Who Is Sunshine Deia Tutt? Meet Chris Kattan’s Ex-Wife and Interior Design Star

Sunshine Deia Tutt is a name many people remember from her brief but very public marriage to comedian Chris Kattan, best known for his time on Saturday Night Live. But there’s much more to Sunshine than her famous ex-husband.

She has lived a colorful life — from modeling and acting to running her own interior design company. Sunshine’s journey shows how someone can gracefully move from fame to building a meaningful career behind the scenes.

In this article, we’ll get to know Sunshine Deia Tutt better — her background, early dreams, short Hollywood career, marriage story, and her inspiring journey after fame.

Sunshine Deia Tutt Quick Bio

Sunshine Deia Tutt’s Childhood and Family

Sunshine grew up in a close and loving family in Texas. Her father, Steven Tutt, is a U.S. veteran who studied at the University of North Texas. Her mother, Melissa van Holsbeke, works at a company called State and Federal.

Even though her parents divorced when she was young, they both played important roles in her life. Sunshine also has a half-sister named Raven Johnson, who comes from her mother’s later relationship.

Interestingly, Sunshine was named after her maternal grandmother, showing how family tradition has always meant a lot to her. Her grandparents, Harold and Jean Tutt, were also very close to her while she was growing up.

Her Education and Early Dreams

Sunshine went to St. Joseph’s Academy, a well-known school in Brownsville. From a young age, she was interested in both creativity and business — two things that would later shape her career.

After finishing high school, she joined the University of Texas at Austin. There, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. While studying, she also explored modeling and design, showing a mix of style and smart thinking even as a student.

Her business background gave her the tools she would later use to build her own company. It’s clear she always had a dream to create something of her own — and she made it happen.

Sunshine Deia Tutt’s Modeling Career

Before she became known as Chris Kattan’s wife, Sunshine Deia Tutt worked as a model. She was represented by top agencies like Next Model Management and The Campbell Agency, which helped her land several campaigns and photo shoots.

She also competed in Miss FHM 2006, a popular beauty contest at the time. Even though she didn’t win, the competition gave her exposure and opened more doors in the entertainment world.

Her modeling career took her to both Dallas and Los Angeles, where she got a taste of Hollywood life. Sunshine’s elegant looks and calm confidence helped her build her reputation, but she always had bigger goals beyond modeling.

Sunshine’s Short Acting Career

Alongside modeling, Sunshine tried her hand at acting. She appeared in the fantasy comedy film “Monkeybone” (2001) starring Brendan Fraser. She later became one of the suitcase models on “Deal or No Deal” (2006), one of America’s most popular game shows.

Sunshine also appeared as herself on the reality show “Sunset Tan” (2007), which followed the lives of tanning salon employees in Los Angeles. Her fun and confident personality made her stand out on screen.

Although her time in Hollywood was short, these small roles helped her gain public attention. They also led her to meet new people in the industry — including the man she would later marry, Chris Kattan.

How She Met Chris Kattan

Sunshine met Chris Kattan in 2005 at a birthday party in Los Angeles. Chris, already famous for Saturday Night Live and movies like A Night at the Roxbury, was instantly drawn to her energy and charm.

Their first date was at the Coachella Music Festival, a fun and lively event that matched their personalities. Friends said the two quickly became close and were often seen together at Hollywood parties and events.

Their relationship grew stronger over the next couple of years. Despite the differences in their careers, they seemed deeply in love — a match between Hollywood comedy and Texas charm.

The Engagement Story: A Funny Proposal

Chris Kattan’s proposal to Sunshine is one of those sweet and funny stories that sound straight out of a movie. On Christmas Eve in 2006, he popped the question at Sunshine’s grandparents’ home in Gainesville, Texas.

Chris had planned something big — he even tried to get Bono from U2, Justin Timberlake, and one of the Hanson brothers to help him with the proposal. None of them could join, so he decided to make it funny instead.

He wrapped the engagement ring inside a cheap, poorly wrapped box, so no one would suspect what was inside. Sunshine was completely surprised — and of course, she said yes!

It was a moment that showed Chris’s humor and Sunshine’s down-to-earth personality. Everyone thought it was the start of a fairy-tale Hollywood love story.

Sunshine Deia Tutt and Chris Kattan’s Wedding

After their funny and sweet engagement, Sunshine Deia Tutt and Chris Kattan got married on June 28, 2008. The wedding took place near Yosemite Valley, California, surrounded by nature and close friends.

The event was simple but special. They chose an eco-friendly wedding, which means they focused on using earth-friendly items. Guests received biodegradable gift bags, and instead of regular rice, they threw heart-shaped eco rice.

Many of Chris’s celebrity friends were there, including Will Ferrell, Jimmy Fallon, Charlie Sheen, and Brooke Shields. Actress Parker Posey even acted as the “best man.” Sunshine’s family also came to support her. It truly felt like the beginning of something beautiful.

A Short Marriage That Ended Quickly

Sadly, the happy moments didn’t last long. Just 59 days after the wedding, the couple separated. Their rep confirmed the split in August 2008 but didn’t share the reason.

At first, they said there were no divorce plans. But a few months later, Chris filed for divorce, and the court made it official in February 2009. They cited “irreconcilable differences” — a common reason in Hollywood, meaning they couldn’t get along anymore.

Though the marriage was short, Sunshine Deia Tutt was given a low six-figure settlement. Her lawyer said she was thankful to move forward with enough support to rebuild her life.

Life After the Divorce

After the divorce, Sunshine stepped away from the spotlight. While Chris stayed in the news with comedy shows and appearances, Sunshine quietly focused on building a peaceful life.

She returned to her creative roots. Instead of acting or modeling, she began focusing full-time on her business and passion: interior design. She also kept her personal life private, choosing not to share much online.

According to her Facebook page, she has been in a relationship — but hasn’t shared any public photos or details about her new partner. She prefers a calm, private life now.

Sunshine Deia Tutt’s Interior Design Business

Today, Sunshine Deia Tutt runs her own company called Sublime Interior Designs, LLC. It’s based in both Los Angeles and Dallas, and works on beautiful homes, hotels, and creative spaces.

Her style is clean, classy, and modern. She focuses on making each space feel warm and welcoming. In 2019, she even appeared on Bravo’s design show “Best Room Wins”, where she showed off her skills to a bigger audience.

From modeling to acting to now designing, Sunshine proves she’s always been creative. Her business lets her do what she loves every day — and help others make their spaces feel like home.

Where Is Sunshine Deia Tutt Now?

As of 2025, Sunshine lives in Topanga, California, a quiet and peaceful area outside Los Angeles. It’s the perfect place for someone who loves beauty, nature, and privacy.

She spends most of her time working on design projects, relaxing with her loved ones, and staying away from the public spotlight. Even though she once lived in the middle of Hollywood, she now enjoys a calm and focused life.

People still remember her from her marriage to Chris Kattan, but today, Sunshine Deia Tutt is known more for her work and creativity than her past.

Final Thoughts

Sunshine Deia Tutt’s story is more than just a quick Hollywood marriage. She is a smart, talented woman who turned her early fame into something lasting. From modeling and acting to now running a design company, she has always stayed true to herself.

Her journey reminds us that life doesn’t have to go the way people expect. You can go through challenges, like a short marriage, and still come out stronger — creating a life that fits you.

So the next time someone asks, “Who is Sunshine Deia Tutt?”, you’ll know she’s much more than a celebrity’s ex-wife — she’s a creative woman who followed her own path.

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