Tony Hawk: Skateboarding's King and His Three Divorces
Four marriages, three divorces, and an affair with his best friend's wife before finally finding stability.
Key Facts
What Happened
Tony Hawk revolutionized skateboarding and became one of the most recognizable athletes in the world. But his personal life was far less stable than his legendary 900-degree spin. Hawk has been married four times, with his first three marriages ending in divorce. He has publicly attributed his failed marriages to his obsessive dedication to skateboarding and his business empire, acknowledging that he consistently prioritized career over family.
Hawk's first marriage to Cindy Dunbar in 1990 produced his first son, Riley, but ended in divorce in 1993 as Hawk's career was accelerating. His second marriage to Erin Lee in 1996 lasted eight years and produced two sons, Spencer and Keegan, before ending in 2004. His third marriage to Lhotse Merriam in 2006 seemed more stable, and they had a daughter, Kadence Clover, in 2008. But in 2011, reports emerged that Hawk had been having an affair with Catherine Goodman, the wife of his best friend and business partner Matt Goodman.
The revelation of the affair was particularly devastating because of the betrayal of friendship involved. Hawk and Matt Goodman had been close friends and business partners for years, and the affair destroyed both relationships simultaneously. The divorce from Merriam was finalized in 2011, and Hawk married Catherine in 2015 in Limerick, Ireland. The specific financial terms of all three divorces remain private, though Hawk's estimated net worth of $140 million suggests the cumulative cost was significant.
Hawk has been open about the personal growth that came from his serial relationship failures. He has spoken about the guilt of being an absent father during his first two marriages and the shame of the affair that ended his third. His fourth marriage to Catherine has lasted over a decade, suggesting he finally learned to balance his career ambitions with his personal relationships. The case is a relatable example of how serial divorce often stems from the same unresolved issues rather than bad luck.
Legal Breakdown: Serial Divorce and Career-Driven Relationship Failure
Cumulative Financial Impact of Serial Divorce
Each divorce reduced Hawk's asset base and increased his financial obligations. While the specific terms remain private, serial divorce in California, a community property state, means each former spouse was entitled to half of all assets and income earned during the respective marriages. For high earners, this cumulative exposure can be enormous.
Affair Complications in Community Property States
Hawk's affair with his best friend's wife during his third marriage introduced additional legal complexity. In California, while infidelity does not directly affect property division, it can influence spousal support determinations and custody arrangements if the court finds it affected the family dynamic.
Privacy in Celebrity Divorce
Despite his high profile, Hawk successfully kept the financial terms of all three divorces private. This was likely achieved through confidentiality clauses in settlement agreements, sealed court records, and mutual interest in protecting the family brand that generates significant licensing revenue.
What This Means for Your Divorce
- →Serial divorce often stems from repeating the same relational patterns rather than simply choosing the wrong partner.
- →Career obsession is one of the most common but least discussed causes of marriage failure among high achievers.
- →Each subsequent divorce becomes more financially costly due to cumulative asset division.
- →Personal growth and self-awareness, rather than finding the 'right' person, are often the keys to finally achieving a stable marriage.
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This article is based on publicly available court records, news reports, and legal analysis. It is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by reading this content.
Divorce laws vary by jurisdiction. Always consult a licensed attorney in your area before making legal decisions.