Kathryn Diebel is a former model and beauty pageant winner who has now become famous as the wife of American actor and singer, Frankie Avalon.
The two have been married since 1963 and they are blessed with many children. Even though marriages in Hollywood do not last very long, that of Kathryn and Frankie has lasted more than 6 decades, and they do not seem to be slowing down.
The pair’s love story has always generated interest, even though not so much is known about Diebel. Here is all that we know about her and her life together with the actor.
Who Is Kathryn Diebel?
Kathryn Diebel is a former model and beauty queen who won the annual Miss Rheingold contest. Although her actual date of birth is not known, it is believed that she is three years older than Frankie who was born on September 18, 1940, making her year of birth somewhere around 1937 or late 1936 in the United States.
Information as regards her birth and where she was raised as well as her education have all remained rather elusive. What seems to be known about her is the fact that she worked as a dental assistant and then she also got into modeling before pageantry which she got into in the 1950s.
Inside Kathryn Diebel And Frankie’s Marriage
Frankie Avalon first set his sight on Kathryn Diebel in 1962 at his house while playing cards. His friend brought a girl to play cards and listen to records.
In an innocent but firm statement, he told his friend Kathryn was the girl he wanted to marry. Such a statement from a Hollywood celebrity is likely to draw a round of laughter and any psychic would be slow to read a future into it. Yet, Avalon was a man of his words, they dated for five months solidly.
In fact, Avalon’s friend warned him of the effect such a decision would have on his career. Avalon was a 60s teen idol and tagging a woman will spoil all of that mystique.
Their dreams of a life of endless love came to pass when they tied the nuptial knots on January 19, 1963. She was a former winner of a beauty pageant but Avalon saw beyond her past win and allowed her win his life forever.
Kathryn and Avalon’s marriage has lasted over six decades and counting.
Their Marriage Is Blessed With Eight Children
They have eight children, Frankie Jr., Tony, Dina, Laura, Joseph, Nicolas Kathryn and Carla. From their eight children, they are the proud grandparents of ten children.
Their first child, Frankie Avalon Jr. was born on 29 September 1963 and unsurprisingly, he has also made a career in the entertainment industry as he is a drummer. Tony who is the second son of the actor is also into music as a guitarist.
Frankie Avalon Love Affair With Annette Funicello
Frankie’s long-time marriage to Kathryn Diebel overshadows any other love affair he may have had in the past. But there is on-screen chemistry with Annette Funicello that makes us ask curious questions. The two first appeared on the Beach Party together but they suddenly became America’s sweetheart.
They appeared in other films together and with so much chemistry, sizzling enough to still ask if they were romantically involved. Annette and Frankie Avalon’s chemistry ended were the cameras stopped rolling.
They first met in her hotel suite in 1964 and instantly disliked each other. The dislike is likely a result of the interview question he was asking. In 1965 she married Jack Gilardi in 1965 and buried any suspicion of romance with Frankie. The last film they acted together was the 1987 film, Back to the Beach.
As curious as we are, so also are her children. Due to the friendship they shared with Frankie, one of her three children, Gina once asked if Frankie Avalon was her father.
Annette Funicello Marriages
As one of Frankie’s closest friends, Annette was not so successful in having a marriage to last a lifetime. Her first marriage to Gilardi ended in 1981 when she was 39 years old.
She gave love a chance when she married racehorse breeder and trainer, Glen D. Holt. They got married in 1986 and remained together till their deaths.
Katheryn Diebel Is Gretchen Wayne’s Sister
Kathryn’s sister, Gretchen Wayne is a popular actress and movie producer known for her role in Alamo (1960). Frankie Avalon met Gretchen on the set of the Alamo but it was a few years later that he met her sister. Gretchen also had a long successful marriage with Michael Wayne, a film producer, and actor. They got married in 1958 and were together till his death in 2003.
Through Gretchen, they are linked to John Wayne, the legendary western movies actor. Following John Wayne’s death, his estate was distributed among his family but he left nothing for his third wife, Pilar.
