Most people know the hits — “Diana,” “Put Your Head on My Shoulder,” the immortal “My Way.” But the man behind them, Paul Anka, has a story that stretches far beyond the teen-idol years. From his Syrian and Lebanese roots in Ottawa to a songwriting career that shaped pop music for decades, his life is a masterclass in reinvention.
Born: July 30, 1941 ·
Age: 83 (as of 2024) ·
Nationality: Canadian-American ·
Biggest Hit: “Diana”
Quick snapshot
- Born July 30, 1941 in Ottawa, Canada (Paul Anka Official Website)
- Father Syrian, mother Lebanese (Britannica)
- “Diana” sold over 20 million copies (Britannica)
- Exact net worth is unverified; estimates range from $80 million to $82 million (GigWise, Reality Tea)
- Whether he speaks Arabic fluently is debated; he has sung in Arabic but is not a native speaker (GigWise)
- 1957: “Diana” becomes worldwide hit (Britannica)
- 1968: Wrote lyrics for “My Way” (Britannica)
- 2024: New album “Inspirations of Life” and home sale listing for $8.99M (Britannica)
- Continues touring and recording (Paul Anka Official Website)
- California home listed at $8.99 million (Paul Anka Official Website)
- Fan curiosity about his Arabic heritage and language ability remains high (Paul Anka Official Website)
Five facts about Paul Anka, one pattern: his public identity as a pop star and family man is built on decades of careful craft, from his teen-idol debut to his role as a father of six.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Paul Albert Anka |
| Born | July 30, 1941 |
| Nationality | Canadian and American |
| Occupation | Singer, songwriter, actor |
| Years Active | 1956–present |
The pattern: a career that spans almost seven decades, from teenage pop sensation to elder statesman of American songcraft.
Is Paul Anka Lebanese or Syrian?
Paul Anka was born on July 30, 1941, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, to a Syrian father and a Lebanese mother (Britannica). His heritage is a mix of both nationalities, a point he has occasionally addressed in interviews — he even performed a song in Arabic on stage, though he is not fluent in the language.
How old is Paul Anka?
As of 2024, he is 83 years old. His official website notes his birth date as July 30, 1941 (Paul Anka Official Website). Some sources — like Britannica — list him as 84 in 2025, reflecting the passage of time.
Can Paul Anka speak Arabic?
He has sung in Arabic on occasion, but his spoken fluency remains unconfirmed. Anecdotal reports from fans and media suggest he can hold basic conversations but is not a native speaker. The exact level of his Arabic is one of the open questions about his personal life.
Paul Anka’s mixed Syrian and Lebanese background adds a distinctive layer to his identity, yet the singer himself rarely leans into it publicly. For fans of Middle Eastern descent, that silence creates a gap — one that an album’s worth of Arabic-tinged songs could bridge.
What is Paul Anka’s biggest hit song?
His biggest hit is “Diana,” released in 1957 when he was just 16. The song sold over 20 million copies worldwide and made him an international teen idol (Britannica). Other major hits include “Lonely Boy” (1959) and “Put Your Head on My Shoulder” (1959).
What song did Paul Anka write for Elvis?
Paul Anka wrote the English lyrics to “My Way,” which Frank Sinatra made famous in 1969. Elvis Presley later recorded his own version of the song in 1977 (Britannica). Anka did not write it specifically for Presley, but Presley’s rendition became a staple of his Las Vegas performances.
What are Paul Anka’s most popular songs?
Beyond “Diana” and “My Way,” his catalog includes “Lonely Boy,” “Put Your Head on My Shoulder,” and “Puppy Love.” He also composed the music for the 1962 film The Longest Day (IMDb). In total, he has reportedly written more than 900 songs — though that figure comes from a secondary video source and is not independently verified (YouTube).
“Diana” wasn’t just a hit — it rewrote the rulebook for teenage pop stardom. Anka proved a kid from Ottawa could dominate the airwaves, and decades later, that same drive moved him into the songwriting elite with “My Way.” For aspiring artists, the lesson is clear: longevity comes from writing, not just performing.
What is Paul Anka doing now?
Paul Anka is still active in music. He released the album “Inspirations of Life” in 2024 and continues to tour internationally (Paul Anka Official Website). In 2024, he listed his California home for sale at $8.99 million, a move that sparked real estate interest and prompted questions about his primary residence.
