7 Shocking Facts About Janet Jones Gretzky: Wayne Gretzky's Wife, Actress, And Family Matriarch

Few marriages in sports history have captured the public imagination quite like that of Wayne Gretzky and Janet Jones. More than just the wife of "The Great One," Janet Jones Gretzky is a successful former Hollywood actress, an accomplished dancer, and the matriarch of one of North America's most famous sports dynasties. As of December 2025, she continues to be a powerful figure behind the scenes, managing the family’s ventures and making headlines with her strong public stance and support for her husband.

Her life story is a fascinating blend of Tinseltown glamour and hockey royalty, a journey that began long before her 1988 "Royal Wedding" to the NHL legend. From her early career on television to her roles in iconic 80s films, Janet Jones carved out a notable career before embracing the role of a devoted wife and mother, a transition that was famously—and controversially—linked to the biggest trade in professional hockey history.

The Complete Biography Profile of Janet Jones Gretzky

Janet Marie Jones was a notable figure in her own right before marrying Wayne Gretzky. Her background as a dancer and actress laid the foundation for a life lived in the public eye, preparing her for the intense scrutiny that came with marrying a global superstar.

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• Full Name: Janet Marie Jones Gretzky (née Jones)
• Date of Birth: January 10, 1961
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 64
• Place of Birth: St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Education/Early Career: Worked as a model and professional dancer. Appeared on the TV show Dance Fever, where she first met Wayne Gretzky in 1981.
• Spouse: Wayne Gretzky (married July 16, 1988)
• Children: Paulina Gretzky, Ty Gretzky, Trevor Gretzky, Tristan Gretzky, and Emma Gretzky.
• Notable Career: Actress and Dancer.
• Key Filmography Entities: The Beastmaster (1982), Staying Alive (1983), Police Academy 5: Assignment Miami Beach (1988), The Flamingo Kid (1984).

From Hollywood Dancer to 'The Great One's' Wife: Her Acting Career and The Trade Controversy

Janet Jones's career in Hollywood was active and varied throughout the 1980s. She first gained recognition as a professional dancer, appearing on the popular show Dance Fever. It was during an appearance on this show that she had her first encounter with Wayne Gretzky in 1981, though they would not officially begin dating until several years later.

A Notable Filmography in the 80s

Before becoming Janet Gretzky, she secured several high-profile acting roles. Her filmography includes appearances in significant movies of the era. She played a prominent role in The Flamingo Kid (1984) and had a memorable part in the sequel to Saturday Night Fever, Staying Alive (1983), directed by Sylvester Stallone. Perhaps her most widely recognized role was as Officer Debbie Callahan in the 1988 comedy, Police Academy 5: Assignment Miami Beach, released the same year she married Gretzky.

The Infamous 'Trade' Controversy

The Gretzkys’ marriage is inseparable from one of the most controversial moments in NHL history: the 1988 trade that sent Wayne Gretzky from the Edmonton Oilers to the Los Angeles Kings. The media frenzy surrounding their wedding—dubbed "The Royal Wedding"—was immediately followed by a massive public backlash against the trade, which many Canadian fans felt was influenced by Janet's desire to pursue her acting career in a major American city like Los Angeles.

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The intense scrutiny led to her being unfairly branded a "Blond Jezebel" by some radio hosts and media outlets at the time, a harsh and sexist reaction that overshadowed her own accomplishments. Despite the controversy, the move helped solidify Gretzky's legacy in the United States and cemented the couple's status as a powerful celebrity duo across North America.

The Gretzky Dynasty: Children, Philanthropy, and Current Public Life (2025)

After their marriage, Janet Jones Gretzky largely stepped away from her full-time acting career to focus on raising their family. The couple has five children: Paulina, Ty, Trevor, Tristan, and Emma. Each of the Gretzky children has gone on to pursue their own ventures, from Paulina’s high-profile marriage to professional golfer Dustin Johnson, to Trevor’s career in baseball.

A Family Empire and Enduring Partnership

Janet Jones Gretzky has played a crucial, though often non-public, role in managing the Gretzky family empire. Her influence extends to supporting her husband's various business and coaching ventures. The couple’s nearly four-decade partnership is rooted in shared values, including a deep love of sports and a strong commitment to family and faith.

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They are frequently seen attending major sporting events, cheering on their children, and making joint appearances at charity functions, demonstrating a unified front that has endured the pressures of fame.

Philanthropy and Recent Public Stances

Beyond their public appearances, the Gretzkys are known for their extensive philanthropic work. They have actively supported various causes, with their charitable efforts often focusing on healthcare institutions and educational initiatives. Janet Jones Gretzky has used her public platform to draw attention to these important non-hockey-related causes.

In terms of current news, Janet Jones Gretzky recently made headlines in February 2025 by publicly joining figures like Bobby Orr in defending her husband amid various criticisms. This public support underscores her role as a fiercely protective and vocal partner. She has also been open about their close friendship with former US President Donald Trump, a political connection that has occasionally put the couple in the spotlight but highlights her own strong political views and willingness to express them.

More Than Just a Hockey Wife

Janet Jones Gretzky's life is a testament to resilience, versatility, and the ability to navigate the complexities of a high-profile marriage. She is not merely an "NHL wife" but a dynamic individual who successfully transitioned from a Hollywood career to building a lasting dynasty with one of the greatest athletes of all time. Her continued influence on the Gretzky brand, her philanthropic efforts, and her steadfast support for her family ensure that she remains a compelling public figure in her own right, well into 2025 and beyond.