What is Paul Anka's Net Worth?
Paul Anka is a renowned Canadian singer, songwriter, and actor boasting a net worth of $80 million. He gained immense popularity in the late 1950s with timeless hits such as "Diana," "Lonely Boy," and "Put Your Head on My Shoulder," establishing himself as a teen idol. Throughout his versatile career, Anka adeptly transitioned from the rock and roll era to adult contemporary music, penning over 900 songs. Among his notable works are the lyrics for Frank Sinatra's iconic "My Way" and Tom Jones's hit "She's a Lady." He also composed the theme for "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson." Later, he co-wrote Michael Jackson's "This is It" and "Love Never Felt So Good," both of which achieved significant success posthumously. Moreover, Anka's daughter Amanda is married to actor Jason Bateman.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born in 1941 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Paul Anka is the son of Lebanese Christians Camelia and Andrew Anka. He began his musical journey singing in the St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral choir and studying piano with Winnifred Rees. During his high school years at Fisher Park High School, he was part of a vocal group called the Bobby Soxers. By 14, Anka had already recorded his first single, "I Confess."
Rise to Fame
In 1956, Anka traveled to New York City and auditioned for Don Costa at ABC Records with "Diana," which soon became a monumental hit in 1957, topping music charts in both the US and Canada. By 1958, Anka continued his success with four top-20 hits, including "It's Time to Cry" and "(All of a Sudden) My Heart Sings." His early success led him to tour globally, even performing in Australia alongside Buddy Holly. Notably, Anka wrote "It Doesn't Matter Anymore," recorded by Holly shortly before his tragic death in 1959.
Anka's other significant achievements during this period include writing the famous theme for "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" and the 1960 hit "Teddy" for Connie Francis. He also crafted the English lyrics for Frank Sinatra's classic "My Way." Throughout the 1960s, Anka's career faced challenges due to the British Invasion, yet he adapted by focusing on contemporary and big-band standards, frequently performing in Las Vegas casinos.
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Career in the 1970s and 80s
In the early 70s, Anka signed with Buddah Records, releasing albums "Paul Anka" and "Jubilation." Although his version of "She's a Lady" did not chart, Tom Jones's rendition became a massive hit. After a decade of no top-25 hits, Anka signed with United Artists, and with Odia Coates, achieved a comeback in 1974 with the number-one hit "(You're) Having My Baby." More top-10 duets followed, including "One Man Woman/One Woman Man" and "I Don't Like to Sleep Alone." In 1975, Anka's "Times of Your Life," originally a Kodak jingle, became a top-10 hit. Additional hits included "Anytime (I'll Be There)" for Sinatra and "Hold Me 'Til the Mornin' Comes," his final US top 40 hit in 1983.
Recordings in the 1990s and 2000s
In 1998, Anka released "A Body of Work," his first new American studio album since 1983. It featured collaborations with artists such as Patti LaBelle, Celine Dion, and Kenny G. This was followed by 2005's "Rock Swings," which included big-band versions of modern rock songs. Later, Anka released "Songs of December" and "Duets" in 2013.
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Acting Career
Paul Anka's acting career includes roles in films like "Let's Rock," "Verboten!," "Girls Town," and "The Private Lives of Adam & Eve." He made a significant appearance in the 1962 film "The Longest Day." Anka also guest-starred in the Perry Mason TV movie "The Case of the Maligned Mobster" and appeared in the Kurt Russell comedy "Captain Ron." His other credits include "The Simpsons" in the "Treehouse of Horror" episode, "Mad Dog Time," "3000 Miles to Graceland," the NBC series "Las Vegas," and "Gilmore Girls," where he played a version of himself.
Personal Life
Paul Anka was married to Anne de Zogheb from 1963 to 2001, and they have five daughters: Amelia, Anthea, Alicia, Amanda, and Alexandra. His daughter Amanda is married to actor Jason Bateman. In 2008, Paul married Swedish model and actress Anna Åberg, who was his personal trainer before their marriage. They divorced in 2010, with Paul gaining full custody of their son. In 2016, Paul married Lisa Pemberton in Beverly Hills.
