Lisa Pemberton is a Canadian makeup artist and former licensed counselor best known as the third ex-wife of legendary singer and songwriter Paul Anka. Born on July 15, 1953, in Ontario, Canada, she built a real Hollywood career working behind the scenes on major film productions before her name made headlines in 2016. She and Paul Anka married after six years of dating and divorced quietly in 2020. Her story is far more than a celebrity marriage. It is about a woman who built her own path long before and after the spotlight found her.
| Field | Details |
| Full Name | Lisa Pemberton |
| Date of Birth | July 15, 1953 |
| Birthplace | Ontario, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Age (2026) | 72 years old |
| Education | BA Psychology, Carleton University; MA, UC Berkeley School of Public Health |
| Profession | Makeup Artist and Former Adolescent Counselor |
| Known For | Marriage to Paul Anka; Hollywood film work |
| Spouse (Ex) | Paul Anka (married October 22, 2016; divorced 2020) |
| Stepchildren | Ethan Anka (son); Alexandra, Amanda, Alicia, Anthea, Amelia (stepdaughters) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $2 million to $5 million |
| Social Media | None |
Early Life and Background
Lisa Pemberton was born on July 15, 1953, in Ontario, Canada. She grew up in a regular household far from the entertainment world. No details about her parents have ever surfaced publicly, and she has always preferred to keep that chapter of her life private.
Her upbringing shaped a calm, grounded personality. She was not chasing fame from a young age. Instead, she focused on her education and building a meaningful career.
Education
Lisa took her academic path seriously. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Human Relations from Carleton University, one of Canada’s respected institutions. That degree pointed her toward a career in helping people.
She did not stop there. She went on to complete a Master’s degree from the UC Berkeley School of Public Health in the United States. That combination of psychology and public health gave her a strong professional foundation that shaped everything she did next.
Career: From Counselor to Hollywood Makeup Artist
Starting as an Adolescent Counselor
After finishing her education, Lisa began her professional life as an adolescent counselor. She worked in this role until around 1977, helping young people navigate emotional and behavioral challenges. That background in human behavior stayed with her even as she changed direction.
Transition to Hollywood Makeup
Lisa made a bold shift into the film and entertainment industry, becoming a professional makeup artist and department head in Hollywood. This was not a casual side interest. She worked on major productions that reached global audiences.
Her film credits include standout projects such as:
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 – one of the highest-grossing films in the franchise’s history
- World War Z – a blockbuster action film starring Brad Pitt
These were large-scale productions with massive makeup departments. Serving as department head on sets like these requires precision, leadership, and years of experience. Lisa brought all of that.
Her career proves she was already accomplished before Paul Anka ever entered her life.
Meeting Paul Anka
Lisa and Paul Anka first met in 2010 at a mutual friend’s wedding. There was no grand setup or Hollywood introduction. Just two people at a celebration who connected naturally.
Paul was already in his late sixties at the time and deeply established as a music legend. He wrote “My Way” for Frank Sinatra, one of the most recorded songs in history. He is also known for hits like “Diana,” “Lonely Boy,” and “Put Your Head on My Shoulder.” His career had spanned more than five decades when he met Lisa.
Despite the age difference, the two built something real. They dated for six full years, keeping things private and low-key. In his 2013 memoir “My Way,” Paul wrote about Lisa warmly, calling her “a very giving and good person” who had a wonderful connection with his son. He added: “When I see Ethan and how much he adores my girlfriend, Lisa Pemberton, it makes it all worthwhile.”
That level of trust did not come quickly. It was built over years of genuine partnership.
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Marriage to Paul Anka
The Wedding
Lisa and Paul married on October 22, 2016, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. Paul was 75 years old. Lisa was 63.
The ceremony was intimate but attended by notable figures. The guest list included:
- Brian Grazer – award-winning Hollywood film producer
- Warren Buffett – billionaire investor and one of the world’s most recognizable business figures
One of the most touching moments of the evening came when Paul’s son Ethan, then 11 years old, walked Lisa down the aisle. Paul had spoken publicly about how much Ethan adored Lisa, and that gesture made the bond between them official in the most personal way.
The couple danced their first dance as husband and wife to Van Morrison’s “Someone Like You” accompanied by a 21-piece orchestra. Paul described the night as magical and called Lisa a great woman who shared his love for animals.
Family Life Together
Lisa became stepmother to Paul’s six children from his two previous marriages. Paul’s first wife was model Anne de Zogheb, with whom he had five daughters: Alexandra, Amanda, Alicia, Anthea, and Amelia. His daughter Amanda Anka is married to actor Jason Bateman, making the extended family well-connected in Hollywood.
