Mary Jo Buttafuoco Biography

Mary Jo Buttafuoco's Dramatic Married Life with Joey Buttafuoco

A specific part of Mary Jo Buttafuoco's identity comes from her former marriage with 'False Reality' actor, Joey Buttafuoco. While Joey was a household name in the entertainment industry, her beau Mary was on the contrary with a career as an author. 

The pair met back in the 1970s and struck a special connection in an instant. Consequently, they started dating and eventually decided to get married. And so, Mary Buttafuoco walked down the aisle in 1977 to exchange wedding vows with the Hollywood actor. 

The duo of Mary Jo Buttafuoco and her well-known husband were all set to live some of the best days of their lives together. It was a shame how a storm came by the name of 17-year-old Amy Fisher, with whom her husband shared an extra-marital affair to destroy things between them.

Mary Jo Buttafuoco's Got Shot By Amy Fisher

The married life of Mary Jo Buttafuoco and Joey Buttafuoco was undoubtedly nothing short of drama. Unfortunately, the television actor, Joey developed feelings for a 17-year-old Amy Fisher back in 1991, when she came into his auto body shop with her car.

Mary's spouse at that time, Joey shared a sexual relationship with the minor. As shocking as it may sound to everyone, it was a hundred times a bigger shock to Mary herself who heard it from Amy herself on May 19, 1992. Fisher entered the Buttafuoco residence disguised as her fictitious sister Ann Marie and presented enough evidence to prove the affair she had with the actor. 

One thing led to another, and the 17-year-old Fisher shot Mary with her .25 pistol gun right in the face. Luckily, she survived the incident, but it left her deafened in the left ear, and her face partially paralyzed. Later, she recognized the culprit, and the court sentenced her to prison for seven years. 

Mary Jo Buttafuoco Filed For Divorce with Joey Buttafuoco in 2003

Mary Buttafuoco displayed her loyalty in the hardest of times to her husband, Joey Buttafuoco, defending him when he was arrested for sexual solicitation in Los Angeles. The two moved to Southern California after Joey's jail time. 

Mary, however, couldn't keep it strong for long as she filed for divorce with her husband in Ventura County Superior Court on February 3, 2003. It was disheartening to see the long-time lovers part ways, but considering the hardships Buttafuoco faced during her marriages, it seemed like the only option available.

Mary Jo Buttafuoco is A Mother of Two Children

Mary and her ex-lover, Joey shared some beautiful moments in their twenty-five-year-long married life. Shortly after they tied the knot, Mary became a mom for the first time giving birth to Jessica Buttafuoco on March 29, 1983. Similarly, a few years later, they welcomed their first son, Paul Buttafuoco, into their little family.

Mary's eldest child, Jessica, looks to walk along the career path of her dad since she is also an actress. She featured in some top shows like 'Shane & Friends' and 'Comic Relief 2006'. In an interview, she revealed how she is ashamed of being the daughter of Joey Buttafuoco, considering all the sinful acts he performed in the past.

Although Mary and her ex-husband, Joey, are no longer together, they still hold soft spots for their two children and segregate enough time to spend with them. Interestingly, it was her son, Paul, who inspired her to write her book after he called Joey a 'sociopath.'

Mary Jo Buttafuoco's Second Marriage with Stu Tendler

To move on from a traumatic past, Mary Buttafuoco married Vegas resident Stu Tendler in 2012. After nine years of her divorce, the mother of two felt happier again while dating him. Contrary to her ex-husband, Tendler, a print shop manager lived a low-key life away from the media hype.

Buttafuoco was at another twist in her life as her marriage with her husband Tendler ended in 2018. The duo reportedly split in a mutual agreement just months before Stuart's death. 

On November 10, 2018, her ex-spouse, Tendler, died of cancer in Las Vegas. He was married to Martiza Tendler at the time of his death. He was 60. 

Mary's ex-husband, Joey, on the contrary, lives a blissful life with his second wife, Evanka Franjko, after tying the knot in 2005.

Quick Facts: Mary Jo Buttafuoco

• Mary wrote a book titled, Getting It Through 'My Thick Skull: Why I Stayed, What I Learned, and What Millions of People Involved with Sociopaths Need to Know', from her traumatic past with ex-husband Joey Buttafuoco.
• Courtesy of her story, she tried to raise awareness on facial awareness.
• Besides writing, she is also a motivational speaker at different seminars and colleges.
• She went through facial reanimation surgeries to restructure her facial suspension and eye lift in 2006.
• Mary went to rehab and intense medication and forgave Amy Fisher to restructure herself mentally.

For more news, biographies, and articles about your favorite stars, please stay connected with us at Married Wiki.