Most people know the name Kim Cattrall from the famous TV show “Sex and the City.” But not many people know about Andre J. Lyson, the man she married in the 1980s. Andre is not a movie star or a celebrity. He is a smart and talented architect from Europe who built beautiful buildings and created wonderful spaces for people to live and work.
Andre’s story is interesting because he lived a quiet life while being married to a famous actress. He did not want attention or fame. Instead, he focused on his work, building great projects in Germany and helping cities grow in modern ways.
Quick Bio
| Full Name | Andre J. Lyson (Andrzej Lyson) |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 1947 |
| Age | 78 years old (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Kraków, Poland |
| Current Location | Frankfurt, Germany |
| Nationality | Polish-German |
| Profession | Architect and Real Estate Investor |
| Height | 6 feet (183 cm) |
| Weight | 69-70 kg |
| Education | Rudolf Koch School, Technical University of Darmstadt |
| Company | Lyson Group, Prime Properties |
| Famous For | Marriage to Kim Cattrall, Architectural Projects |
| Marriage to Kim Cattrall | 1982 – 1989 (7 years) |
| Children | None |
| Net Worth | Approximately $1 million |
Early Life: From Poland to Germany
Andre J. Lyson was born in 1947 in Kraków, Poland. Kraków is a beautiful old city with lots of history and amazing buildings. Growing up there, young Andre saw many old churches, castles, and houses with special designs. This helped him love architecture from a very young age.
His family was very important to him. His father worked as an engineer, which means he designed and built things. His mother was a teacher who taught children at school. Both parents believed that education was very important. They made sure Andre studied hard and learned many things.
Andre also had a younger sister named Anna. The family was close and spent a lot of time together. They taught Andre to work hard and never give up on his dreams.
When Andre was 14 years old, something big happened. His family decided to move from Poland to Germany. They went to live in a city called Offenbach. This was not easy for Andre. He had to learn a new language (German), make new friends, and get used to a different culture.
But this move also opened new doors for him. In Germany, Andre found many opportunities to study and grow. The change from Poland to Germany shaped his future and helped him become successful.
Education: Learning to Build Dreams
After moving to Germany, Andre went to the Rudolf Koch School in Offenbach. This school helped him build a strong foundation in his studies. He was a good student who loved to learn about buildings, designs, and how cities work.
Later, Andre went to study architecture at the Technical University of Darmstadt. This is one of Germany’s best universities for learning about buildings and construction. At university, Andre learned many important things:
- How to design modern buildings
- How to make buildings that are strong and safe
- How to create spaces that people love to use
- How to think about the environment when building
His education gave him both technical skills and creative ideas. Andre learned to mix beauty with function. This means he could create buildings that looked good but also worked well for people using them.
During his studies, Andre also learned about city planning and real estate. He understood that buildings are not just about walls and roofs. They are about creating communities where people can live happy lives.
Career Beginnings: A Young Architect with Big Dreams
After finishing his education, Andre started his career as an architect in Germany. This was an exciting time because German cities were growing fast. Many new buildings were needed for people to live and work.
Andre’s early projects showed his special talent. He could design buildings that were:
- Modern and fresh-looking
- Practical and useful
- Good for the environment
- Affordable for people
Other architects and builders noticed Andre’s work. They saw that he was not afraid to try new ideas. He took risks and believed in his vision for the future.
Andre’s success came because he worked very hard. He did not just want to build ordinary buildings. He wanted to create spaces that would make people’s lives better. This passion and dedication helped him become known in the architecture world.
Real Estate Investment: More Than Just Buildings
Andre J. Lyson did not stop at just designing buildings. He also became a real estate investor. This means he bought properties and developed them to create value.
Andre understood something important: buildings and land are not just about construction. They are about making smart business decisions that can help entire neighborhoods grow.
He started his own company called the Lyson Group. Under this company, he also ran Prime Properties. These companies focused on:
- Finding old or unused properties
- Transforming them into modern, useful spaces
- Creating mixed-use developments (buildings with both homes and shops)
- Making communities better and more attractive
Andre had a special skill for seeing potential where others saw problems. He could look at an old, run-down area and imagine what it could become. Then he would work hard to make that vision real.
