Kathryn Burrhus is best remembered as the first wife of WWE icon “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. Long before Austin became one of wrestling’s biggest names, Kathryn was by his side, sharing his early struggles and dreams. Their relationship began in the quiet halls of a Texas high school and blossomed into a marriage rooted in love and loyalty. Although their union was short-lived, it represents an important and emotional chapter in Austin’s personal journey—a time when he was just Steve Williams, chasing his wrestling ambitions. Unlike many linked to celebrities, Kathryn chose a path far from fame, building a quiet, private life that continues to intrigue wrestling fans around the world.
Profile Summary
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 privately away from the public eye
Net Worth: Estimated between $200,000 – $1 million (unconfirmed)
Early Life and Background
Kathryn Burrhus was born and raised in Austin, Texas, where she spent her childhood in a close-knit community. She attended Edna High School, where she was known for her kind personality and focused nature. It was during these formative years that she met Steve Williams, the young man who would later become known to the world as “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. Those who knew Kathryn back then described her as grounded, intelligent, and deeply supportive—a person who valued loyalty and simplicity. Unlike the chaotic world of professional wrestling that would later surround her, Kathryn’s early life was peaceful and far removed from the spotlight.
Age and Appearance
Born in 1952, Kathryn Burrhus is 73 years old as of 2025. She has always preferred privacy, and there are no recent photos or public appearances of her in decades. Old photographs show a graceful woman with natural charm and a warm smile, but her decision to live away from media attention has kept her current appearance a mystery. Her ability to maintain that level of privacy, especially after being linked to a global celebrity, is rare in today’s world.
From High School Sweethearts to Marriage
Kathryn and Steve Austin’s love story began in high school. They were each other’s first love—inseparable, supportive, and adored by their classmates. Kathryn believed in Austin’s athletic dreams long before the world recognized his talent. She encouraged him through early challenges, first as a football player and later as an aspiring wrestler. After years of dating, their relationship culminated in marriage on November 24, 1990. At that time, Austin was wrestling in small promotions, working long hours and struggling to make ends meet. Kathryn became his emotional anchor, helping him navigate the uncertainties of a career still in its infancy. Their marriage reflected the sincerity of two people growing together while chasing a dream, even as life began pulling them in different directions.
Marriage Challenges and Divorce
While Kathryn Burrhus and Steve Austin’s love story began with youthful passion, it soon faced the harsh realities of professional wrestling. Austin’s growing career demanded constant travel, long absences, and grueling schedules. Kathryn, who valued a peaceful and private home life, found it difficult to adjust to the chaos that came with wrestling. Reports later surfaced that Austin had become romantically involved with Jeannie Clarke, a fellow wrestling personality who would go on to become his second wife. The combination of distance, infidelity, and career pressures took a toll on their marriage. After nearly two years together, the couple divorced on August 7, 1992, officially ending a relationship that had started in simpler times.
Who Is Steve Austin?
Steve Austin, born Steven James Anderson (later changed to Steven Williams), is one of the most legendary figures in professional wrestling. Born on December 18, 1964, in Austin, Texas, he rose to fame during the 1990s as “Stone Cold” Steve Austin—a brash, rebellious antihero who defined WWE’s Attitude Era. Known for his beer-smashing entrances, sharp wit, and iconic feuds with Vince McMahon, Austin became a cultural phenomenon. Over his career, he earned six WWE Championships, three Royal Rumble victories, and an induction into the WWE Hall of Fame. Even after retiring due to injuries, Austin transitioned into acting and hosting shows like Broken Skull Sessions, continuing to entertain millions of fans worldwide.
Family and Children
Kathryn Burrhus and Steve Austin never had children during their marriage, which lasted from 1990 to 1992. Kathryn has never spoken publicly about her personal life after the divorce, and there are no records of her having children later on. Her commitment to privacy has made it nearly impossible to trace her life beyond her early years with Austin, further fueling curiosity among fans.
Life After Separation
After her divorce from Steve Austin, Kathryn Burrhus chose complete privacy. She never appeared in interviews, documentaries, or memoirs about Austin’s life. There are no public records of her remarrying or pursuing a media career. Some reports suggest that she continued living in Texas, possibly focusing on community or personal endeavors, but nothing has been confirmed. Her decision to remain silent about her past reflects her strong sense of dignity and independence. While many celebrity ex-spouses have used their former connections for fame, Kathryn deliberately stepped out of that narrative, carving a quiet life on her own terms.
Career and Net Worth
Little is known about Kathryn Burrhus’s professional life. Unlike Austin’s later wives, who were associated with wrestling or entertainment, Kathryn seems to have pursued a career outside the limelight. Some sources claim she may have been involved in small business ventures in Texas, though this has never been verified. Her estimated net worth ranges between $200,000 and $1 million, but those numbers remain speculative since she has kept her financial life completely private. Her lack of public ambition or media presence makes her story rare in the world of celebrity relationships—defined not by fame or fortune but by quiet strength.
Kathryn Burrhus’s Role in Steve Austin’s Early Life
While Steve Austin’s career took him to global fame, Kathryn’s presence during his early years was foundational. She was there before the fame, when Austin was still finding his identity as an athlete and performer. Her encouragement during those uncertain times gave him emotional stability and confidence. Though their marriage did not last, Kathryn’s influence on Austin’s early journey is undeniable. In many ways, she represents the unseen chapter of his life—the part before the spotlight, when everything was built on love, trust, and shared dreams.
Comparisons with Other Wrestling Relationships
The wrestling world is full of stories where fame and constant travel strain personal relationships. From Ric Flair’s multiple marriages to Hulk Hogan’s very public divorce, professional wrestling has often tested family bonds. What makes Kathryn Burrhus’s story stand out is her quiet dignity. She never sought revenge, attention, or publicity. Unlike many others who became part of media controversies or tabloid scandals, Kathryn walked away gracefully and never looked back. Her silence speaks volumes about her strength and respect for privacy, qualities rarely seen in the entertainment industry.
Where Is Kathryn Burrhus Now?
As of 2025, Kathryn Burrhus is believed to be living a private life somewhere in Texas. She has stayed away from public events and media attention for more than three decades. There are no verified social media profiles, interviews, or public appearances associated with her name. Fans occasionally bring her up in online discussions and wrestling biographies, curious about what became of Steve Austin’s first wife. However, Kathryn herself has never commented publicly or attempted to reconnect with fame. Her current life remains a mystery—one that continues to fascinate those who remember her as part of Steve Austin’s earliest years.
Conclusion
Kathryn Burrhus’s story is not about fame, fortune, or celebrity drama—it’s about grace, loyalty, and privacy. As the first wife of WWE legend Steve Austin, she was part of his life before he became “Stone Cold,” supporting him through his early struggles. Their marriage may have ended, but her quiet strength and decision to live privately make her one of the most intriguing figures connected to wrestling history. In a world that often values exposure over elegance, Kathryn Burrhus stands out as someone who chose silence and dignity—and in doing so, left a lasting 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, making her 73 years old as of 2025.
3. Did Kathryn Burrhus and Steve Austin have children?
No, the couple did not have any children during their marriage. Kathryn has never shared any details about having children later in life.
4. Why did Kathryn Burrhus and Steve Austin divorce?
Their marriage ended 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 is believed to be living privately in Texas, far away from the media and public attention. She has maintained her privacy for over three decades, rarely discussed but never forgotten.