Paul’s son Ethan Anka was born in 2004 from his second marriage to Swedish model and former Miss Sweden Anna Åberg. After Paul was awarded sole custody of Ethan in 2017, Lisa helped raise him during the years they were together. That responsibility was not small. She took it seriously.
Who Is Paul Anka?
Paul Albert Anka was born on July 30, 1941, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. He is a singer, songwriter, actor, and one of the most prolific artists in pop music history.
Here are some key facts:
- He has sold over 30 million records worldwide
- He wrote “My Way”, co-written with Claude François and Jacques Revaux, later recorded by Frank Sinatra
- His debut hit “Diana” (1957) made him a teen sensation at just 15 years old
- He is a member of the Canadian Music Hall of Fame
- His net worth is estimated at around $80 million
Lisa was his third wife. His first marriage to Anne de Zogheb lasted from 1963 to 2001. His second marriage to Anna Åberg lasted from 2008 to 2010.
The Divorce
The marriage lasted four years. In 2020, Lisa and Paul separated and finalized their divorce.
Paul later spoke openly about his unhappiness in the marriage. He described a moment where he looked at his birth certificate and said to himself: “See this? How much longer do I have? I can’t live like this anymore.”
He felt the marriage had become difficult, and he chose to end it.
Lisa never gave a public statement. She never spoke to reporters or gave an interview about what happened. She chose silence over drama, and that choice said a great deal about her character.
There were no messy public battles. No scandalous headlines. Just a quiet end to a chapter.
Lisa Pemberton’s Net Worth
Lisa’s estimated personal net worth sits between $2 million and $5 million. That figure reflects her years of professional work in Hollywood as a makeup department head, not any settlement from her marriage.
Working as a department head on major studio productions is a well-compensated role. Her credits on blockbuster films contributed meaningfully to her financial standing over the years.
She has never publicly discussed her finances and continues to live privately.
Life After Divorce
After the 2020 divorce, Lisa returned to private life completely. She has no social media presence of any kind. No verified Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook account exists under her name.
She does not give interviews. She does not attend public events connected to Paul Anka or his career. Reports from 2026 confirm she has not remarried and keeps her current life entirely away from media attention.
Friends describe her as content, warm, and focused on personal peace rather than any desire for public validation.
Physical Appearance
At her wedding, Lisa was described as elegant and graceful. She wore a cream satin gown with lace details, paired with a pearl choker and bracelet. Her hair was styled in soft curls under a headband, and she carried white roses.
She is described as blonde with a polished, understated style. Exact height and weight details have never been published, which aligns with her preference for privacy.
Philanthropy and Values
Lisa has been linked to charitable work, particularly in areas tied to children’s wellbeing and education. She never publicized her philanthropic efforts and they remain largely unconfirmed in the public record.
What is consistent across all accounts of her personality is a genuine care for others. Her background in psychology and adolescent counseling speaks to someone who chose helping people as her first professional calling. That did not appear to change after she stepped away from formal counseling work.
FAQs About Lisa Pemberton
Who is Lisa Pemberton?
She is a Canadian makeup artist and former adolescent counselor, best known as the ex-wife of music legend Paul Anka. They married in 2016 and divorced in 2020.
What movies did Lisa Pemberton work on?
She worked as a makeup artist and department head on major Hollywood productions including Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 and World War Z.
How old is Lisa Pemberton in 2026?
She was born on July 15, 1953, making her 72 years old in 2026.
How did Lisa Pemberton meet Paul Anka?
They met at a mutual friend’s wedding in 2010 and dated for six years before marrying in October 2016.
Why did Lisa Pemberton and Paul Anka divorce?
They divorced in 2020. Paul Anka later said he felt unhappy in the marriage and chose to end it. Lisa never commented publicly.
Does Lisa Pemberton have children?
She has no biological children. During her marriage to Paul Anka, she served as stepmother to his six children, including son Ethan and five daughters from his first marriage.
What is Lisa Pemberton’s net worth?
Her personal net worth is estimated between $2 million and $5 million, earned through her Hollywood career.
Where is Lisa Pemberton now?
As of 2026, she lives a private life away from the media with no confirmed public appearances or social media accounts.
Was Lisa Pemberton Paul Anka’s only wife?
No. She was his third wife. Paul Anka was previously married to model Anne de Zogheb (1963 to 2001) and Swedish model Anna Åberg (2008 to 2010).
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