His business success matched his creative talent. Not many architects can do both design and business well, but Andre could. This made him special and respected in his field.
Meeting Kim Cattrall: A Love Story Begins
In the 1980s, Andre’s life changed when he met Kim Cattrall. Kim was a beautiful British-Canadian actress who was working on her career in movies. At that time, she was not yet super famous, but she was talented and ambitious.
They met in Germany, and there was an immediate connection between them. Kim later said they “fell hopelessly in love” after spending about two weeks together at the Carlyle Hotel. It was a whirlwind romance – fast, passionate, and exciting.
Andre was different from Kim’s first husband. He was 10 years older than Kim and had a successful career in Germany. He offered stability, intelligence, and a different kind of life – one that was more European and sophisticated.
Despite the age difference and coming from different worlds (she from Hollywood, he from architecture), they felt they were perfect for each other. Their love seemed strong enough to overcome any challenge.
Marriage Life: Living Between Two Worlds
In 1982, Andre J. Lyson and Kim Cattrall got married. This was a big moment for both of them. Kim made a brave decision – she left America and moved to Frankfurt, Germany, to live with Andre.
Life in Frankfurt was very different from Hollywood. Kim had to adapt to many new things:
- Learning to speak German (she became fluent!)
- Understanding German culture and customs
- Living away from her acting career in America
- Supporting Andre’s work as an architect
Kim moved into Andre’s beautiful mansion in Frankfurt. For a while, their marriage seemed perfect. They attended events together, traveled, and enjoyed European life. Andre focused on his growing architectural projects while Kim tried to balance being a wife and an actress.
The couple appeared happy together. Photos from that time show them smiling at events, looking elegant and in love. Andre brought stability and groundedness to Kim’s life, while Kim brought excitement and glamour to Andre’s world.
However, there was one big problem that started to grow: distance.
The Challenge: Career and Distance
As time went on, Kim’s acting career in America became more demanding. She needed to go back to the United States for auditions, filming, and building her career. Andre, meanwhile, had his architectural business in Germany that he could not leave.
This created a difficult situation. Kim was constantly traveling between Germany and America. She would spend time in Frankfurt with Andre, then fly back to the U.S. for work, then return to Germany again. This back-and-forth life was exhausting.
Kim later explained that the distance became “too great.” It was not just about physical miles. It was also about emotional distance. They were living in two different worlds, with two different careers pulling them in opposite directions.
During a trial separation (when they took time apart to think about their marriage), Andre met someone new in Germany. This deeply hurt Kim at the time. She felt betrayed and sad that their love story was ending.
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Divorce: The End of Seven Years
In 1989, after seven years of marriage, Andre and Kim divorced. This was a difficult time for both of them. Their love had been real, but it could not survive the challenges they faced.
Kim has spoken openly about their divorce in interviews over the years. She said she loved Andre “very much” but admitted that she was too focused on her career. She also said she jumped into the marriage without fully thinking about the practical realities of balancing love and work.
Kim learned important lessons from her marriage to Andre. She realized that even when you love someone deeply, sometimes love is not enough. Timing, location, and career demands also matter.
Andre, on the other hand, stayed quiet about the divorce. He never gave interviews or spoke publicly about their relationship. This shows his private nature – he preferred to keep his personal life away from the media.
The divorce marked the end of an important chapter in both their lives. Kim went on to become a world-famous star in “Sex and the City,” while Andre returned to his work in Germany.
Life After Divorce: Focusing on Work
After his divorce from Kim Cattrall, Andre J. Lyson chose to live a very private life. He did not seek fame or attention. Instead, he focused completely on his career and his passion for architecture.
Andre never remarried. There is no public information about him dating anyone else or having children. He kept his personal life completely private, which is unusual for someone who was once married to a celebrity.
Instead of relationships and publicity, Andre poured his energy into his work. He continued to develop important projects in Germany and built his reputation even more. His dedication to architecture and real estate became the center of his life.
Friends and colleagues say that Andre has always been a man of few words. He lets his work speak for itself. He values authenticity and avoids the distractions that come with fame or public attention.
