Some people enter the world of fame by choice, while others find themselves there by chance. Catherine Hawn belongs to the second group. She became famous not because she wanted attention, but because she fell in love with one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. Her story is about a normal woman who married a legend and then quietly walked away from it all.
Personal Info
| Full Name | Catherine Mae Hawn |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 30, 1947 |
| Age | 77 years old (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Steubenville, Ohio, United States |
| Famous For | Being Dean Martin’s third wife |
| Profession | Former receptionist |
| Marriage to Dean Martin | April 25, 1973 – November 10, 1976 |
| Children | One daughter, Sasha (adopted by Dean Martin) |
| Current Status | Living privately, away from public life |
Early Life: A Simple Beginning
Catherine Mae Hawn was born on November 30, 1947, in Steubenville, Ohio. This small town was far from the bright lights of Hollywood. She grew up during a time when America was rebuilding after World War II. Life was simple and ordinary for young Catherine.
Not much is known about her childhood or family. She kept these details private, even after becoming famous. What we do know is that she was raised with regular values and lived a normal American life. Before meeting Dean Martin, she worked as a receptionist at the Gene Shacove hair salon in Beverly Hills. This famous salon served many Hollywood celebrities, but Catherine was happy working behind the scenes.
Meeting the “King of Cool”
In the early 1970s, Catherine’s life changed forever. She met Dean Martin, a famous singer, actor, and comedian. People called him the “King of Cool” because of his smooth style and relaxed personality. He was already a huge star, known for his music, movies, and his work with the Rat Pack alongside Frank Sinatra.
According to some reports, they met through a family friend named Frank Calcagnini. Others say they met at the salon where Catherine worked. Either way, their connection was instant. Dean was 55 years old and had just divorced his second wife. Catherine was only 26 years old. Despite the big age difference, they felt a strong bond.
Dean found Catherine refreshing and honest. She wasn’t trying to use him for fame or money. She was simply herself—a kind, normal person who happened to catch his heart.
A Glamorous Wedding
On April 25, 1973, Catherine and Dean got married in a beautiful ceremony that people still talk about today. The wedding was expensive, costing around $100,000. This was a huge amount of money back then.
The event was full of luxury. Flowers were brought in from France just for the wedding. During the ceremony, 22 white doves were released into the sky to represent peace and love. Many famous people attended, including Frank Sinatra, who later said it was one of the most beautiful weddings he had ever seen.
For Catherine, this day changed everything. She went from being a regular working woman to the wife of one of America’s most loved entertainers.
Life as Dean Martin’s Wife
Being married to Dean Martin meant living in the spotlight. Catherine had to attend fancy parties, meet famous people, and deal with constant media attention. This was very different from her quiet life before.
Dean had seven children from his earlier marriages. Catherine became their stepmother and tried to build good relationships with them. During their marriage, Dean also adopted Catherine’s daughter, Sasha, from a previous relationship. This showed his commitment to Catherine and her child.
Catherine tried to support Dean’s career while also keeping her own identity. She helped manage parts of his work and appeared on television shows like “The Merv Griffin Show” in 1973. However, she never tried to become famous herself. She was more comfortable staying in the background and supporting others.
Their home life was different from what people might expect. Catherine preferred small dinner parties with close friends rather than big Hollywood events. This suited Dean, who was starting to enjoy quieter times as he got older.
People Also Read: Who Is Hallie Gnatovich? The Life Story of Josh Gates’ Ex-Wife
Challenges and Divorce
Even though their wedding was beautiful, their marriage faced serious problems. The 29-year age gap created differences in what they wanted from life. Dean was an established star with a busy schedule, while Catherine was much younger and new to fame.
Another challenge was Dean’s large family. Balancing everyone’s needs was difficult. Some reports also say that Dean still had feelings for his second wife, Jeanne Biegger, which made things complicated.
After just three years of marriage, Catherine and Dean divorced on November 10, 1976. They didn’t create public drama or fight in the media. They simply said they had “irreconcilable differences”—a polite way of saying they couldn’t work things out.
