Who Is Dee Jay Mathis? Meet James Caan’s Mysterious First Wife

Not many people know the name Dee Jay Mathis, but she once lived in the middle of Hollywood’s golden spotlight. She was the first wife of the legendary actor James Caan, who became famous for his powerful roles in The Godfather, Elf, and many more.

Back in the 1960s, Dee Jay walked red carpets, smiled for cameras, and lived a glamorous life with her rising-star husband. But after a short time in the spotlight, she stepped away — quietly and completely. Today, people are curious: Who was she? Why did she disappear? Where is she now?

In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Dee Jay Mathis — her early life, her short acting career, her marriage to James Caan, their daughter, and her quiet life today. Let’s take a closer look at this mysterious woman who was once part of Hollywood history.

Dee Jay Mathis Quick Bio

Who Is Dee Jay Mathis?

Dee Jay Mathis is an American woman who was once known for her short film career and her marriage to actor James Caan.

She was born somewhere between 1940 and 1942, which means she is now around 83 to 85 years old as of 2025. Her full name is still the same — Dee Jay Mathis — and she became well-known in the early 1960s when she married James Caan, long before he became a big movie star.

Even though she was part of the Hollywood scene for a while, she never chased fame. In fact, she left the spotlight many years ago and has been living a very private life ever since.

Dee Jay Mathis’ Early Life and Background

Dee Jay Mathis was born in New York, USA. We don’t know her exact birth date, but most sources say she was born between 1940 and 1942. She is white-American and follows the Christian faith.

Very little is known about her childhood or her family. Her parents were Mr. and Mrs. Mathis, but their names and lives were never made public. It’s possible that Dee Jay simply preferred to keep her personal life quiet, even before she became known to the public.

She attended a private school, but there is no record of her going to college. This makes sense for many women at that time, especially those who got married young or followed creative paths like acting or dancing.

How Dee Jay Mathis Met James Caan

James Caan and Dee Jay Mathis met sometime in the late 1950s or very early 1960s. At that time, Caan was still new in the entertainment world, working hard to build his career. The two started dating and quickly became close.

Their love story felt real and strong. After a couple of years together, they got married in 1961, surrounded by family and friends. At that time, James Caan was not yet a superstar, but he was clearly on his way up.

During the early years of their marriage, Dee Jay was seen by his side often — smiling on red carpets, attending award shows, and supporting her husband’s dreams. They looked like a happy couple living the Hollywood dream.

The Marriage of Dee Jay Mathis and James Caan

Their marriage lasted for five years, from 1961 to 1966. During that time, they lived a glamorous life in Hollywood. They appeared at high-profile events, including the Golden Globes and Oscars, and were photographed together many times.

Dee Jay Mathis enjoyed the spotlight for a short while, but she never seemed fully drawn to fame. She didn’t act in many films, and she never became a public figure in her own right. Her time in the limelight seemed to be more about being a supportive wife than a star herself.

Sadly, in 1966, the couple decided to part ways. The reason for their divorce was never shared publicly. Some say it was due to the pressure of James Caan’s rising fame, while others believe they simply grew apart. Whatever the reason, they moved on quietly — without drama or public fights.

Meet Their Daughter, Tara A. Caan

During their marriage, Dee Jay and James had one daughter together — Tara A. Caan. She was born on November 5, 1964, and is now around 60 years old in 2025.

Tara is James Caan’s only daughter, and like her mother, she prefers to stay away from the public. There are no interviews, no red carpet pictures, and no social media profiles under her name. She has chosen a peaceful, private life.

After the divorce, Dee Jay likely focused on raising Tara away from the Hollywood spotlight. The two have stayed mostly out of public view, and even though Tara’s father went on to become a famous actor, she never tried to follow that path.

Dee Jay Mathis’s Short Acting Career

Many people don’t know that Dee Jay Mathis had a short acting career in the 1960s. She was involved in two movies, both with very small roles.

• In 1964, she appeared in the movie “The Patsy”, playing a background character listed as “Broad.”

• In 1966, she was in “Frankie and Johnny”, where she performed as one of the dancers. Her character was uncredited in both films.

