Already, many stories about celebs have been discussed on elivestory. But do you want something extraordinary, like a background legend who is not famous in the media but has once run in the news?
Let’s glimpse or figure out someone who was not a household name but played a key role in a high-profile celebrity’s life. Today, I will tell you about one such person, Catherine Hahn, the famous 1950s American singer, actor, and comedian, Dean Martin’s ex-wife.
Catherine Hawn entered Hollywood’s limelight upon her marriage to Dean Martin in 1973. Born on November 30, 1947, she was 25 years old when she wed the 55-year-old celebrity. Unlike conventional Hollywood partners, Catherine never pursued fame.
In this article, I’ll add the real identity of Catherine Hawn, her early life, career, meeting Dean Martin, marriage, divorce, life after separation, and more. Now let’s get to know her all about, without wasting any extra time.
Table of Contents
Who is Catherine Hawn?
Catherine Hawn was born on November 30, 1947, and as of now in 2025, she is 77 years old. She stepped into Hollywood’s limelight after marrying the famous American singer, actor, and comedian, Dean Martin. Catherine and Martin both have a 30-year age difference. At the time of their marriage, Martin was 55 years old. She is the third wife of Martin. And Catherine is close to fame due to her connection to a high-profile celebrity. However, their marriage was too short-lived, lasting around 3 years.
Her story differs from the typical Hollywood storyline. Catherine was never an actress or performer; she worked behind the scenes. She was ultimately helping in managing factors of her famous husband’s career. Their bond grew outside of film sets and music studios. She is placing their relationship apart from traditional entertainment world marriages.
Many people often mix up Catherine with various entertainment personalities, including Goldie Hawn, actress Kathryn Hahn. Catherine made her silent path beyond the favor of Hollywood.
Detail Overview
| Real Name | Catherine Mae Hawn |
| Known As | Catherine Hawn |
| Date of Birth | November 30, 1947 |
| Birth Place | Steubenville, OH, USA |
| Age | 77 (as of 2025) |
| Gender | Female |
| Zodiac Sign | Sagittarius |
| Sexual Orientation | Straight |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White Caucasian |
| Relationship Status | Divorce |
| Ex-spouse | Dean Martin (m. 1973–1976) |
| Children | Sasha Martin |
| Profession | Rodeo Drive as a receptionist |
| Known As | Dean Martin’s wife |
Catherine Hawn’s Appearance & Looks
| Height | 167 cm |
| Weight | 119 pounds |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Hair Type | Straight |
Early Life & Background Story of Catherine Hawn
Catherine Hawn’s actual name is Catherine Mae Hawn. She belongs to the white race. Born in Steubenville, Ohio, Catherine had a childhood similar to many others, unaware that she would eventually marry a well-known singer like Dean Martin.
Her heritage and ethnicity contribute to the straightforward yet captivating tale of how an everyday woman entered the limelight via her marriage to a famous personality.
Her childhood was ordinary, resembling that of many other children in her community. Catherine attended school and acquired numerous skills that benefited her in the future. Although she wasn’t well-known or in the limelight during her youth.
Her schooling and initial experiences significantly influenced the individual she would evolve into. Before her encounter with Dean Martin, she led an ordinary life, relishing small pleasures and striving diligently to create a fulfilling existence for herself.
Hobbies & Loved Things
- She loves to keep things private.
- Catherine enjoyed reading books, especially romance.
- She cherished cooking as one of her favorite pastimes and enjoyed experimenting with new recipes.
- Catherine enjoyed gardening, cultivating flowers and plants in her garden.
- She loved viewing classic films, particularly those starring Dean Martin.
- Catherine enjoyed traveling and discovering new locations whenever possible.
- She enjoyed crafting, creating beautiful ornaments for her house.
Career Breakthrough
Although Catherine Hawn gained fame because of her husband’s vast popularity and separation. But apart from that, Catherine worked in Gene Shacove’s hair salon in Beverly Hills as a receptionist. The salon was mainly popular for the Hollywood celebrities’ spot.
Then, she met Martin and they got married on April 25, 1973, when she was 26.
Her journey from a receptionist to a celebrity wife
Catherine Hawn‘s early life is largely undisclosed, with limited information available about her upbringing or relatives. Born circa 1947, she was raised amidst America’s post-war hopefulness and cultural change.
