Anne de Zogheb was an Egyptian-born fashion model and art collector, best known as the first wife of Canadian-American singer Paul Anka. She worked with leading fashion houses, including Chanel, Dior, and Balenciaga, and appeared in major fashion magazines.
Anne married Paul Anka in 1963, and they had five daughters together. Their marriage ended in divorce in 2000. She died on March 29, 2017, at the age of 74.
Anne de Zogheb Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Anne Alison de Zogheb |
| Known as | Anne de Zogheb |
| Date of birth | October 2, 1942 |
| Birthplace | Alexandria, Egypt |
| Date of death | March 29, 2017 |
| Age at death | 74 years |
| Place of death | Hollywood, California, USA (reported) |
| Nationality | Egyptian-American (reported) |
| Profession | Fashion model and art collector |
| Father | Charles de Zogheb |
| Mother | English, name not publicly known |
| Siblings | A twin sister (reported) |
| Former husband | Paul Anka |
| Marriage | February 16, 1963 |
| Divorce | 2000 |
| Children | Alexandra, Amanda, Alicia, Anthea, and Amelia Anka |
| Known for | Modeling career and marriage to Paul Anka |
Anne de Zogheb’s Early Life and Parents
Anne de Zogheb was born on October 2, 1942, in Alexandria, Egypt. Her father, Charles de Zogheb, was a Lebanese diplomat, while her mother was English.
According to published biographies, Anne had a twin sister, although her sister’s name is not widely documented.
In 1952, her family moved from Egypt to England during the period of the Egyptian Revolution. Her parents later settled in Paris, France.
Anne spent part of her childhood in Egypt and continued her education in England before moving to France.
Her father reportedly died in February 2006. Little public information is available about her mother or other relatives.
Where Did Anne de Zogheb Study?
Anne attended a convent school in England after her family left Egypt.
She did not attend university because her family could no longer afford higher education. Instead, she was sent to a finishing school, where students learned manners and social customs.
In a December 2014 interview with W Magazine, Anne recalled that she disliked finishing school. She contacted her parents in Paris and told them she did not want to remain there.
She later moved to Paris, where she began working in fashion.
Anne de Zogheb’s Modeling Career
Anne de Zogheb began her modeling career in Paris during the 1950s. She initially worked with a small fashion house and reportedly attracted attention through Paris Match magazine.
Her career developed after she met Eileen Ford, the American modeling agent who co-founded Ford Models.
In 1959, Anne moved to New York with Ford’s support. She became part of the fashion industry at a time when European designers and American fashion magazines were gaining international attention.
Fashion Magazines and Designers
During her modeling career, Anne appeared in major fashion publications, including Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar.
She also worked with several leading fashion houses:
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Balenciaga
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Chanel
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Dior
Her modeling photographs were associated with fashion photographers such as Bert Stern and Karen Radkai.
Anne continued modeling throughout much of the 1960s. She reportedly left the profession in 1968, around the birth of her second daughter, Amanda, to focus on her family.
Anne de Zogheb’s Art Collection
Anne was also a collector of contemporary art. She developed an interest in modern artists and collected works from several important figures in American and European art.
Her early collection reportedly included pieces by Sol LeWitt, Robert Rauschenberg, Mark di Suvero, and Joel Shapiro.
She later collected large paintings by Christopher Wool and Albert Oehlen.
Her collection included works associated with minimalism, sculpture, and contemporary painting.
The full size and financial value of her art collection have not been publicly confirmed.
Who Is Paul Anka?
Paul Anka is a Canadian-American singer, songwriter, and actor. He was born on July 30, 1941, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
He became famous during the late 1950s with hit songs such as Diana, Put Your Head on My Shoulder, and Lonely Boy.
Paul also wrote the English lyrics for Frank Sinatra’s My Way and composed the theme music for The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.
He worked in music, television, and film throughout his career.
Paul married Anne de Zogheb in 1963. She was his first wife, and they remained married for approximately 37 years.
How Did Anne de Zogheb Meet Paul Anka?
Anne de Zogheb met Paul Anka in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in the early 1960s.
At the time, Anne was working as a fashion model under the Eileen Ford Agency. Paul was reportedly involved with the film The Longest Day, which was released in 1962.
Published biographies give different years for their first meeting. Some say 1960, while others report 1962.
The couple began a relationship and married on February 16, 1963, at Orly Airport in Paris, France.
Their marriage lasted more than three decades, and they became parents to five daughters.
Anne de Zogheb and Paul Anka’s Divorce
Paul Anka reportedly filed for divorce on June 26, 1994, after more than 30 years of marriage.
Their divorce was finalized in October 2000, although published sources differ on the exact date.
In an interview reported by The Globe and Mail, Paul described the separation as his decision. He also said that he and Anne remained in contact and that he continued to care about her.
