Lisa Pemberton became a household search term after marrying Canadian singing legend Paul Anka in 2016, stepping briefly into the spotlight before returning to the private life she has always preferred. Best known as Anka’s third wife, Pemberton built her own career behind the camera as a Hollywood makeup artist long before her name became linked to the “Put Your Head on My Shoulder” hitmaker. Her story blends a quiet, hardworking career with a high-profile marriage that captured public curiosity. This article explores her background, her career, her relationship with Paul Anka, and where she is today.
Lisa Pemberton Bio Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lisa Pemberton |
| Known For | Third wife of singer Paul Anka; Hollywood makeup artist |
| Date of Birth | 15 July 1953 |
| Place of Birth | Ontario, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Profession | Makeup artist (film industry) |
| Notable Film Credits | Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, World War Z, Kingsman: The Secret Service |
| Spouse | Paul Anka (married 2016, divorced 2020) |
| Children | None with Paul Anka; helped raise stepson Ethan |
| Estimated Net Worth | $2 million to $5 million |
| Current Status | Private individual, out of the public eye |
Who Is Lisa Pemberton?
Lisa Pemberton is a Canadian makeup artist who married singer-songwriter Paul Anka in October 2016 and became his third wife. Born on 15 July 1953 in Ontario, Canada, she spent decades working in the film industry before her marriage brought her wider recognition.
She is not a public figure in her own right and has never sought celebrity status. Her connection to Anka remains the main reason her name appears in entertainment coverage.
Early Life and Background
Pemberton grew up in Ontario, Canada, away from any spotlight. Details about her family and upbringing remain largely private, reflecting the low-key approach she has taken throughout her adult life.
Before working in film, she reportedly worked as an adolescent counsellor, a role that speaks to an early interest in supporting young people. This background stands in contrast to the glamour later associated with her Hollywood makeup career and her marriage to a famous musician.
Career as a Hollywood Makeup Artist
Pemberton built a respected career in the film industry’s makeup department. Her credited work includes major productions such as:
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
- World War Z
- Kingsman: The Secret Service
This body of work places her among the skilled behind-the-scenes professionals who shape the look of blockbuster films without ever appearing on screen themselves. Her career shows a level of technical expertise and industry experience that existed independently of her marriage to Paul Anka.
How Lisa Pemberton Met Paul Anka
Lisa Pemberton and Paul Anka met at a friend’s wedding around 2010. The pair struck up a connection quickly and began dating shortly afterwards.
They spent six years together before marrying, a relatively long courtship that suggests a considered decision rather than a whirlwind romance. Anka, who had already been married twice before, later described Pemberton as fitting naturally into his life and family.
The Wedding: A Star-Studded Celebration
Paul Anka and Lisa Pemberton married on 22 October 2016 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village, near Los Angeles. The ceremony was intimate but attracted a notable guest list, including film producer Brian Grazer, billionaire Warren Buffett, and businessman Carlos Slim.
In a touching detail, Anka’s then eleven-year-old son, Ethan, walked Pemberton down the aisle. The couple shared their first dance to Van Morrison’s “Someone Like You,” and Anka publicly celebrated the day on social media, calling Pemberton “the love of my life.”
Quick Facts About the Wedding
- Date: 22 October 2016
- Location: Four Seasons Hotel, Westlake Village, California
- Notable guests: Warren Buffett, Brian Grazer, Carlos Slim
- First dance song: “Someone Like You” by Van Morrison
- Aisle escort: Anka’s son, Ethan
Life as Paul Anka’s Wife
As Anka’s wife, Pemberton took on a stepmother role to his son, Ethan, though the couple did not have children of their own. Anka is also father to five daughters, Amelia, Anthea, Alicia, Amanda, and Alexandra, from his first marriage.
Pemberton largely avoided public appearances beyond events tied to her husband’s career, staying true to the private nature she had maintained throughout her professional life.
The Divorce
Paul Anka and Lisa Pemberton divorced in 2020, ending a marriage of roughly four years. Anka later spoke publicly about feeling unhappy in the relationship, describing a moment of personal reflection that led him to decide the marriage could not continue.
Pemberton has not commented publicly on the split. Since the divorce, she has withdrawn further from public life, consistent with her long-standing preference for privacy.
Where Is Lisa Pemberton Now?
Lisa Pemberton lives a private life away from media attention. She has not made public statements about her current career, relationships, or whereabouts since her divorce from Anka in 2020.
As of 2026, Pemberton is 72 years old. Her estimated net worth is reported to fall between $2 million and $5 million, built largely through her work in the film industry.
Conclusion
Lisa Pemberton’s story is more than a footnote in Paul Anka’s biography. She built a genuine career as a Hollywood makeup artist, contributing to major film productions, before her six-year relationship and subsequent marriage to Anka brought her briefly into the public eye. Their 2016 wedding was a memorable, star-studded event, but the marriage ended in divorce in 2020. Since then, Pemberton has returned to the private life she has always favoured, remaining largely out of the public record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Lisa Pemberton?
Lisa Pemberton is a Canadian makeup artist known for marrying singer Paul Anka in 2016. She worked on major films, including Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 and World War Z, before her marriage brought her public attention.
Is Lisa Pemberton still married to Paul Anka?
No, Lisa Pemberton is no longer married to Paul Anka. The couple divorced in 2020 after roughly four years of marriage.
Did Lisa Pemberton and Paul Anka have children together?
No, Lisa Pemberton and Paul Anka did not have children together. She did, however, help raise Anka’s son, Ethan, from his previous marriage.
What does Lisa Pemberton do for a living?
Lisa Pemberton works as a makeup artist in the film industry. Her credited projects include several major Hollywood productions.
How old is Lisa Pemberton?
Lisa Pemberton was born on 15 July 1953, making her 72 years old as of 2026.