Today, even though he is 78 years old, Andre remains active in his field. He still works on projects and stays involved in the architecture community in Frankfurt. His quiet dignity and commitment to excellence have earned him great respect.
Major Projects: Building a Legacy
Andre J. Lyson has created several important projects throughout his career. Here are some of his most famous works:
1. Riedberg Center (Frankfurt)
The Riedberg Center is one of Andre’s most praised projects. When he started this development, many people thought the area was too risky for investment. But Andre saw potential.
He transformed the Riedberg area into a thriving hub that includes:
- Modern apartment buildings
- Shopping areas
- Community spaces
- Green areas for people to enjoy
Today, the Riedberg Center is known for its innovative design and practical function. It became a model for other mixed-use developments in Germany.
2. Mixed-Use Complex (2015)
In 2015, Andre completed a groundbreaking mixed-use project that started in 2011. This project combined:
- Living spaces (apartments and homes)
- Shopping areas (stores and markets)
- Community facilities
At first, some people were skeptical about this design. But the project was very successful and changed how people think about urban living. It showed that residential and commercial spaces can work beautifully together.
3. Hellinghöfe Project (2023)
Even in 2023, at age 76, Andre was still working on new projects! The Hellinghöfe development in Mainz-Kastel is one of his recent achievements.
This project took an old, unattractive commercial area and turned it into:
- Modern apartments with great design
- Small retail shops
- Community meeting spaces
- Beautiful streetscapes
The Hellinghöfe project shows that Andre’s vision and skills are still strong. He continues to transform neglected spaces into places where people want to live and work.
Andre’s Philosophy: People Before Profit
What makes Andre J. Lyson different from other architects? It is his philosophy – his way of thinking about buildings and communities.
Andre believes that architecture should serve people, not just look impressive. He once said in an interview: “A building isn’t just about walls; it’s about purpose and vision.”
His approach to architecture includes:
- Sustainability: Making buildings that are good for the environment
- Functionality: Creating spaces that actually work well for people
- Beauty: Designing buildings that are pleasant to look at
- Community: Thinking about how buildings affect neighborhoods
Andre does not build to show off or to make money alone. He builds to make life better for the people who will use his buildings. This human-centered approach has made his work meaningful and long-lasting.
Current Life: Active at 78
As of 2025, Andre J. Lyson is 78 years old. But age has not stopped him from staying active and engaged with his work.
He still lives in Frankfurt, Germany, the city he has called home for decades. He maintains close connections with his old friends and continues to attend class reunions from his school days in Offenbach.
Andre stays involved in the architecture and real estate community. He:
- Works on new projects
- Advises younger architects
- Attends industry events
- Continues to develop his properties
Despite his age, Andre maintains good health. He stays active, keeps a balanced lifestyle, and continues to be passionate about his work. His friends describe him as sharp, thoughtful, and still full of creative ideas.
Andre also enjoys simple pleasures in life. According to sources, he likes gardening, cooking, and reading. He prefers quiet time with close friends rather than big social events or parties.
His life today is peaceful and fulfilling – exactly the way he wants it.
The Kim Cattrall Connection: What Kim Says Now
Kim Cattrall has become one of the most famous actresses in the world, especially for playing Samantha Jones in “Sex and the City.” Her net worth is estimated at around $90 million – much more than Andre’s $1 million.
Over the years, Kim has spoken about her marriages, including her time with Andre. She has always been honest and thoughtful about what went wrong.
In interviews, Kim has said:
- She loved Andre very much
- She was too young and career-focused during their marriage
- The distance between Germany and America was too hard
- She learned important lessons about balancing love and ambition
Kim never speaks badly about Andre. She remembers him with respect and acknowledges that their love was real, even though it did not last.
Kim went on to marry one more time (to Mark Levinson from 1998-2004) before finding lasting love with Russell Thomas, whom she recently married. Meanwhile, Andre chose to remain single and focus on his work.
Their paths went in completely different directions after the divorce, but both found success in their own ways.
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Legacy: More Than Just Kim Cattrall’s Ex-Husband
While many people know Andre J. Lyson as “Kim Cattrall’s ex-husband,” his real legacy is much bigger than that label.