Where is Paul Anka living today?
He splits time between the United States and Canada. The California home sale suggests a potential downsizing or relocation, though his official website still lists his management contact in Los Angeles.
What is Paul Anka’s net worth?
Estimates vary. A 2025 article from GigWise pegs his net worth at $80 million (GigWise), while Reality Tea reports $82 million (Reality Tea). Neither figure is independently audited, and much of his wealth is tied up in real estate, royalties, and touring income.
“I’m still learning, still writing. It never stops.”
— Paul Anka, in a video biography on his official site
What happened to Paul Anka’s first wife?
Paul Anka married Anne de Zogheb in Paris in 1963 (People). They had five daughters together: Alexandra, Amanda, Alicia, Anthea, and Amelia. The marriage ended in divorce in 2001 after 37 years. (IMDb lists the divorce date as October 2, 2000, while People reports 2001 — the exact date is not uniformly cited.)
Who is Paul Anka’s wife?
He married Swedish-born Anna Åberg in 2008. They have two children together, including a son named Ethan, born on September 22, 2005 (People).
Who are Paul Anka’s children?
In total, Paul Anka has six children: five daughters from his first marriage (Alexandra, Amanda, Alicia, Anthea, Amelia) and one son, Ethan, from his second marriage. The names and counts are confirmed by multiple sources including People and IMDb (IMDb).
Is Paul Anka a nice guy in real life?
Colleagues and fans often describe him as professional, generous, and approachable. In a 2024 interview, he was noted for personally greeting fans after shows. His reputation in the industry is largely positive, with few public feuds or controversies.
How tall is Paul Anka?
He stands 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall, according to entertainment databases that track celebrity profiles (All American Speakers).
What we know vs. what we don’t
Confirmed facts
- Paul Anka is of Syrian and Lebanese descent.
- His biggest hit is “Diana,” selling over 20 million copies.
- He wrote “My Way” for Frank Sinatra.
- He has five daughters from his first marriage.
- He is selling his California home for $8.99 million.
What’s unclear
- Exact net worth is unverified; estimates vary between $80M and $82M.
- Whether he speaks Arabic fluently is debated; he has sung in Arabic but is not a native speaker.
Timeline: Paul Anka’s life in seven moments
Seven milestones trace the arc from a singing teenager in Ottawa to a multimillion-selling songwriter.
- 1941: Born in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (Paul Anka Official Website)
- 1957: Released “Diana,” a worldwide hit (Britannica)
- 1963: Married Anne de Zogheb (People)
- 1968: Wrote English lyrics for “My Way” (made famous by Frank Sinatra) (Britannica)
- 2001: Divorced from Anne de Zogheb (People)
- 2008: Married Anna Åberg
- 2024: Released album “Inspirations of Life”; listed California home for sale at $8.99 million
The pattern: every decade brought a pivot — from teen star to songwriter, from husband to father, from touring artist to estate downsizing. Anka adapts.
For a detailed look at his early life and rise to fame, read the Paul Anka biography and career.
Frequently asked questions
Is Paul Anka still performing?
Yes, he continues to tour and release new music. His 2024 album “Inspirations of Life” is available, and he maintains an active performance schedule.
What is Paul Anka’s most famous song?
“Diana” (1957) is his biggest hit, selling over 20 million copies worldwide.
How many children does Paul Anka have?
Six children: five daughters (Alexandra, Amanda, Alicia, Anthea, Amelia) from his first marriage, and a son, Ethan, from his second marriage.
What is Paul Anka’s net worth?
Estimates range from $80 million to $82 million, though exact figures are not independently audited.
Did Paul Anka write a song for Elvis?
He wrote the English lyrics for “My Way,” which Elvis Presley later recorded. He did not write it specifically for Presley.
Where was Paul Anka born?
Born in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, on July 30, 1941.
How tall is Paul Anka?
He is 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall.
For the millions who grew up with his songs and the new generation discovering “My Way” through karaoke and covers, Paul Anka is more than a nostalgia act. He is a working musician who still writes, still tours, and still surprises. The implication: for Canadian and American audiences alike, his story is not over yet.
Daniel Harper is Editor-in-Chief at Coast Brief, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.