Ever wonder what happens to the glamorous models from the 1980s after the spotlight fades? Well, let me tell you about Elaine Starchuk – a woman who transformed from a famous model into a thriving business owner.
You might know her as Tommy Lee’s first wife, but trust me, there’s so much more to her story. She went from posing for Playboy and Penthouse magazines to building her own beauty empire in Canada.
I’ve been following celebrity transformations for over 15 years, and Elaine’s journey is one of the most inspiring reinvention stories I’ve come across. She didn’t just fade away – she built something amazing.
Elaine Starchuk Bio/Wiki
| Personal Information | Details |
| Full Name | Elaine Margaret Starchuk |
| Birth Date | April 7, 1964 |
| Age (2025) | 60 years old |
| Birthplace | Vancouver, British Columbia |
| Current Residence | White Rock, British Columbia |
| Height | 5’8″ (173 cm) |
| Weight | 143 lbs (65 kg) |
| Eye Color | Hazel |
| Hair Color | Dark brown |
| Zodiac Sign | Aries |
| Religion | Christian |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, Former Model |
| Business | Enlightened Lashes |
| Net Worth | ~$500,000 |
| Social Media | @_elainestarchuk (Instagram) |
Elaine Starchuk Early Life and Background (1964-1982)
Elaine Margaret Starchuk was born on April 7, 1964, in Vancouver, British Columbia. Growing up as an only child, she developed big dreams about becoming an international model.
Picture this: a teenager in Vancouver dreaming of making it big in the modeling world. That takes serious guts, especially back in the early 1980s when social media didn’t exist to help you get discovered.
At just 18 years old, Elaine made a life-changing decision. She packed her bags and moved to the United States to chase her modeling dreams – talk about courage!
Professional Modeling Career (1982-1990s)
Here’s where things get interesting. Elaine’s modeling career took off pretty quickly after she arrived in the US. She appeared on Penthouse Variations magazine covers seven times – that’s no small feat in the competitive modeling world.
Sometimes she worked under the professional name “Candace Starrek” to keep different parts of her career separate. The girl also earned the title “Miss Nude BC” and was recognized as a beauty pageant winner.
She even diversified her entertainment work by taking on roles as a crew member on Transformer film productions. This shows she wasn’t just a pretty face – she understood the business side of entertainment too.
Elaine Starchuk Relationship with Tommy Lee (1982-1985)
Now let’s talk about the relationship that put Elaine in the spotlight. She started dating Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee in March 1982 when she was just 17 and he was 19.
They dated for about two years before getting married on November 24, 1984. But here’s where most people get confused – their marriage duration has been wildly misreported.
Most sources claim their marriage lasted only seven days, but Elaine herself cleared this up on Facebook. She said it actually lasted three months before she filed for divorce after catching him cheating. The divorce was finalized in 1985.
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Other Relationships (1985-2004)
After her split from Tommy Lee, Elaine had several relationships with notable figures in the rock world. She dated Vince Neil (Tommy’s Mötley Crüe bandmate) and Whitesnake frontman Dave Coverdale.
Her other relationships included Gregg Giuffria, Nikki Sixx, and Taime Downe from the band Pussycat. She was married to Todd Marshall from 1992 to 1996, and had a five-year relationship with Anders Erikson.
After 2004, she made a conscious decision to step away from the public eye. Smart move – she was ready to focus on building her own life away from the rock and roll circus.
Entrepreneurial Success (2010-Present)
This is where Elaine’s story gets really exciting. Around 2010, she founded Enlightened Lashes, a specialized eyelash extension business based in Canada. Talk about perfect timing – she jumped into the beauty industry just as lash extensions were becoming huge.
The business grew to include the Enlightened Lashes Academy, where she trains aspiring lash artists. She started this venture with three other lash artists, showing her collaborative business approach.
Elaine is now considered among Canada’s most successful businesspeople in the beauty industry. Her female entrepreneurship story proves you can completely reinvent yourself and build something amazing from scratch.
Legal Challenges and Recovery (2013-2016)
Life threw Elaine a major curveball in December 2013 when she was involved in a serious car accident at a deli in Langley. The accident caused multiple injuries to her neck, chest, limbs, back, and shoulders.
The chest injuries required surgery to replace her previous breast implants, though the results weren’t what she hoped for. She couldn’t work properly in her business during recovery, which created serious financial strain.
In 2016, the BC Supreme Court awarded her $440,000 in total compensation, according to Aldergrove Star. This included $150,000 for future loss of earning capacity, $135,000 for pain and suffering, $80,000 for housekeeping, $50,000 for past earning capacity loss, $10,000 for therapy, and $5,000 for pain management.