Andre’s true legacy is in the buildings he created and the communities he improved. His projects continue to serve people in Germany every day. Families live in his buildings, shop in his developments, and enjoy the spaces he designed.
His influence on German architecture is significant:
- He pioneered mixed-use developments before they became popular
- He emphasized sustainability and environmental thinking
- He showed that architects can also be successful business people
- He proved that good design does not have to sacrifice functionality
Many younger architects look up to Andre as an example of how to build a meaningful career. He showed that you do not need fame or publicity to make a real difference. You just need vision, hard work, and dedication to your craft.
Andre’s story also teaches us that success comes in many forms. While Kim became world-famous, Andre became respected in his field. Both paths are valuable and meaningful.
Conclusion: A Quiet Success Story
Andre J. Lyson’s story is not about fame, glamour, or celebrity headlines. It is about something more valuable – dedication, vision, and making a real difference in the world.
From his childhood in Kraków, Poland, to his move to Germany as a teenager, to becoming a respected architect and real estate investor, Andre’s journey shows what hard work and passion can achieve. He did not chase fame or publicity. Instead, he focused on his craft and built a legacy that will last for generations.
His marriage to Kim Cattrall was just one chapter in his life – an important one, but not the whole story. While that relationship ended, both Andre and Kim went on to find success and fulfillment in their own ways.
Today, when you walk through Frankfurt and see modern, beautiful buildings with shops and homes working together harmoniously, you might be looking at one of Andre’s creations. His work continues to serve communities and improve people’s lives.
Andre J. Lyson proves that you do not need to be famous to make a meaningful impact. Sometimes the most important work happens quietly, behind the scenes, built by dedicated people who care more about quality than recognition.
His story reminds us that true success is not measured by how many people know your name, but by how much positive change you create in the world around you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Andre J. Lyson?
Andre J. Lyson is a Polish-born German architect and real estate investor. He is best known for his innovative architectural projects in Germany and for being the ex-husband of actress Kim Cattrall. He was born in 1947 in Kraków, Poland, and moved to Germany at age 14.
2. How long was Andre J. Lyson married to Kim Cattrall?
Andre and Kim Cattrall were married for seven years, from 1982 to 1989. They lived together in Frankfurt, Germany, where Kim learned to speak German fluently.
3. Does Andre J. Lyson have any children?
No, Andre J. Lyson does not have any children. He had no children with Kim Cattrall during their marriage, and there are no public records of him having children with anyone else.
4. What is Andre J. Lyson’s net worth?
Andre J. Lyson’s estimated net worth is around $1 million. He earned his money through his successful career as an architect and real estate investor in Germany.
5. What are Andre J. Lyson’s most famous projects?
Andre’s most famous projects include the Riedberg Center in Frankfurt, the 2015 mixed-use complex combining residential and shopping spaces, and the Hellinghöfe development in Mainz-Kastel completed in 2023. All these projects are known for their innovative design and practical functionality.
6. Is Andre J. Lyson still alive?
Yes, Andre J. Lyson is still alive. As of 2025, he is 78 years old and still active in his architectural work in Frankfurt, Germany.
7. Why did Andre J. Lyson and Kim Cattrall divorce?
Their divorce happened because of the long distance between them. Kim’s acting career required her to be in America, while Andre’s work was in Germany. The constant traveling and time apart became too difficult for their marriage. During a trial separation, Andre also met someone new, which hurt Kim.
8. Did Andre J. Lyson remarry after Kim Cattrall?
No, there is no public record of Andre J. Lyson remarrying after his divorce from Kim Cattrall. He has kept his personal life very private and appears to have remained single, focusing on his career instead.
9. What does Andre J. Lyson do now?
At 78 years old, Andre still works in architecture and real estate development in Frankfurt, Germany. He continues to be involved in projects, advises younger architects, and stays active in his field. He lives a quiet, private life.
10. How did Andre J. Lyson and Kim Cattrall meet?
Andre and Kim met in Germany in the early 1980s when Kim was working there. They quickly fell in love – Kim said they spent about two weeks together and “fell hopelessly in love.” They married soon after in 1982.
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