Tim Burton's Ex-Wife Lena Gieseke: Bio & Relationship Details

Osbaldo Veum 12 May 2025

Is it possible for a relationship to be defined by the complexities of two distinct artistic worlds? The marriage of Lena Gieseke and Tim Burton, though relatively short-lived, offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of art, personality, and the often-unpredictable nature of love and life in the spotlight.

Lena Gieseke, a German artist and special effects specialist, entered the orbit of Hollywood royalty when she married Tim Burton, the visionary director known for his unique and often gothic aesthetic. Their union, which began in London and later culminated in wedding vows on February 4, 1987, promised a meeting of creative minds. However, their connection, while initially captivating, would ultimately prove to be a chapter in both their lives defined by its brevity. Their divorce, finalized on December 31, 1991, less than three years after their wedding, sparked curiosity, particularly when Gieseke attributed the split to Burton's "complicated and robust personality."

Category	Details
Full Name	Lena Gieseke
Date of Birth	September 12, 1965
Place of Birth	Bremen, West Germany
Nationality	German
Zodiac Sign	Virgo
Profession	Artist, Special Effects Technician, Professor of Visual Media Technology
Education	Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in 3D Computer Animation from the University of Georgia (2007), Doctor Rerum Naturalium (Ph.D.) from the University of Stuttgart (2018)
Known For	Her work in special effects and her marriage to Tim Burton.
Notable Works	Film work including Otto's Eleven (2010)
Current Position	Professor of Visual Media Technology at the Babelsberg Konrad Wolf since 2016
Spouse	Tim Burton (Married: February 4, 1987; Divorced: December 31, 1991)
Relationships	Married to Tim Burton and other possible relationships that are unknown.
Net Worth	Estimated to be over $1 million
Reference	Example.com (Replace with an authentic source)

Gieseke's career, though often seen through the lens of her relationship with Burton, is an accomplishment in its own right. Born in Bremen, West Germany, on September 12, 1965, her artistic journey is a testament to dedication. Her academic pursuits led her to earn a Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in 3D computer animation from the University of Georgia in 2007, paving the way for her to delve deeper into her passion. Later she continued her education, earning a Ph.D. at the University of Stuttgart, concluding in 2018, adding another dimension to her expertise and professional standing.

Before solidifying her academic achievements, Gieseke's career involved a period as a guest lecturer at Furtwangen University, where she contributed to the institution for three years, further honing her expertise and sharing her knowledge. Following her time as a guest lecturer, she ventured into the realm of practical research, where she served as a research intern at Adobe in San Jose, California. This move indicates a commitment to continuous improvement and engagement with the evolving technologies in her field. These experiences demonstrate a dedicated professional trajectory. It is important to note that even before establishing her reputation as a professor, her expertise in special effects was already beginning to take shape, evidenced by her work in films, including her notable contribution to Otto's Eleven in 2010.

Beyond her professional life, the relationship with Tim Burton remains a notable aspect of Gieseke's biography. Burton, born Timothy William Burton on August 25, 1958, in Burbank, California, has left an indelible mark on cinema, through his distinctive style and unique characters. From his early work on Batman (1989) to classics such as Edward Scissorhands and The Nightmare Before Christmas, Burton's filmography is a celebration of the unique and the unconventional.

The initial meeting of Gieseke and Burton happened at a party in London, which set the stage for a relationship that would captivate and intrigue, though it was relatively short-lived. Their wedding on February 4, 1987, marked the beginning of a shared life, their exchange of vows, a promise. However, the reality of their married life was more complex. After approximately four years of marriage, the two went separate ways. The dissolution of their marriage occurred on December 31, 1991, marking the end of their partnership.

While the specifics of their split are private, it is understood that the personalities of two people, particularly those of creative individuals, are the main reason for the end of their marriage. Gieseke attributed the breakup to Burton's complicated and robust personality, hinting at the challenges that can arise when different creative worlds collide. The media often focuses on their relationship, sometimes overshadowing Gieseke's achievements.

Following her divorce from Burton, Lisa Marie Smith, known professionally as Lisa Marie, was also one of the prominent figures in Burton's life. She is known for her work with Burton, particularly in films such as Ed Wood (1994), Mars Attacks! (1996), Sleepy Hollow (1999), and Planet of the Apes (2001). Further down the line, Burton started a long relationship with Helena Bonham Carter. After thirteen years and two children, their relationship also ended. Bonham Carter decided to share her reasons to part ways with Burton, stating that their relationship was "always somewhat special".

Today, Lena Gieseke continues to carve out her path. Now holding the position of professor of visual media technology at the Babelsberg Konrad Wolf since 2016. She has established herself as a well-regarded figure in her field. The impact of her contributions, along with her estimated net worth of over $1 million, serves as a clear indicator of her continued success.

It is important to note that in October 2022, Tim Burton attended the Lumiere Award ceremony in Lyon, France, marking a significant professional milestone. While the circumstances surrounding their past marriage remain a topic of public interest, Giesekes story is a testament to the complexities of human relationships, and the unique capacity for personal growth and accomplishment that can be achieved even in the face of change.