Catherine Hawn is known to many fans of classic Hollywood as the third wife of singer and actor Dean Martin. Their marriage was short, but it drew strong attention in the early 1970s. Catherine was not a star. She worked a normal job before she met Martin, who was one of the biggest names in show business. This article explains who Catherine is, how she met Dean, what their life was like together, and what we know about her life after the divorce. The goal is to share clear, accurate facts in simple language.
Personal Information
Fact | Detail |
---|---|
Full name | Catherine Mae Hawn |
Known for | Third wife of singer and actor Dean Martin |
Work before marriage | Receptionist at Gene Shacove’s salon, Beverly Hills |
Marriage to Dean Martin | Wedding in April 1973 |
Age at marriage | Mid 20s, Dean was 55 |
Children | Dean adopted Catherine’s daughter, Sasha |
Divorce | November 10, 1976 |
Public style | Very private, few interviews |
Key sources for facts | Family accounts and biographies of Dean Martin |
Early life and work
Public records about Catherine’s early life are limited. Before meeting Dean Martin, she worked as a receptionist at the Gene Shacove hair salon in Beverly Hills. The salon was well known with Hollywood clients.
Because Catherine was a private person and not an actor or singer, interviews with her are rare. Most public facts come from reports about Dean Martin and from archival photos that show the couple together at events.
Meeting Dean Martin
Dean Martin’s second marriage ended in 1973. Soon after, he began a relationship with Catherine. On April 20, 1973, the couple were seen at the Santa Monica courthouse as they applied for a marriage license.
Just days later, the wedding took place. Dean was 55 years old and Catherine was in her mid 20s. The age gap and Martin’s fame made the marriage a media story at the time.
Marriage and public life

During their marriage, Catherine was sometimes photographed with Dean at restaurants and events in Los Angeles. These images show that Catherine, while private, did appear with Dean in public during that period.
Their marriage lasted a little over three years. It ended in divorce on November 10, 1976.
Family ties and Sasha’s adoption
Catherine had a young daughter named Sasha from a previous relationship. When Dean and Catherine married, Dean adopted Sasha. This adoption is noted in reports about Dean Martin’s family.
Dean Martin’s family life is often described in articles about his eight children. These lists include Sasha as his adopted daughter from his marriage to Catherine.
Life after divorce
After the divorce in 1976, Catherine stepped back from public life. She did not try to build a career in film or television. Reports that mention her after 1976 are brief and focus on the fact that she chose privacy. Most later news about the Martin family centers on Dean’s career, his earlier and later relationships with family members, and his children. Catherine’s name appears mainly when writers describe Dean’s three marriages and his role as a father.
Why Catherine’s story still has interest
People still look for information about Catherine because her life shows a different side of Hollywood. She was not a celebrity. She had a regular job at a salon and then, for a few years, she lived at the edge of great fame. Her story is short in the public record, but it is real and clear. It tells us that not every person linked to a star wants to live in the spotlight.
Legacy and public image
Catherine’s legacy is simple. She is remembered as the third wife of Dean Martin and as the mother of Sasha, whom Dean adopted. Because Dean Martin’s life and career are well documented, we can place Catherine’s years with him on a solid timeline. Archival photos and reference entries support the basic dates and events. Beyond that, Catherine chose to live quietly. This may be the main reason the public is still curious: we know the key facts, but we do not have many personal interviews or long profiles from her own voice.
Frequently asked questions
1) Who is Catherine Hawn?
She is the third wife of Dean Martin. She was not a star and worked as a salon receptionist before their marriage.
2) When did Catherine Hawn and Dean Martin get married?
They married in April 1973 after applying for a license on April 20, 1973.
3) How long did the marriage last?
A little over three years. They divorced on November 10, 1976.
4) Did Dean Martin and Catherine Hawn have children together?
They had no biological children together, but Dean adopted Catherine’s daughter, Sasha.
5) Where did Catherine work before she met Dean Martin?
She worked as a receptionist at the Gene Shacove hair salon in Beverly Hills.
6) Are there photos of the couple together?
Yes, there are event photos of Dean and Catherine from 1973 and 1974.
7) Why is there not much personal information about Catherine?
She kept a low profile. Most public facts come from Dean’s biographies and family reports, not from interviews with her.
8) Is the adoption of Sasha well documented?
Yes, accounts of Dean Martin’s family include Sasha as his adopted daughter from his marriage to Catherine.
9) Where can I read a reliable timeline of Dean Martin’s marriages?
Dean Martin’s biographies include a clear timeline with the dates of his marriage to Catherine and their divorce.
10) Did Catherine speak to the media after the divorce?
There are no widely cited interviews from her. She chose to live privately, so later coverage focuses on Dean and the children.
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