Elaine Starchuk: The Untold Story of Tommy Lee’s Mysterious First Wife

Have you ever heard the name Elaine Starchuk and wondered who she really is? Most people know Tommy Lee — the wild drummer from Mötley Crüe — and many know about his famous marriage to Pamela Anderson. But what about the woman who married him first?

That woman is Elaine Starchuk, and her story is full of surprises. She was a model, dancer, businesswoman, and even a cancer survivor. Though her marriage to Tommy Lee lasted only a short time, her life journey is long, deep, and inspiring.

In this article, we’ll explore everything about Elaine Starchuk — from her early life and modeling career to her time with Tommy Lee, her struggles, and where she is now.

Elaine Starchuk Quick Bio

Early Life of Elaine Starchuk

Elaine Starchuk was born on April 7, 1964, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. She grew up in a quiet neighborhood and had big dreams from a young age. While other kids played with toys, Elaine was already dreaming about becoming a famous model.

She wasn’t just dreaming — she was planning. In high school, she imagined herself walking the runway, wearing beautiful clothes, and being in fashion magazines. Her love for modeling was strong, and she was ready to chase it.

After finishing school, Elaine didn’t waste any time. At just 18 years old, she packed her bags and moved to the United States. She wanted to make her dream come true — and that’s exactly what she did.

Elaine Starchuk’s Big Modeling Dreams

When Elaine arrived in the U.S., things didn’t go smoothly at first. She wanted to model high fashion and walk on runways, but that wasn’t easy. So, she turned to magazines like Playboy and Penthouse, which gave her the chance to get noticed.

At just 18, Elaine started working with Playboy, and soon after, her photos were seen in other popular magazines like Penthouse. She became known for her bold, confident poses, and quickly gained attention. She even won beauty contests like Miss Nude BC.

These jobs made her name popular — and helped her build confidence. It wasn’t the path she planned, but it opened doors and gave her the fame she was chasing.

How Elaine Starchuk Met Tommy Lee

Elaine’s rising fame also brought her close to the world of rock and roll. In March 1982, she met a young, wild drummer named Tommy Lee. He was just starting out with a new band called Mötley Crüe, and the two instantly connected.

They were both young, driven, and living fast lives. Their relationship grew quickly. They were often seen together, going to shows, parties, and events. Fans and media started to notice them as a couple.

It wasn’t just a fling — they were serious. After two years of dating, they decided to take a big step.

Elaine Starchuk and Tommy Lee’s Short Marriage

On November 24, 1984, Elaine Starchuk and Tommy Lee got married. But sadly, the marriage didn’t last long. Some say they split up just seven days later. Others say they were together for a few months. Elaine once said the marriage lasted three months, and she ended it after catching Tommy cheating.

No matter the exact number of days, the marriage ended quickly. By mid-1985, they were officially divorced.

Even though their time as husband and wife was short, it became a big part of rock history. Elaine was Tommy Lee’s first wife, and her story still draws attention today.

The Truth About Tommy Lee’s First Wife

Many people know Tommy Lee’s other famous relationships — especially his marriage to Pamela Anderson. But Elaine Starchuk often gets left out. She’s not in the spotlight like the others, but her story is just as important.

Elaine is mentioned in Tommy Lee’s book “Tommyland”, where he talks about their quick marriage. She also spoke out about the Netflix movie “The Dirt”, saying it didn’t show the truth about their time together. She was upset about how women were shown in the film and said some scenes were completely false.

Elaine has also posted about her past on social media. She shared old photos, like one of her and Tommy in their Hollywood condo, and memories of a trip they took to Catalina Island.

Elaine Starchuk’s Dating Life After Tommy Lee

After her divorce, Elaine dated other people — and some were also big names. She was linked to Vince Neil, another member of Mötley Crüe. She also reportedly dated Dave Coverdale from Whitesnake, Nikki Sixx, and Taime Downe.

Later, she married Todd Marshall in 1992, but that relationship ended in 1996. She also had a long-term relationship with Anders Erickson that lasted five years.

Even with all these relationships, Elaine Starchuk never had any children, and she mostly stayed out of the public eye after 2004.

Elaine Starchuk’s Business Journey

After stepping away from modeling and dancing, Elaine Starchuk started something completely new — her own business.

She moved back to Canada and founded a company called Enlightened Lashes. It’s an eyelash extension brand and training academy. She started this company with the help of three other lash artists, and together, they built something special.

Elaine didn’t just sell lashes — she taught others how to apply them too. Her goal was to help women learn the skill and start their own careers. Over time, her lash brand became one of the top names in Canada’s beauty world.

A Life-Changing Accident and Her Court Battle

In 2013, Elaine’s life changed in a very painful way. She was hit by a car that crashed into a deli in Langley, British Columbia. The accident caused serious injuries to her neck, back, shoulders, arms, chest, and foot.

Because of the accident, she had to get surgery to replace her breast implants, which were damaged. She also couldn’t work the way she used to, and her business started to suffer.

Elaine took the matter to court. In 2016, the Supreme Court of British Columbia awarded her $420,000 as compensation. This included money for her pain, medical care, and lost income. It was a long fight, but she didn’t give up.

Elaine Starchuk’s Fight Against Cancer

As if the accident wasn’t enough, Elaine Starchuk later faced another battle — cancer. She didn’t share many details about her diagnosis, but she did say it was one of the hardest times in her life.

Instead of using strong medical treatments, Elaine chose a natural healing path. She joined a women’s prayer team that helped people with serious illnesses. She also studied Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine to understand how to heal her body and mind.

Her story shows that Elaine is not just strong — she’s also deeply spiritual. She turned her pain into a journey of healing, learning, and peace.

Elaine Starchuk’s Deep Love for Animals

One thing that brings joy to Elaine Starchuk’s life today is her love for animals. She’s not just a pet lover — she’s a true animal rights activist.

Elaine often posts online asking people to adopt rescue animals instead of buying pets. She believes shelter animals are full of love and deserve happy homes. She once wrote, “They won’t ever stop giving you love once you let them into your heart.”

In April 2023, on her birthday, she created a fundraiser for Jurassic Bark Rescue, a group that helps older dogs and animals with special needs. Elaine said she’s cared for animals since she was just three years old, and she used to have her own small “hobby farms.”

She especially loves cats. Her deep bond with them started in childhood. Her first cat was named Sasha, and later, she had two cats named Kingsley and Princess, who stayed with her for over ten years.

Where Is Elaine Starchuk Now?

So, where is Elaine Starchuk in 2025?

Today, she lives quietly in White Rock or Vancouver, British Columbia. She runs her business, Enlightened Lashes, and shares updates about animals, health, and personal memories on her Instagram (@_elainestarchuk).

Elaine has kept away from fame and public drama. But she sometimes shares photos from the past, like her time with Tommy Lee or her modeling days. She has even posted about how she felt watching The Dirt, a movie about Mötley Crüe.

She’s not chasing the spotlight anymore — she’s focused on peace, healing, and helping others.

Final Thoughts

Elaine Starchuk’s story is full of twists and turns. She went from being a young model to becoming Tommy Lee’s first wife. But her life didn’t end there — in fact, it truly began afterward.

She became a strong businesswoman, a cancer survivor, and someone who deeply cares about animals and people. Even though she once lived in the middle of Hollywood chaos, she chose a quieter and more meaningful path.

Her journey reminds us that life doesn’t always go as planned — but with strength and heart, we can always create something better.