What Happened to Sunshine Deia Tutt, Chris Kattan’s Ex-Wife?

You might remember the name Sunshine Deia Tutt from the news years ago. She made headlines as Chris Kattan’s ex-wife after a short but very public marriage. Their wedding and quick divorce surprised a lot of people.

But there’s more to Sunshine than just a Hollywood love story. She had a life before Chris Kattan — and she built a new one after him too. She was a model, an actress, and now, a successful interior designer.

In this article, we’ll take a friendly look at Sunshine Deia Tutt’s full story. From her early life in Texas to her time in Hollywood, and how she moved on to find peace and success. Let’s get to know the real Sunshine.

Sunshine Deia Tutt Quick bio

Who Is Sunshine Deia Tutt?

Sunshine Deia Tutt is an American model, actress, and interior designer. Many people know her as Chris Kattan’s ex-wife, but that’s just a small part of her life.

She was born in Brownsville, Texas, and later moved to Los Angeles to chase her dreams. Even though she was once in the spotlight, Sunshine now lives a quiet and creative life, far away from fame.

She built her own path and now runs her own interior design company. Her story is inspiring because she turned a difficult moment into a fresh new start.

Sunshine Deia Tutt’s Early Life and Family

Sunshine was born on September 23, 1976, in a warm and caring family in Brownsville, Texas. Her parents, Steven Tutt and Melissa van Holsbeke, separated when she was young, but both stayed close to her.

Her dad is a veteran who studied at the University of North Texas, and her mom worked at a company called State and Federal. Sunshine also has a half-sister named Raven Johnson, from her mom’s later relationship.

She was named after her grandmother, which shows how much family means to her. Sunshine was especially close to her grandparents, Harold and Jean Tutt, who were a big part of her life.

Even with all the fame she experienced later, Sunshine always stayed grounded because of the love and values she learned at home.

Her School Days and College Dreams

Sunshine went to St. Joseph Academy, a private school in her hometown. From a young age, she liked creative things like art and design. But she also had a smart business mind.

After high school, she moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas. There, she earned a degree in Business Administration. That education would later help her build her own company.

Even in college, she didn’t wait for things to happen — she explored modeling and interior design. Sunshine wanted more than fame. She wanted to build something real, something lasting.

Starting Out as a Model

Before anyone called her “Chris Kattan’s ex-wife,” Sunshine Deia Tutt was already working as a professional model.

She signed with top agencies like Next Model Management and The Campbell Agency. She did photo shoots and modeling jobs in both Dallas and Los Angeles.

In 2006, she entered the Miss FHM competition, a popular beauty contest at the time. She didn’t win, but it helped her get noticed more in the industry.

For Sunshine, modeling wasn’t the end goal. It was just the beginning of a much bigger journey.

Sunshine Deia Tutt’s Acting Career

Along with modeling, Sunshine gave acting a try. Her first movie appearance was in “Monkeybone” (2001), starring Brendan Fraser. She only had a small part, but it gave her a taste of Hollywood life.

She also worked on the game show “Deal or No Deal” in 2006, where she was one of the suitcase models. That show brought her into more homes across America.

Later, she appeared as herself in the reality show “Sunset Tan”, which followed the lives of tanning salon workers in Los Angeles. She also acted in the comedy series “Reel Comedy” as a character named Sue Charlton.

Her screen time may have been short, but she made a strong impression. And through these jobs, she met many new people — including one man who would change her life.

How She Met Chris Kattan

In 2005, Sunshine met Chris Kattan at a birthday party in Los Angeles. Chris was already famous from Saturday Night Live and movies like A Night at the Roxbury.

Their first date was at Coachella, the big music festival in California. It was a fun and exciting start — filled with energy, laughter, and good vibes. Just like a romantic comedy.

The two began showing up together at events and red carpets. People were surprised to see this pairing — the wild comedian and the calm, stylish model — but somehow, it seemed to work.

They looked happy, and many thought this could be a real Hollywood love story.

The Funny and Sweet Proposal

Chris Kattan proposed to Sunshine on Christmas Eve 2006, at her grandparents’ home in Gainesville, Texas. It was personal, funny, and full of charm — just like Chris.

He joked that he had tried to get Bono from U2, Justin Timberlake, and a member of Hanson to help with the proposal. They didn’t show up, so he made his own surprise.