Some sources say James Caan may have helped her land those roles, but it’s clear that she didn’t continue acting afterward. Maybe she tried it out and didn’t enjoy it. Or maybe she decided to focus on her family instead.

Either way, after these two uncredited appearances, Dee Jay Mathis stepped away from the film industry completely and never returned.

Life After Divorce from James Caan

After Dee Jay Mathis and James Caan ended their marriage in 1966, she quietly stepped away from the spotlight. While James went on to become a big Hollywood star, Dee Jay chose a very different path.

She stayed completely private. She didn’t return to acting or appear in the media. In fact, it seems like she wanted nothing to do with fame after their split. Her focus may have been on raising her daughter, Tara, and living a peaceful life away from the cameras.

There are no public records of Dee Jay remarrying or dating anyone else after James. She simply disappeared from the celebrity world — something quite rare, especially for someone once part of it.

Where Is Dee Jay Mathis Now?

So, where is Dee Jay Mathis today? That’s the big question — and the truth is, no one really knows for sure.

Most reports say she still lives somewhere in the United States, likely enjoying a very quiet and private life. She doesn’t use social media, hasn’t given any interviews, and has never tried to return to public life.

It’s clear she values her peace and privacy. In a world full of noise and fame, Dee Jay Mathis has become the opposite — someone who left the spotlight behind and never looked back.

Dee Jay Mathis and James Caan’s Legacy

Even though their marriage ended long ago, Dee Jay Mathis is still an important part of James Caan’s story. She was there before he was famous, during the early years when he was still trying to make it in Hollywood.

Together, they had Tara A. Caan, James’s only daughter. This connection has forever linked them, even after divorce.

James Caan went on to marry three more times and had five children in total. He became one of the most respected actors of his time, starring in classic movies like The Godfather and Misery. Sadly, he passed away on July 6, 2022, at the age of 82.

But Dee Jay was his first wife — the one who was there at the beginning of it all.

Interesting Facts About Dee Jay Mathis

• She had a short hairstyle during her 30s that became part of her signature look.

• She was seen at many big events, including the Oscars and Golden Globe Awards, during her marriage.

• Her acting career only included two small film roles, both uncredited.

• After the divorce, she never gave interviews or wrote any books — her story remains quiet.

• She is not active online and has no public social media accounts.

• Her daughter, Tara, has also stayed out of the spotlight, following in her mother’s footsteps.

These facts show just how different she is from most Hollywood figures. She didn’t chase attention — she walked away from it.

How Old Is Dee Jay Mathis Today?

Dee Jay Mathis was born between 1940 and 1942, so as of 2025, she would be about 83 to 85 years old.

That means she was in her early 20s when she married James Caan, and in her mid-20s when she became a mother. Her daughter, Tara, is now around 60 years old.

Even at her age today, Dee Jay continues to live away from cameras, interviews, and the media. Her quiet lifestyle seems to be a choice she made — and kept.

Final Thoughts

Dee Jay Mathis may not have starred in big films or stayed in the headlines, but her story is still special. She was once part of Hollywood’s golden years. She was a wife, a mother, and someone who chose peace over fame.

Her life reminds us that not everyone wants the spotlight — even if they once had it. While James Caan’s name is known worldwide, Dee Jay’s mystery is what makes her story so interesting.

She may have only played small roles on screen, but she played an important role in real life — as the woman who stood beside James Caan at the very beginning of his journey.

In the end, Dee Jay Mathis teaches us that sometimes, living a quiet life is the most powerful choice of all.

(FAQs)

Did Dee Jay Mathis act in any movies?

Yes, but only two small roles. She was in The Patsy and Frankie and Johnny. Both times, her name didn’t even appear in the credits.

How old is Dee Jay Mathis now?

She was born between 1940 and 1942, so in 2025, she’s around 83 to 85 years old.

Does Dee Jay Mathis have any children?

Yes, she has one daughter named Tara A. Caan, born in 1964. Tara is her only child.

Did Dee Jay Mathis ever get married again?

No, she never remarried after her divorce from James Caan. She stayed single and kept her life private.

What is Dee Jay Mathis doing now?

No one knows for sure. She lives a quiet life somewhere in the U.S. She stays away from the media and doesn’t share anything about her daily life.