Catherine Hawn: The Untold Story of Dean Martin’s Mysterious Third Wife

In the golden age of Hollywood, few names shone brighter than Dean Martin. Charismatic, effortlessly cool, and universally adored, Martin’s life off-screen drew just as much attention as his performances. Yet one chapter of his personal life remains wrapped in quiet curiosity: his brief but intriguing marriage to Catherine Hawn. Unlike Dean’s earlier wives who were often in the public eye, Catherine Hawn remained largely out of the spotlight, even as she became the third Mrs. Dean Martin. Her story, often overshadowed by the glamour of her husband’s fame, is one of mystery, elegance, and emotional complexity.

Catherine Hawn’s life was never about chasing fame, yet she remains a compelling figure in Hollywood history. This article explores who she is, her time with Dean Martin, her daughter Sasha, and the legacy she carries—even in quiet.

Full Name	Catherine Mae Hawn
Date of Birth	November 30, 1947
Place of Birth	Steubenville, Ohio, USA
Age (as of 2025)	77 years old
Nationality	American
Marital Status	Divorced (Dean Martin, 1973–1976)
Children	Sasha Martin
Profession	Former receptionist (before marriage)
Known For	Third wife of Dean Martin
Public Appearances	None in recent decades
Current Status	Living privately, out of public spotlight

Table of Contents

Early Life in Ohio

Catherine Mae Hawn was born on November 30, 1947, in Steubenville, Ohio, the same city where Dean Martin himself was born. This small Midwestern town is where their worlds would begin, although they wouldn’t intersect until decades later. Growing up in Steubenville, Catherine led a relatively normal, middle-class life. Details of her early education or professional aspirations remain private, consistent with her lifelong preference for discretion over attention.

Yet, there is a certain poetic symmetry to her birthplace—a city that would one day link her fate to one of its most famous sons. The Midwestern values of humility, family, and grace would shape the poised woman who would later step into the dazzling but often difficult world of celebrity.

Before the Spotlight

Before marrying Dean Martin, Catherine Hawn lived an unassuming life. At the time of their meeting, she worked as a receptionist at a Beverly Hills hair salon. It was a prestigious establishment frequented by celebrities and industry elites. It was here, through mutual friends and the interconnected world of Hollywood, that Catherine would eventually meet Dean.

Her life before Martin reveals a woman grounded in normalcy, someone who hadn’t grown up under the glare of flashing cameras. This background perhaps made her both alluring and refreshing to someone like Dean Martin—himself weary of the superficiality of fame. Catherine’s beauty, grace, and quiet strength made her stand out, even in a room full of glamorous figures.

Meeting Dean Martin: An Unexpected Romance

Their romance began in the early 1970s, at a time when Dean Martin was already a towering figure in entertainment. By then, he had experienced immense career success as a singer, actor, and comedian. He had also been through two marriages, with his union to Jeanne Biegger (his second wife) having lasted over two decades.

Despite this complicated history, Dean Martin found something unique in Catherine Hawn. Their connection was reportedly instant, and they were often seen together at exclusive Hollywood events, drawing attention for their chemistry and elegance. Friends noted how Catherine brought calm to Dean’s life, offering a sense of domestic peace and groundedness he had long sought.

The Wedding of 1973

On April 25, 1973, Dean Martin and Catherine Hawn were married in an intimate yet star-studded ceremony. The wedding became a focal point in the tabloids—not only because of Dean’s fame but because Catherine was a relatively unknown figure entering an iconic legacy. She instantly became one of the most talked-about women in America.

The couple’s wedding was attended by several of Dean’s Rat Pack friends and fellow Hollywood elite. Though private by nature, Catherine was suddenly thrust into a world of paparazzi, premieres, and pressure. From the outside, their marriage seemed like a fairy tale, but within a few short years, cracks began to form.

Becoming a Mother: Catherine and Sasha Martin

When Catherine married Dean Martin, she brought with her a daughter from a previous relationship—Sasha Martin. After the marriage, Dean adopted Sasha as his own, and she officially became part of the Martin family. This act of adoption was not just symbolic; it was deeply emotional.