Chris wrapped the engagement ring in a cheap, badly wrapped box, so no one would expect what was inside. Sunshine was completely surprised — and of course, she said yes.

It wasn’t fancy, but it was full of love and laughter. That moment showed their playful bond, and how important family was to both of them.

Sunshine Deia Tutt and Chris Kattan’s Wedding Day

The couple tied the knot on June 28, 2008, near Yosemite Valley, California. The wedding was beautiful, simple, and very eco-friendly — something rare at the time.

They gave guests gift bags with earth-friendly items, and instead of throwing regular rice, guests tossed heart-shaped biodegradable rice. Even their wedding was creative and thoughtful.

The guest list included Will Ferrell, Jimmy Fallon, Brooke Shields, Charlie Sheen, and more. Actress Parker Posey even served as Chris’s “best man.”

Sunshine’s family was there too, making the day feel warm and personal. It seemed like the beginning of something special.

Why Sunshine Deia Tutt and Chris Kattan Broke Up

Sadly, the happiness didn’t last long. Just 59 days after the wedding, Chris Kattan and Sunshine Deia Tutt separated. The news surprised many fans and friends.

Their team shared a short message saying they were no longer together. At first, they said there were no plans to divorce, but things changed quickly after that.

In August 2008, Chris filed for divorce. The reason listed was “irreconcilable differences,” which usually means the couple just couldn’t get along anymore. In February 2009, the divorce became official.

What Happened to Sunshine Deia Tutt After the Divorce?

After the split, Sunshine Deia Tutt didn’t go after fame or headlines. She quietly stepped away from the spotlight and took time to heal and reset her life.

She didn’t share much about her feelings, and she stayed private. Her lawyer did say that Sunshine felt relieved, and that she was ready to start fresh.

She also received a low six-figure settlement from the divorce. This gave her the support she needed to rebuild and begin a new chapter.

Sunshine Deia Tutt’s Interior Design Career

After leaving the Hollywood scene, Sunshine Deia Tutt found her true passion — interior design.

She started her own company called Sublime Interior Designs, LLC. Her goal was simple: to create warm, calm, and stylish spaces that make people feel happy at home.

Sunshine worked on homes, hotels, and creative spaces in both Los Angeles and Dallas. In 2019, she appeared on Bravo’s show Best Room Wins, showing her natural talent and peaceful design style.

For Sunshine, design became more than just work — it became a way to express herself and help others feel good in their space.

Where Is Sunshine Deia Tutt Now?

As of 2026, Sunshine Deia Tutt lives in Topanga, California. It’s a quiet town surrounded by nature — a perfect place for someone who loves peace and creativity.

She no longer attends red carpet events or talks to the media. She enjoys a private life, away from cameras and noise.

Sunshine is believed to be in a relationship, but she doesn’t share details. What’s clear is that she values privacy, balance, and calm — the very things she brings into her design work.

Final Thoughts

So, what happened to Sunshine Deia Tutt, Chris Kattan’s ex-wife?

She lived through fame, a public romance, and a very short marriage. But instead of holding onto the past, she moved forward with strength and style.

Sunshine built her own business, stayed true to herself, and chose a life that brings her peace. She is more than just someone’s ex-wife — she is a model, actress, designer, and survivor.

Her story reminds us that even after tough moments, it’s possible to start fresh and build something beautiful.

(FAQs)

What is Sunshine Deia Tutt’s net worth in 2026?

Sunshine Deia Tutt’s net worth is around $300,000. Many people think she became super rich from her short marriage, but most of her money now comes from her interior design business, not Hollywood.

What movie did Sunshine Deia Tutt appear in?

Sunshine Deia Tutt had a small role in the 2001 movie “Monkeybone”, starring Brendan Fraser. Even though her part was short, it helped her enter the Hollywood world.

How tall is Sunshine Deia Tutt?

Sunshine Deia Tutt is about 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall. Her height and confident look helped her succeed as a professional model.

Where did Sunshine Deia Tutt get married?

Sunshine Deia Tutt married Chris Kattan on June 28, 2008, near Yosemite Valley, California. The wedding was eco‑friendly and attended by famous stars like Will Ferrell and Jimmy Fallon — but the marriage lasted only 59 days.

Who is Sunshine Deia Tutt today?

Sunshine Deia Tutt is no longer in the spotlight. She is now a private interior designer living in Topanga, California. She chose peace and a simple life over fame — and that surprised many people.

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