Evanka Franjko, a Croatian-American, became a public figure largely due to her marriage to Joey Buttafuoco. Known as an auto body shop owner and actor, Joey brought significant media attention to Evanka’s life after their union. Before her marriage, Evanka lived a private life, away from the public eye. Her relationship with Joey, however, thrust her into the spotlight, especially considering his controversial past. Joey’s involvement in legal troubles and scandals made their marriage a topic of public curiosity.
Despite her reserved personality, Evanka’s name became synonymous with her husband’s fame and notoriety. Many have speculated about her reasons for marrying someone with such a turbulent history. The marriage itself faced challenges, with the couple navigating periods of reconciliation and discord. Their story reflects resilience, commitment, and the ability to endure public scrutiny. This article takes a closer look at Evanka’s life, exploring her background, personal journey, and experiences in a high-profile marriage.
Early Life and Background
Evanka Franjko was born on March 24, 1962, in Croatia. Details about her early life remain scarce. Information about her parents has not been made public. She grew up in Croatia with her brother, Frank Franjko. Family details beyond this are not widely known. Her childhood likely included experiences tied to Croatia’s rich cultural traditions.
Evanka made a life-changing decision to move to the United States. She sought opportunities to build a future in a new country. Her journey to the U.S. marked a significant turning point. She enrolled at California State University Northridge to pursue higher education. Her studies helped her gain skills and independence. These achievements prepared her to support herself professionally.
Her background reflects resilience and ambition. Moving to a new country requires courage and adaptability. She successfully transitioned to life in the United States. These traits have shaped her personal and professional journey.
Marriage to Joey Buttafuoco
Evanka met Joey Buttafuoco at his auto body shop in the early 2000s. Their connection grew quickly, leading to a romantic relationship. At the time, Joey was already in the public eye due to past scandals. Despite his controversial history, Evanka chose to build a relationship with him. Her decision reflected her willingness to focus on the present rather than the past.
The couple tied the knot on March 5, 2005. This marked a fresh start for both of them. Joey had finalized his divorce from Mary Jo Buttafuoco in 2003. Their union symbolized a new beginning in Joey’s personal life. This marriage brought new attention to Joey and Evanka as a couple. Their relationship faced serious challenges soon after.
In 2007, Evanka filed for divorce due to difficulties in their marriage. The decision placed their future together in question. Despite these struggles, they managed to reconcile. Evanka withdrew the divorce petition, choosing to remain with Joey. Their decision to work through their issues showed mutual determination. Over time, their marriage has endured, demonstrating resilience and commitment.
Life with Joey Buttafuoco
Joey Buttafuoco’s past controversies drew significant media attention to his marriage with Evanka. His involvement in a scandal with Amy Fisher, a minor, became a widely publicized event.
Joey admitted his involvement with Amy Fisher, a minor. This relationship led to a violent event in 1992. Fisher, driven by jealousy, confronted Joey’s wife, Mary Jo Buttafuoco, at their home. During the confrontation, Fisher shot Mary Jo in the face.
Mary Jo survived but suffered severe injuries. She faced partial paralysis and lost hearing in one ear. Joey served four months in jail for statutory rape. Fisher was sentenced to nearly seven years in prison for her actions. The scandal brought intense media scrutiny and made Joey a controversial figure.
Evanka chose to stay with Joey despite his troubled past. Their relationship endured public criticism and personal challenges. They have now been married for nearly two decades. The couple resides in Los Angeles, California. Joey has two children from his first marriage, but he and Evanka do not have children together. Her decision to stand by him shows resilience and commitment to their partnership.
Personal Life
Evanka Franjko leads a quiet life, avoiding public attention. She rarely attends public events or shares details about her personal life. Despite her privacy, small glimpses of her personality have emerged online. Her limited activity on Facebook offers a look into her interests and experiences.
Her posts reveal a person who values simple pleasures and meaningful moments. She expresses a love for creative and festive occasions. Through her updates, she shows the ability to find joy even when facing challenges. These glimpses highlight her strength and a positive approach to life.
Evanka has shared her love for Halloween, calling it her favorite holiday. She once revealed that her home stays decorated with Halloween-themed items all year. This shows her enthusiasm for the occasion and her unique sense of style.
She has also posted about her costumes from past celebrations. Her favorites include dressing as a witch, a cat, and a pirate. These choices reflect her playful personality and creative spirit. Her love for Halloween highlights her ability to embrace fun and joy in her everyday life.
In 2019, Evanka experienced a major health issue that required hospitalization for kidney problems. She shared details about her condition on Facebook, offering a rare look into her personal struggles. The situation marked a challenging period in her life, testing her strength and resilience.
Despite the difficulties, her posts remained filled with optimism. She expressed gratitude for life and focused on recovery with determination. Her ability to stay positive during such a tough time showed her inner strength. This glimpse into her life highlighted her courage and unwavering resolve to face adversity with grace.
Evanka keeps her personal life mostly private, choosing to stay away from the spotlight. Her limited online presence, however, reveals a warm and resilient personality. Her love for celebration and ability to face health challenges with grace reflects her multifaceted personality. She continues to lead a quiet life in Los Angeles, focusing on her personal interests and relationships.
Net Worth
Evanka Franjko’s net worth is estimated at $3 million. The exact details of her income sources remain undisclosed, adding an air of mystery to her financial standing. Reports suggest that her wealth likely comes from her self-employment activities, though specific details about her profession are not publicly known.
Her marriage to Joey Buttafuoco might also contribute to her financial stability. Joey, known for his work as an auto body shop owner and his appearances in TV shows and movies, has had a fluctuating career. While his past controversies have overshadowed much of his public image, his professional ventures likely play a part in their combined financial resources.
Evanka has maintained a comfortable lifestyle, as seen in her life in Los Angeles, California. Her ability to manage her finances and maintain stability reflects her resourcefulness and independence. Despite the lack of public information, her net worth speaks to a life of resilience and effort, whether through her own endeavors or the shared earnings with her husband.
Her financial position underscores her role in sustaining a stable life amid challenges, both personal and public. This level of stability showcases her determination to maintain a balanced and secure life.
FAQs
When did Evanka marry Joey Buttafuoco?
Evanka married Joey Buttafuoco on March 5, 2005.
Does Evanka have children?
Evanka does not have children with Joey. However, Joey has two children from his previous marriage.
Are Joey Buttafuoco and Evanka live together?
Joey Buttafuoco and Evanka Franjko have been married since 2005 and live together in Los Angeles, California. Despite challenges, including a brief divorce filing in 2007, they reconciled and have maintained their marriage for nearly two decades.
Where does Evanka live now?
Evanka lives in Los Angeles, California, with Joey Buttafuoco.