Both handled their divorce with respect and dignity, which was unusual for Hollywood couples at that time.
Choosing Privacy Over Fame
After the divorce, Catherine made a surprising choice. Instead of staying in Hollywood or trying to use her connection to Dean for attention, she completely stepped away from public life. She never gave interviews, never wrote a book about her time with Dean, and never appeared at Hollywood events.
This decision was rare. Many people who divorce celebrities try to stay famous or make money from their stories. But Catherine wanted something different—she wanted a normal, quiet life.
She focused on raising her daughter Sasha away from the media’s attention. She wanted to give her child a regular childhood, not one filled with cameras and reporters. This showed Catherine’s true character and what mattered most to her.
The Last Goodbye
Catherine stayed out of the public eye for nearly 20 years. Her last known public appearance was in 1995 when Dean Martin passed away on Christmas Day. She attended his funeral to pay her respects. Even on this sad day, she stayed quiet and didn’t seek attention.
After that, Catherine returned to her private life. Today, very little is known about where she lives or what she does. She successfully created the life she wanted—one away from fame and media attention.
Catherine’s Legacy
Catherine Hawn’s story teaches us important lessons. She showed that not everyone wants to be famous, even when they have the chance. She proved that you can marry a legend and still keep your own identity.
Her choice to live privately after divorce shows strength and self-respect. In a world where many people chase fame and attention, Catherine chose peace and family instead. She never spoke badly about Dean Martin or their marriage. She handled everything with grace.
While Catherine may be remembered mainly as Dean Martin’s third wife, her story is really about making your own choices. She briefly entered the celebrity world but never let it define her. She found happiness in simple things—family, privacy, and living life on her own terms.
Where Is She Now?
As of 2025, Catherine Hawn would be 77 years old. She continues to live privately, likely still in California. She has not appeared in the media or given any interviews. The exact details of her current life remain unknown, and that’s exactly how she wants it.
Her daughter Sasha, who was adopted by Dean Martin, has also lived a quiet life. Sasha appeared in a few projects like “Private Parts” (1997) and “Guiding Light,” but like her mother, she chose not to chase fame.
Final Thoughts
Catherine Hawn’s journey is one of the most interesting stories in Hollywood history. She went from a small-town girl to a Beverly Hills receptionist to the wife of a superstar. But instead of letting fame change her, she stayed true to herself.
Her marriage to Dean Martin lasted only three years, but it showed what kind of person she was. She loved deeply, supported her family, and when things didn’t work out, she moved on with dignity. She never used her connection to Dean for personal gain.
Today, Catherine reminds us that real happiness doesn’t come from fame or attention. It comes from being true to yourself, protecting the people you love, and finding peace in your own way. Her story may be quiet, but it speaks loudly about strength, character, and choosing your own path.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Catherine Hawn?
Catherine Hawn is best known as the third wife of legendary entertainer Dean Martin. She was born on November 30, 1947, in Ohio and worked as a receptionist before marrying Dean in 1973. After their divorce in 1976, she chose to live a private life away from the public eye.
2. How long were Catherine Hawn and Dean Martin married?
Catherine and Dean Martin were married for just over three years. They got married on April 25, 1973, and divorced on November 10, 1976. Despite the short marriage, it was an important part of both their lives.
3. Did Catherine Hawn have any children with Dean Martin?
No, Catherine and Dean did not have biological children together. However, Dean Martin adopted Catherine’s daughter, Sasha, from a previous relationship. This adoption showed Dean’s commitment to Catherine and her family.
4. Is Catherine Hawn related to actress Goldie Hawn?
No, Catherine Hawn is not related to Goldie Hawn. They simply share a similar last name. Goldie Hawn is a famous actress with her own career and family, while Catherine became known through her marriage to Dean Martin.
5. What is Catherine Hawn doing now?
Catherine Hawn continues to live a very private life. At 77 years old, she stays away from the media and public appearances. Very little is known about her current activities, and she has successfully maintained her privacy for nearly 50 years since her divorce.
Read Next: Who Is Tim Belusko? The Life of Danielle Fishel’s Ex-Husband Today