Although Dean Martin’s life is chronicled in numerous books and documentaries, Catherine’s early years before Hollywood are shrouded in mystery. She ultimately relocated to Los Angeles, alongside numerous young individuals drawn to California’s prospects in the 1960s.
By the early 1970s, Catherine was employed at the Gene Shacove salon in Beverly Hills. This was more than a typical salon—it was a meeting place for Hollywood elites, where employees frequently interacted with the biggest stars in entertainment. Being there connected Catherine with celebrities such as Dean Martin, even though she wasn’t aiming for fame.
Her career demonstrates a pragmatic, service-focused individual who excelled in the background. These characteristics influenced her approach to marrying a major celebrity, where she supported his career while maintaining her own identity away from the spotlight.
The Journey of Love Starts Here!
From the Gene Shacove salon, Catherine and Dean’s love story begins. Before meeting Catherine, Dean married twice and divorced from both. And he had no further interest in being involved in any relationships. But as they meet together and get involved with each other, Martin feels like starting a new era with Catherine Hawn. After dating a few times, Catherine and Dean decided to get married, and they finalized their relationship on April 25, 1973, with a happy ending marriage.
The marriage was held at Dean Martin’s Bel Air residence. Because of disliking being in the media spotlight, they both did it through a few people and peacefully. At just 26 years old, Catherine Hawn married Dean Martin, who was 55 years old, almost 30 years older than her. After marrying Dean, she became the stepmother of Dean’s children from his previous marriage. She also had a daughter, named Sasha, from her previous relationship. Martin has decided to add her daughter to the family as a family member.
Support Dean’s Career
From being the devoted wife and loving mother of her stepchildren, she also held her husband’s career in the same way. She also maintains her career as a proficient artist. In contrast to numerous celebrity partners who get overshadowed by their spouse’s popularity, Catherine preserved her individuality.
She also appeared in November 1973 on the Merv Griffin Show as Mrs. Dean Martin.
The Divorce
The marriage of Dean Martin and Catherine Hawn concluded in November 1976 after slightly more than three years. They submitted divorce documents quietly. Neither was involved in the sensational disputes common in celebrity separations. They mentioned ‘irreconcilable differences’—Hollywood’s standard term that discloses little yet conveys enough.
But what is the real cause of their sudden split?
The pair maintained their troubles to themselves. A few friends pointed out that the age difference was becoming problematic, while others observed Dean’s increasing preference towards being alone as he got older.
Regardless of their motivations, both managed their separation with grace. Unlike numerous ex-partners of celebrities who leverage that relationship for fame, Catherine opted for self-restraint with a quiet and peaceful life.
Recent News on Catherine Hawn
Now the question arises that where is Catherine Hawn now, after getting divorced from her ex-partner, Dean Martin?
The answer is: Catherine Hawn chose to live privately as she has before. Whether her ex chose to move on with another partner, Catherine chose a different path; she lives alone with her stepdaughter, Sasha, and maintains her private life cool, without involving any further tragedy.
However, her recent appearance was at Dean Martin’s funeral in 1995.
Net Worth
It’s still unknown, but some resources reported that Catherine Hawn’s entire Net Worth (est.) $2 million. However, her total assets come from her previous work as a receptionist in the Gene Shacove salon in Beverly Hills. But this may not be accurate data.
However, her late ex-spouse, Dean Martin, had an estimated $30 million at the time of his death.
Conclusion
Catherine Hawn’s tale isn’t represented by Hollywood glitz or public success, but instead by intentional decisions and understated grace. Her short marriage to Dean Martin from 1973 to 1976 temporarily placed her in the public eye, but her legacy is found in her graceful exit from that spotlight.
Starting her career as a salon receptionist, Catherine had no desire for fame when she encountered Dean Martin. Their union united a young woman embarking on her career. Though their relationship spanned a little over three years, they managed their time together and their breakup with extraordinary choice.
However, what can be learned from this story? Whether you are a woman or an independent woman, if a downfall comes and you cannot overcome it, it will be very much tied to yourself. So if you get over it, you’re anointed brave and ordinary!
