Dianne Holechek is the ex-wife of actor Chuck Norris. She was born in Los Angeles, California, on November 27, 1941. As of 2024, she’s 83 years old.
Despite being once married to one of the most famous actor stars in the world, Dianne remains a relatively unknown figure.
She appeared in one film project alongside Norris, titled Hollywood ‘84, which briefly documented the lives of famous Hollywood stars, but that’s as far as her Hollywood career goes.
Here’s everything we know about Dianne Holechek, including how she and Chuck Norris met, the children, and the reason for their divorce.
Who is Dianne Holechek?
Dianne Holechek is best known as the former wife of martial artist and actor Chuck Norris. Her marriage to Norris began in 1958, and they had two sons together, Mike and Eric, before divorcing in 1989.
Let’s look at some basic facts about Dianne Holechek first, though:
- Full Name: Dianne Kay Holechek
- Occupation: Actress, model
- Date of Birth: November 27, 1941
- Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, USA
- Birth Sign: Sagittarius
- Nationality: American
- Religion: Christianity
- Husband: Chuck Norris (divorced)
How Did Dianne Holechek and Chuck Norris Meet?
Dianne Holechek and Chuck Norris October 23, 1980.
Dianne Holechek and Chuck Norris were high school sweethearts. They both attended Torrance High in the 50s and fell in love.
Chuck Norris proposed to Dianne via a letter sent to her from South Korea when he was enlisted in the US Air Force as an Air Policeman. Upon his return, the duo tied the knot. Dianne was 17, and Chuck was 18. Chuck married Dianne while wearing his Air Force Uniform on December 29, 1958.
Dianne and Chuck had a lasting relationship. They were married for 30 years and had two children together: Mike Norris, born on October 4, 1962, and Eric Norris, born on May 20, 1965.
Mike Norris followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming an actor and director. His projects include Bells of Innocence (2002), Birdie and Bogey (2004), I Am…Gabriel (2012), and The Crossroads of Hunter Wilde (2019).
Meanwhile, Eric Norris pursued a career as a stock car racing driver, stuntman, and director. He directed several Walker, Texas Ranger episodes, which starred his father.
Why Did Dianne Holechek and Chuck Norris Separate?
Chuck Norris and wife Diane Holechek attended the 16th Annual American Music Awards on January 30, 1989, at Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California.
Dianne Holechek divorced Chuck Norris 30 years into their marriage in 1989 after learning about Chuck’s infidelity.
Despite their divorce, Chuck still talks highly of Dianne. He mentioned that she always supported his career and never complained, even when they struggled financially.
Though Chuck denied the allegations of infidelity, he eventually confessed that he indeed cheated on her with a woman named Joanna in 1962, the same year his first son was born.
The fling with Joanna resulted in the birth of his daughter, Dina. Chuck was unaware of this fact until 26 years later when his daughter approached him, claiming to be his biological daughter.
How Is Dianne Holechek Doing Today?
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Dianne has maintained a low profile and has lived outside the public’s attention since her divorce. It’s unclear whether she remarried or stayed single. She’s also inactive in any form of social media.
On the other hand, Chuck Norris dated a few other women after their separation.
In 1998, Chuck wedded the then-model and 23 years younger Gena O’Kelly. The couple gave birth to twins in 2001, named Dakota Alan and Danielle Kelly.
Dianne and Chuck never reveal whether they have stayed in contact after marriage. However, the actor remained fond and has only utter respect for his former wife based on his interviews.
Dianne Holechek’s Children
Dianne Holechek and Chuck Norris had two children during their marriage. Their first child, Michael Ray, was born in 1963, and their second son, Eric Scott, in 1965.
Michael Ray Norris followed his father’s lead and became an actor. He’s since appeared in many action movies, including Dragon Fury, The Killing Game, and Delta Force.
Eric Scott Norris became a director, stunt driver, and car racer. He was a NASCAR Winston-West champion and directed some episodes of a TV series called Walker, Texas Ranger.
Michael Ray is now happily married to Valerie Norris and has three children: Max, Hannah, and Gretta. Dianne’s youngest son, Eric Scott, is also married and blessed with four children.
Dianne Holechek’s Net Worth
Sources estimate a decent net worth for Dianne Holechek, owed to being a former actress and ex-wife to Chuck Norris. In 2024, Dianne has an estimated net worth of $10 million.
Wrapping Up
Dianne Holechek is Chuck Norris’s first wife.
Despite being with a well-known movie star for 30 years, Dianne Holechek preferred living away from the cameras.
Much of her personal life remains private, and she seems to have withdrawn from the public eye following her divorce from the movie star.
