Kathryn Burrhus is remembered as the first wife of WWE legend “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, a woman who shared her life with him long before the world knew him as a wrestling superstar. Born and raised in Texas, she was Austin’s high school sweetheart and later his wife, standing by his side during the early years of his career when success was still uncertain. Their marriage, though short-lived, represents an important chapter in Austin’s personal history, showing the struggles and sacrifices behind his rise to fame. Unlike many connected to celebrities, Kathryn chose a life of privacy after their divorce, avoiding the spotlight completely, which makes her story both rare and intriguing.
Profile Summary
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kathryn Burrhus |
| Date of Birth | August 29, 1952 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 73 years old |
| Birthplace | Austin, Texas, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
| Marital Status | Divorced (Steve Austin, m. 1990 – div. 1992) |
| Children | None |
| Known For | First wife of WWE legend Stone Cold Steve Austin |
| Current Status | Living a private life away from the public eye |
| Net Worth | Estimated between $200,000 – $1 million (unconfirmed) |
Early Life and Background
Kathryn Burrhus grew up in Austin, Texas, where she enjoyed a relatively quiet childhood and built her early life with strong family and community ties. She attended Edna High School, and it was during these years that she would meet Steve Austin, then known by his real name, Steve Williams. While details about her family background and higher education remain largely private, those who knew Kathryn describe her as a kind, focused, and intelligent young woman who stayed grounded despite being connected to a man who would one day achieve worldwide fame.
By all accounts, she had a normal upbringing in Texas, and her early life was far removed from the world of professional wrestling, which would later bring challenges into her marriage.
Age and Looks
Kathryn Burrhus was born on August 29, 1952, in Austin, Texas, which makes her 73 years old as of 2025. She has always stayed away from the public spotlight, so there are no recent details or confirmed reports about her current looks. From old photos, she appeared as a graceful woman with a natural charm, but since she has chosen a private life, her present appearance remains unknown.
From High School Sweethearts to Marriage
Kathryn and Steve Austin’s love story began in high school, where they quickly became sweethearts and were seen as inseparable by their peers. They supported each other through their teenage years and into early adulthood, with Kathryn encouraging Steve as he pursued sports and eventually transitioned to wrestling. Their bond was built on loyalty, shared experiences, and a strong emotional connection that made many believe their relationship would last a lifetime.
After years of dating, they decided to take the next step, marrying on November 24, 1990. At the time, Austin was still wrestling under smaller promotions, and while he showed promise, he had yet to become the superstar he would later be. Life as newlyweds was modest and relatively quiet, with Kathryn providing emotional stability while Austin focused on carving out a career in wrestling.
Marriage Struggles and Divorce
Kathryn Burrhus married Steve Austin on November 24, 1990, after years of being high school sweethearts, but their relationship soon faced problems as Austin’s wrestling career demanded constant travel and long periods away from home. Kathryn preferred a quiet and private life, while Austin’s growing commitments in wrestling created distance between them, and reports later revealed that Austin became involved with Jeannie Clarke, who would go on to be his second wife. These pressures and personal issues led to the end of their marriage, and on August 7, 1992, the couple officially divorced, closing a chapter that had started with youthful love but could not withstand the challenges of fame and career demands.
Who Is Steve Austin?
Steve Austin, whose real name is Steven James Anderson (later changed to Steven Williams), is a retired professional wrestler and actor who became one of the biggest stars in WWE history. Born on December 18, 1964, in Austin, Texas, he rose to fame in the 1990s as “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, a rebellious character known for his no-nonsense attitude, beer celebrations in the ring, and legendary feuds with WWE chairman Vince McMahon. Austin was a central figure in WWE’s Attitude Era, which helped the company reach new levels of popularity.
He is a six-time WWE Champion, three-time Royal Rumble winner, and is considered one of the most influential wrestlers of all time. After retiring from wrestling due to injuries, Austin moved into acting and hosting, further cementing his place as a pop culture icon.
