When people hear the name Joey Buttafuoco, most immediately recall the infamous Amy Fisher scandal of the 1990s—an affair that ended in violence, courtroom drama, and endless tabloid coverage. But less is known about his second wife, Evanka Franjko, who entered his life years later. Unlike the chaos of Joey’s past, Evanka represents calm, discretion, and a quiet determination to live beyond scandal.
A Quiet Entrance into the Spotlight
Evanka Franjko is best known as Joey Buttafuoco’s second wife. While Joey’s past is etched in true-crime history, Evanka’s life has been about privacy and resilience. She stepped into a relationship shadowed by scandal yet managed to hold her own identity, separate from Joey’s notoriety.
Who Is Evanka Franjko?
Born on March 24, 1962, in Croatia, Evanka Franjko later moved to California, graduating from California State University Northridge. She married Joey Buttafuoco in 2005, long after his divorce from Mary Jo and years after his name had become a household symbol of scandal.
Joey Buttafuoco’s Criminal Past
Before Evanka entered the picture, Joey Buttafuoco was already infamous. In 1992, he had an affair with teenager Amy Fisher, who became known as the “Long Island Lolita.” Fisher later shot Joey’s then-wife, Mary Jo Buttafuoco, in the face, leaving her permanently injured.
Joey pled guilty to statutory rape for his involvement with Fisher and served time in prison. Over the years, he also faced additional arrests for crimes like insurance fraud and illegal possession of ammunition. By the time Evanka married him, Joey’s name was already cemented in America’s tabloid history.
A Marriage That Surprised Many
In 2005, Evanka tied the knot with Joey Buttafuoco in Los Angeles. The two reportedly met at his auto body shop in the early 2000s. Their marriage surprised many observers—given Joey’s past—but Evanka stayed committed, choosing to live quietly with him rather than seek publicity.
Life Away from the Spotlight
Evanka never pursued fame. She has no known public career, avoids media interviews, and keeps a low profile. In 2019, she reportedly dealt with kidney issues but managed her health privately without sensational headlines. Together, she and Joey have no children, though Joey has two—Paul and Jessica—from his first marriage.
Profile in Privacy
- Date of Birth: March 24, 1962
- Age: 62–63 (as of 2025)
- Height: ~5′7″ (170 cm)
- Weight: ~132 lbs
- Measurements: 33–26–32 inches
- Children: None with Joey; stepmother to Paul and Jessica Buttafuoco
- Net Worth: Estimated at around $3 million
The Identity Behind the Headlines
Evanka Franjko stands out not because of what she says publicly, but because of what she doesn’t. She chose to marry Joey despite his infamous history, and instead of seeking attention, she built her life around privacy, loyalty, and calm.
FAQ
Who is Evanka Franjko?
She is Joey Buttafuoco’s second wife, born in Croatia in 1962. She married him in 2005 and lives a private life in Los Angeles.
What crimes was Joey Buttafuoco involved in?
Joey is infamous for the Amy Fisher affair in the 1990s, which ended with Fisher shooting his then-wife. He pled guilty to statutory rape and later faced charges for insurance fraud and illegal ammunition possession.
How did Evanka respond to Joey’s past?
Evanka married Joey years after the scandals. She has kept her life private and drama-free, showing resilience despite his notorious history.
Does Evanka Franjko have children with Joey?
No. She and Joey do not have children together, though Joey has two from his marriage to Mary Jo.
Why does Evanka stay out of the spotlight?
She values privacy and avoids publicity. Unlike Joey, who was a tabloid fixture, Evanka keeps her distance from media attention.
Final Thoughts
Evanka Franjko’s story is a quiet contrast to Joey Buttafuoco’s turbulent past. While Joey symbolizes scandal, Evanka represents calm and resilience. Her ability to live privately, despite being linked to one of the most sensational scandals of the 1990s, makes her a fascinating figure in her own right.
Featured image source: Google