Dean and Catherine’s home was filled with blended family moments, and for a time, they appeared to settle into a quieter life. For Catherine, being a mother was clearly central to her identity, and her dedication to Sasha became a defining part of her personal journey. Even after her marriage to Dean ended, Catherine continued to live her life devoted to her daughter’s wellbeing, away from media scrutiny.

Don’t Miss: Kat Timpf Net Worth: A Comprehensive Look at the Popular Fox News Star’s Earnings and Career

Life with Dean Martin: Glamour and Struggles

Married to one of the most recognizable entertainers of the 20th century, Catherine Hawn found herself in a life filled with luxury but also immense pressure. She attended public events with Dean, managed household affairs, and became stepmother to Dean’s children from previous marriages. However, the demands of fame, public attention, and Dean’s demanding schedule placed a quiet strain on their relationship.

Friends of the couple later noted that Catherine, while elegant and supportive, struggled to adjust to the expectations that came with being “Mrs. Dean Martin.” Dean himself, although known for his charm and humor, had lived much of his life under public scrutiny and may have found it difficult to offer the emotional intimacy that Catherine sought. Despite efforts to keep the marriage afloat, it would last only a few short years.

The Divorce in 1976

In 1976, Catherine Hawn and Dean Martin divorced, ending a chapter that was as enigmatic as it was romantic. The reasons for the separation were never publicly detailed, and true to her nature, Catherine never used the media to express her side of the story. She slipped out of the limelight just as quietly as she had entered it.

For Dean, the years following were marked by continued professional work and eventual retreat from public life. For Catherine, the divorce seemed to mark the end of her time in the public eye altogether. She never remarried, nor did she seek fame through interviews or memoirs. Her silence became her strength.

Explore More: Amanda Kate Lambert: A Life of Music, Art, and the Weight of a Legendary Legacy

Catherine Hawn After Dean Martin

Following the divorce, Catherine Hawn completely withdrew from Hollywood and public life. No interviews, no red carpet appearances, no book deals—she simply chose privacy over fame. In a world where ex-celebrities often capitalize on their past, Catherine’s decision is remarkably rare.

Her post-marriage life has remained largely undocumented, but from what is known, she has lived in quiet dignity, focused on family and personal well-being. Her legacy today is not defined by scandal or stardom, but by restraint and grace—a rare trait in the public figures of her era.

Relationship with Sasha Martin

Though little is publicly known about Sasha Martin, Catherine’s relationship with her daughter has reportedly remained strong throughout the years. After Dean adopted Sasha, she became part of a very public family dynamic. But like her mother, Sasha appears to have chosen a low-key lifestyle.

While the public may never fully know the depth of their bond, it’s clear that Catherine’s identity as a mother has remained central, even as her marriage and fame faded. In many ways, her devotion to Sasha outlived the spotlight and remains a deeply emotional, personal legacy.

Public vs. Private Life: A Study in Contrast

In a time when many seek fame for its own sake, Catherine Hawn represents a stark contrast. She was married to one of the most famous entertainers of the 20th century, yet she never embraced the fame herself. This distinction makes her biography particularly compelling.

She didn’t write books, give interviews, or participate in documentaries about Dean Martin—even though she easily could have. Instead, Catherine chose the harder, nobler path: to live quietly, protect her family’s privacy, and avoid becoming a spectacle.

Don’t Miss: Marla Gibbs Net Worth 2025: A Life of Talent, Resilience, and Legacy

Legacy and Cultural Memory

While Catherine Hawn may not be a household name, her story remains an important footnote in Hollywood history. As the third and final wife of Dean Martin, her brief time in the spotlight adds depth to the cultural image of the legendary entertainer.

Her legacy is subtle but strong: a woman who entered fame gracefully, and left it even more gracefully. She reminds us that behind every icon is a circle of people—wives, children, family—whose stories matter just as much, even if they remain untold.

Conclusion

Catherine Hawn’s story is one of quiet strength, timeless grace, and emotional resilience. In a world fascinated with fame, she chose privacy. In a relationship that could have defined her, she maintained her identity. Though she was once the wife of one of America’s most beloved entertainers, she remains, above all, her own woman—a mother, a private citizen, and a dignified figure in the ever-evolving history of Hollywood.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is Catherine Hawn?

Catherine Hawn is best known as the third wife of Dean Martin. They were married from 1973 to 1976. She also brought her daughter, Sasha Martin, into the marriage.