Anne did not publicly remarry after their divorce.
Paul later married Swedish model Anna Åberg in 2008. They had a son named Ethan, and their marriage ended in 2010.
He then married Lisa Pemberton in 2016. That marriage ended in divorce in 2020.
Anne de Zogheb’s Five Daughters
Anne de Zogheb and Paul Anka had five daughters: Alexandra, Amanda, Alicia, Anthea, and Amelia.
Their daughters followed different careers, including law, acting, writing, education, and wellness.
Alexandra Anka
Alexandra Anka is the eldest daughter of Anne de Zogheb and Paul Anka.
She worked as a production assistant on the 1989 comedy film Troop Beverly Hills, starring Shelley Long.
Alexandra later pursued a career in law. Published biographies report that she has lived in Geneva, Switzerland.
She has generally kept her personal life away from public attention.
Amanda Anka
Amanda Anka was born on December 10, 1968. She is the second daughter of Anne and Paul.
Amanda became an actress and producer. Her acting credits include Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Bones, and The Fosters.
She is married to American actor and director Jason Bateman.
The couple married in 2001 and have two daughters, Francesca Nora Bateman and Maple Sylvie Bateman.
Amanda and Jason have been based in the Los Angeles area.
Alicia Anka
Alicia Anka is the third daughter of Anne de Zogheb and Paul Anka.
According to published biographies, she was born in London in 1971 and grew up in California.
Alicia works in wellness and education. She has been described as a certified life coach, yoga instructor, and educator.
She is also reported to be the founder of Balance Yoga.
Anthea Anka
Anthea Anka is the fourth daughter of Anne and Paul.
She works as a screenwriter and has also been involved in blogging and music.
Anthea wrote the screenplay for the 2017 film Battlecreek, which starred Alison Eastwood.
Following her mother’s death in 2017, Anthea wrote a personal tribute remembering Anne’s love and support for her daughters.
Published reports say Anthea is married, has a son, and has lived in North London, England.
Amelia Anka
Amelia Anka is the youngest daughter of Anne de Zogheb and Paul Anka.
Unlike some of her siblings, Amelia has largely stayed away from the entertainment industry and public attention.
Published biographies report that she has two children and lives in Los Angeles, California.
Further details about her career and personal life are not widely available.
Anne de Zogheb’s Death and Cause of Death
Anne de Zogheb died on March 29, 2017, at the age of 74.
Her reported place of death was Hollywood, California, United States.
Anne de Zogheb’s exact cause of death has not been publicly confirmed. Her family has not widely shared medical details about her death.
Information about her funeral and final resting place is also not publicly established in the available reports.
Following her death, her daughter Anthea shared a tribute to her mother.
In the tribute, Anthea described how Anne had raised five strong and independent daughters. She also spoke about the lasting influence her mother had on their lives.
Anne de Zogheb’s Net Worth
Anne de Zogheb’s personal net worth was never reliably disclosed.
She earned money through her modeling career and owned a collection of contemporary art. However, there are no verified public figures showing the total value of her assets or estate.
Anne de Zogheb’s Public Appearances
Anne attended public events with Paul Anka during their marriage.
Historical photographs show the couple at restaurants and social gatherings in New York and California.
Some documented appearances include:
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January 11, 1971: Photographed with Paul Anka and relatives in London.
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October 26, 1987: Photographed with Paul at the Knickerbocker Jazz Restaurant in New York City.
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March 21, 1989: Photographed with Paul and a daughter at Spago Restaurant in West Hollywood.
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December 4, 1993: Photographed with Paul at Spago Restaurant in West Hollywood.
Several of these photographs were taken by celebrity photographer Ron Galella.
Did Anne de Zogheb Have Social Media?
There are no widely verified public social media accounts belonging to Anne de Zogheb.
Most information about her life comes from historical fashion photographs, interviews, family statements, and published biographies.
Facts About Anne de Zogheb
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Anne was born in Alexandria, Egypt, on October 2, 1942.
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Her father was Lebanese, and her mother was English.
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She reportedly had a twin sister.
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Her family moved to England in 1952.
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She attended a convent school but did not attend university.
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She moved to New York in 1959 with support from Eileen Ford.
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She modeled for Chanel, Dior, and Balenciaga.
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She married Paul Anka at Orly Airport in Paris on February 16, 1963.
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She had five daughters with Paul Anka.
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Her daughter Amanda is married to actor Jason Bateman.
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Anne collected contemporary art by artists including Sol LeWitt and Robert Rauschenberg.
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Her marriage to Paul Anka ended in divorce in 2000.
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She died on March 29, 2017, at the age of 74.
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Her exact cause of death has not been publicly confirmed.