Health Journey and Personal Growth
A few years ago, Elaine faced another life-altering challenge when she was diagnosed with cancer. Instead of relying solely on conventional treatment, she chose to explore natural healing methods alongside traditional medicine.
She dove deep into studying Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine as part of her recovery journey. This holistic approach shows her determination to take control of her health from multiple angles.
Elaine also joined an all-women prayer team dedicated to helping terminally ill patients. Going through her own health struggles clearly made her want to support others facing similar battles.
Current Status (2025)
Today, Elaine Starchuk lives quietly in White Rock, British Columbia, balancing her successful business with her passion for animal rights activism. At 60 years old, she’s found her sweet spot as a Canadian entrepreneur who’s made peace with her past.
Her Instagram account @_elainestarchuk showcases her current loves – especially animal welfare and pet adoption. She’s particularly vocal about supporting Jurassic Bark Rescue, which helps senior dogs and special needs animals.
She’s been caring for animals since age 3 and has a special bond with cats. Her two beloved cats Kingsley and Princess lived with her for over a decade before their recent deaths, which really affected her.
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Tommy Lee’s Subsequent Relationships (Context)
Just to give you the full picture of Tommy Lee’s romantic timeline after Elaine – he went on to marry Heather Locklear from 1986-1993. Then came his famous whirlwind romance with Pamela Anderson, whom he married just four days after meeting her on February 19, 1995 (People Magazine).
With Pamela, he had two sons: Brandon Thomas Lee (born June 5, 1996) and Dylan Jagger Lee (born December 29, 1997). He was also engaged to Mayte Garcia (Prince’s ex-wife) from 2002-2003 and Sofia Toufa from 2014-2017.
Currently, Tommy is married to Brittany Furlan, whom he wed on February 14, 2019. Recent separation rumors in July 2025 were quickly debunked by Tommy himself on Instagram.
Legacy and Cultural Significance
Elaine’s story got renewed attention when Netflix released “The Dirt” in 2019, where Machine Gun Kelly portrayed Tommy Lee. She wasn’t happy with the film’s portrayal of events, especially how it depicted violence against women.
Her public response to the movie shows she’s still engaged with how her story gets told in popular culture. She’s not just letting Hollywood create whatever narrative they want about her life.
What makes Elaine’s transformation story so compelling is how she used every setback as a launching pad. The divorce led to independence, the accident led to a legal settlement that helped her business, and her health challenges led to helping others.
Key Achievements & Interests:
- Former beauty pageant winner and Miss Nude BC title holder
- Appeared on Penthouse Variations magazine covers 7 times
- Founded successful eyelash extension business and training academy
- Animal rights activist supporting pet adoption and rescue organizations
- Cancer survivor who explored natural healing methods
- Received $440,000 legal settlement after 2013 car accident
Conclusion
Elaine Starchuk’s life proves that you don’t have to be defined by your most famous relationship. She took the spotlight that came from being Tommy Lee’s ex-wife and used it as a stepping stone to build her own identity.
From Vancouver teenager to 1980s glamour model to Canadian business owner and animal rights activist – that’s a life well-lived. Her success with Enlightened Lashes shows that reinvention is possible at any age.
If you’re thinking about making a big change in your own life, let Elaine’s story inspire you. Sometimes the best chapters of your life start when you decide to write them yourself.
FAQ About Elaine Starchuk
How long was Elaine Starchuk married to Tommy Lee?
Their marriage lasted three months, not seven days as often reported. Elaine filed for divorce after discovering infidelity.
What is Elaine Starchuk’s net worth in 2025?
Her estimated net worth is around $500,000, coming from her modeling career, legal settlement, and eyelash business.
What business does Elaine Starchuk own?
She owns Enlightened Lashes, an eyelash extension business and academy that trains lash artists in Canada.
Where does Elaine Starchuk live now?
She currently resides in White Rock, British Columbia, where she runs her business and advocates for animal rights.
Was Elaine Starchuk in adult magazines?
Yes, she appeared in both Playboy and Penthouse magazines during her modeling career, sometimes under the name “Candace Starrek”.
What happened in Elaine Starchuk’s car accident?
In December 2013, she was seriously injured in a car accident in Langley. She received a $440,000 settlement from the BC Supreme Court in 2016.
Is Elaine Starchuk on social media?
Yes, you can find her on Instagram @_elainestarchuk where she shares her passion for animal welfare and pet adoption.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on publicly available sources and information accurate as of July 2025. It is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, we do not claim to represent Elaine Starchuk or any individuals mentioned. Any quotes or references are attributed to the best of our knowledge and should not be considered official statements unless otherwise cited.