Life After Separation
After her divorce from Steve Austin in 1992, Kathryn Burrhus stepped away from the public eye and chose to live a quiet, private life. She never gave interviews, wrote books, or appeared in the media to talk about her past, and there are no verified social media accounts linked to her. Some unconfirmed reports suggest she continued living in Texas and may have focused on personal or community activities, but nothing has ever been officially confirmed, which has made her life after separation a mystery to fans.
Career and Net Worth
Information about Kathryn Burrhus’s career is vague at best, as she never disclosed her professional life publicly. Some sources speculate that she may have been involved in local businesses or entrepreneurial roles in Texas, but no evidence confirms this. Unlike Austin’s later wives, who had connections to the wrestling or entertainment world, Kathryn remained far away from the industry. Her net worth is also uncertain, with estimates ranging between $200,000 and $1 million, though these figures are purely speculative and not based on verified records. She never sought media attention or financial opportunities tied to her marriage, which makes her story very different from the usual narrative of celebrity ex-spouses.
Legacy in Austin’s Life
Although their marriage was brief, Kathryn Burrhus played a pivotal role in Steve Austin’s early life and career. She was there during his formative years, offering support and love when he was still finding his way as an athlete and a young wrestler. Their relationship represented stability during a time when Austin’s career was uncertain and demanding. While she was not involved in the wrestling industry directly, her presence during this important period helped Austin grow as both a man and a performer. In many ways, Kathryn symbolizes the humble beginnings of Stone Cold Steve Austin, a reminder of the person he was before fame, fortune, and success changed the course of his life.
Comparisons with Other Wrestling Relationships
Wrestling has always been a profession that puts strain on personal lives and marriages. Many legendary wrestlers, from Ric Flair to Hulk Hogan to Randy Savage, went through multiple divorces and turbulent personal struggles due to the demands of the industry. What makes Kathryn Burrhus’s story stand out is how quietly and gracefully she exited the narrative. Unlike others who became part of public scandals, court battles, or media spectacles, Kathryn kept her distance and maintained her privacy. She never spoke publicly about Austin, never sought recognition, and never attempted to use her connection to wrestling for personal gain. This dignified approach sets her apart and makes her story more unique compared to many other relationships in wrestling history.
Where is Kathryn Burrhus Now
As of 2025, Kathryn Burrhus is believed to be living a private life in Texas, although there are no confirmed reports about her current activities. She has avoided public appearances, interviews, and media involvement, choosing instead to focus on her own life away from the shadow of Steve Austin’s fame. Fans often express curiosity about her in wrestling forums and biographies, but Kathryn herself has never stepped forward to share her side of the story. While her current whereabouts and lifestyle remain unknown, what is clear is that she values her privacy above everything else, making her one of the most mysterious figures connected to wrestling history.
Conclusion
Kathryn Burrhus may not be a public figure, but her place in wrestling history comes from being the first wife of “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and the woman who knew him before he became a global icon. Their marriage was short, yet it represents an important part of Austin’s early life, showing the support and love she gave during his struggling years. After their divorce, Kathryn chose a path of privacy, avoiding fame or publicity, which has kept her story largely untold. Her decision to stay away from the spotlight makes her a unique figure connected to wrestling, reminding us that not everyone tied to a celebrity seeks recognition, and sometimes choosing silence and dignity leaves the strongest impression.
FAQs About Kathryn Burrhus
1. Who is Kathryn Burrhus?
Kathryn Burrhus is best known as the first wife of WWE legend “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. They married in 1990 and divorced in 1992.
2. When was Kathryn Burrhus born?
She was born on August 29, 1952, in Austin, Texas, which makes her 73 years old as of 2025.
3. Did Kathryn Burrhus and Steve Austin have children?
No, Kathryn and Steve Austin did not have any children during their marriage, and she has not shared details about having children later in life.
4. Why did Kathryn Burrhus and Steve Austin divorce?
Their marriage ended in 1992, reportedly due to the pressures of Austin’s wrestling career and his relationship with Jeannie Clarke, who later became his second wife.
5. Where is Kathryn Burrhus now?
Kathryn has lived a very private life since her divorce, staying away from the media and public spotlight. She is believed to still live in Texas.
