The spotlight of Hollywood goes far and wide. So, being associated with its celebrities would immediately thrust anyone into the limelight.
Dianne Holecheck is a prime example of this scenario. The former model and actress gained the public’s curiosity and attention after marrying the phenomenal action star Chuck Norris.
Even now, Dianne Holechek remains a subject of interest for Norris fans worldwide.
So, who is Dianne Holechek? And what role did she play in the life of the famous martial artist?
Dianne Holechek Quick Facts
Here are some facts about Dianne Holechek you should know:
- 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)
Early Life
Dianne Kay Holechek was born on November 27, 1941, making her 82 in 2023. She grew up in Los Angeles, California.
Dianne and her family are religious and follow the Christian faith. However, little information about the identities of her parents and siblings is available.
She attended her secondary education at Torrance High School. After graduating, she chose not to attend university and pursued her marriage and career.
Career
As you might already guess, Dianne Holechek wasn’t keen on revealing her personal life. Although her husband was scaling the celebrity ladder, she kept a tight lid on details surrounding her career history.
That said, she was a model and entertainer before marrying. But the company or projects she worked at remain undisclosed.
Dianne first appeared as an actress in 1984.
She was one of the main cast in a low-profile TV show called Hollywood 84, a documentary series that featured famous faces like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Tony Curtis, Steven Speilberg, and her then-husband, Chuck Norris.
But after that one project, Dianne returned to being a homemaker and hasn’t participated in any acting roles ever since.
Marriage
Dianne and Chuck met when they were both in junior high school. They fell in love and were in a relationship for a long time.
After graduating high school in 1958, Chuck Norris enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He was an air policeman in the force but was planning to qualify as a security police—it was also when he started his career as a martial artist.
Unfortunately, the Air Force sent Chuck to Osan Base in South Korea. Separated from his partner, Chuck decided to propose through a letter.
Dianne accepted the proposal, and they wed in December 1958 in Torrance, California—with Chuck fully clad in his Air Force Uniform.
At this time, Dianne Holchek was 17 years old, while Chuck Norris was 18. Afterward, they spent a four-day honeymoon in Big Bear, California.
The two had a relatively happy marriage that lasted for years. Dianne was incredibly supportive of Chuck’s career, and as the actor explained:
“She has always been very supportive of my goals. She never complained, even when we were scrimping and scraping.”
Unfortunately, Dianne Holechek and Chuck Norris’s marriage ended in divorce in 1989, after 30 years of being together.
Surprising his fans, Chuck admitted to cheating during his marriage to Dianne. The actor had an affair during his time in the Air Force, which resulted in a love child, causing them to separate.
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 decided to follow 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.
Life After Marriage
Dianne kept a low profile and has lived outside the public’s attention after her divorce. It’s unclear whether she remarried or stayed single. She’s also inactive in any form of social media.
Chuck Norris, on the other hand, 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 revealed whether they stayed in contact after their marriage. However, the actor remained fond and has only utter respect for his former wife based on his interviews.
Net Worth
Sources estimate a decent net worth for Dianne Holechek, owed to being a former actress and ex-wife to Chuck Norris. In 2023, Dianne has an estimated net worth of $10 million.
Final Thoughts
The story of Dianne Holecheck and her marriage to Chuck Norris has a bitter-sweet ending. Still, it’s clear that their time remains a precious memory for the American hero and actor.
With their two successful children and an against-all-odds story, it’s no wonder people still get curious about Dianne Holechek and Chuck Norris after all these years!
