He has built a career that lets him work outside the spotlight and focuses on growing his businesses his way. His work revolves around spotting market opportunities and turning them into successful ventures. Maurice’s exceptional adaptability and resilience throughout his business experience have helped him find new ways to improve his products and services. His dedication to quality and customer experience has earned him industry recognition.
Eric Maurice and 1515 Design and Manufacturing
Eric Maurice co-founded 1515 Design & Manufacturing with Francis Delpech in January 2011. This Inglewood, California company is the life-blood of Maurice’s professional world. The business imports and distributes Doregrill Rotisseries, a European brand that’s 60 years old and leads the rotisserie manufacturing industry. Maurice and Delpech bring over 25 years of combined expertise in food concept design and European equipment imports. They have made 1515 Design a go-to source for cutting-edge equipment backed by robust service and maintenance programs. The company aims to give retailers solutions that create beautiful presentations and streamline processes.
His interests in menswear, food, and travel
Eric Maurice keeps his public image carefully controlled. His unverified Instagram profile describes him as someone passionate about menswear, lifestyle, and food who loves exploring tastes around the world. These interests naturally fit with his work in the food equipment industry, especially when you have to focus on presentation and quality. His limited social media presence shows his preference to stay private.
Relationship with Sheryl Lee Ralph
Eric Maurice and Sheryl Lee Ralph’s love story started in the late 1980s and became a big part of their lives. Their connection grew from a random meeting into a ten-year marriage with two children before they split up.
How Eric Maurice met Sheryl Lee Ralph
Sheryl Lee Ralph wanted to put all her energy into her career. Things changed at her birthday party when she realized she was the only single person there. She had tied a string around her finger as a promise to herself. Life had different plans, and she met the French businessman right after. A few dates later, Maurice gave her a diamond ring and asked her to marry him, starting their life together.
Their marriage and family life
The couple tied the knot in 1990. They had two children during their marriage – a son, Etienne Maurice, born in 1992 and a daughter, Ivy-Victoria (who goes by Ivy Coco), born in 1995. Maurice stayed deeply involved in his children’s lives. Ralph’s second husband, Vincent Hughes, earned her respect because he “did not try to insert himself as their father” since the kids stayed close to Maurice.
Why did Eric Maurice and Sheryl Lee Ralph separate?
The couple’s marriage lasted about eleven years before ending. Their divorce papers were signed in 2001. The split hit both of them hard. Ralph called the divorce “awful” and said it felt like “ripping the skin off of your own body”. She fell into depression after everything ended.
The situation got worse when the National Enquirer printed details about their breakup in 2000. Ralph sued the tabloid for $1 million, saying they printed lies. The magazine claimed she wanted the divorce to date younger men – a story that upset both Maurice and Ralph deeply.
Family and Personal Life
Eric Maurice’s legacy goes way beyond his business success. He remains a devoted family man to the children from his marriage with Sheryl Lee Ralph.
Eric Maurice’s children: Ivy Coco and Etienne
Eric Maurice and Sheryl Lee Ralph had two accomplished children together. Their son Etienne Maurice, now 33 years old, came into the world in 1992. Their daughter Ivy-Victoria Maurice, who goes by Ivy Coco, was born in 1995 and turned 30 recently. Both kids have carved out their own paths in entertainment. Etienne became a filmmaker and director who started Walk Good Productions in Los Angeles. Ivy works as Vice President at her brother’s production company and leads creative direction at WalkGood Wear. She earned her economics degree from Syracuse University and made a name for herself as an entrepreneur, stylist, and creative consultant.
His role as a father
After splitting from Ralph, Eric Maurice managed to keep strong ties with his children. His kids often show their love for him through social media posts. Ivy once wrote a heartfelt message about how her dad “set the bar high for her future suitors” with his tradition of giving her chocolate and roses every Valentine’s Day. Her brother Etienne shared photos on Father’s Day with the caption: “Happy Father’s Day Pops! Blessed to have you in my life”. These moments show just how much Maurice values being a dad.
Is Eric Maurice married now?
Nobody knows much about Eric Maurice’s love life since his divorce from Sheryl Lee Ralph. While Ralph tied the knot with Pennsylvania State Senator Vincent Hughes on July 30, 2005, Maurice likes to keep things very private. Notwithstanding that, he and Ralph seem to get along well as they raise their kids together.
Eric Maurice net worth and lifestyle
Nobody knows Eric Maurice’s exact worth right now. His lifestyle hints at significant wealth. His ex-wife Sheryl Lee Ralph has about $5 million to her name. Though Maurice has done well financially, he stays away from social media and the spotlight. He seems happier enjoying his success quietly.
Conclusion
Eric Maurice means much more than just being a Hollywood star’s ex-husband. His remarkable experience took him from Abidjan, Ivory Coast, to California, where he became a successful entrepreneur who managed to keep a well-balanced life. His business skills shine through his co-ownership of 1515 Design and Manufacturing, where he used his expertise in European rotisserie equipment to build a thriving enterprise.
The end of his marriage to Sheryl Lee Ralph was difficult, yet Maurice showed exceptional dedication as a father. His guidance helped both children, Etienne and Ivy Coco, thrive and create their own successful paths in business and entertainment. Their social media tributes show the strong foundation he built during their childhood years.
Maurice’s commitment to privacy stands out notably. Many celebrity-connected figures chase the spotlight, but he chose differently. His minimal social media presence and focus on family values reveal someone who values substance more than public attention.
Eric Maurice proves that life can be lived authentically on your own terms. His story shows how true success goes way beyond the reach and influence of wealth or fame—it covers building meaningful relationships, raising children well, and finding personal fulfillment away from public eyes. Beyond the businessman lies a complex person who cherishes family, appreciates refined taste, and handles life’s challenges with grace.
FAQs
Q1. Who is Eric Maurice? Eric Maurice is a French-Ivorian businessman and entrepreneur, best known as the co-founder of 1515 Design and Manufacturing. He gained public attention as the former husband of actress Sheryl Lee Ralph.
Q2. What is Eric Maurice’s professional background? Eric Maurice is the co-owner of 1515 Design and Manufacturing, a company based in Inglewood, California. The business specializes in importing and distributing Doregrill Rotisseries, a European brand of rotisserie equipment.
Q3. How many children does Eric Maurice have? Eric Maurice has two children with his ex-wife Sheryl Lee Ralph: a son named Etienne Maurice, born in 1992, and a daughter named Ivy-Victoria (Ivy Coco) Maurice, born in 1995.
Q4. What is known about Eric Maurice’s personal life? Eric Maurice was born in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, to an African-American father and an American mother. He maintains a low public profile and is known to be a menswear, lifestyle, and food enthusiast who enjoys traveling.
Q5. How long was Eric Maurice married to Sheryl Lee Ralph? Eric Maurice was married to actress Sheryl Lee Ralph for approximately 11 years, from 1990 to 2001, when their divorce was finalized.