Camelia Kath is best known as the first wife of Kiefer Sutherland, but her life story is much bigger than one Hollywood marriage. She has been connected to two music legends and one major film star. She was first married to Terry Kath, the talented guitarist of the band Chicago, and later to actor Kiefer Sutherland. Today, many people also know her as the partner of Jeff Lynne, the co-founder of Electric Light Orchestra (ELO). From the 1970s rock world to 1980s Hollywood and modern music events, her life has moved through different creative circles. This article explores her early years, marriages, children, career, and current life in clear and simple language.
Quick Bio Table
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Camillia Emily Ortiz |
| Known As | Camelia Kath |
| Birth Date | September 22, 1953 |
| Age (2025) | 71–72 years |
| Birthplace | West Hollywood, California |
| Profession | Actress, Writer, Producer |
| First Husband | Terry Kath |
| Second Husband | Kiefer Sutherland |
| Current Husband | Jeff Lynne |
| Children | Michelle Kath Sinclair, Sarah Sutherland |
| Famous For | Being Terry Kath’s wife & Kiefer Sutherland’s first wife |
| Active Years | 1980s–1990s (mainly) |
Early Life and Background
Camelia Kath was born as Camillia Emily Ortiz on September 22, 1953, in West Hollywood, California. She grew up in an area close to the entertainment industry. Living near Hollywood gave her early exposure to film and music culture.
When people search for camelia kath age, they often want to know how old she is today. In 2025, she is about 71 or 72 years old. Her early life was mostly private, but she later became part of famous music and film families.
First Marriage: Terry Kath
In 1974, Camelia Kath married Terry Kath, who was the lead guitarist and a founding member of the rock band Chicago. At that time, the band was very popular in the United States. Terry was known for his strong guitar skills and deep voice.
As terry kath wife, she entered the world of rock music tours and concerts. In 1976, they welcomed their daughter, Michelle Kath Sinclair. Sadly, in 1978, Terry died in a tragic accidental gunshot incident. Camelia became a widow at a young age. Many fans still search for terry kath first wife to understand this emotional chapter of rock history.
Life After Terry Kath’s Death
After Terry’s passing, Camelia Kath focused on raising her daughter. She stayed connected to music circles but also tried to rebuild her personal life. This period was challenging, as she was both a young mother and a widow.
Her daughter Michelle later honored her father’s legacy through a documentary project about Terry’s life and music. This helped keep the memory of the Chicago guitarist alive for new generations.
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Acting Career in the 1980s
In the early 1980s, Camelia Kath stepped into acting. She appeared in films like “Terror on Tour” (1980) and “Fake-Out” (1982). These films were not major Hollywood blockbusters, but they gave her experience in front of the camera.
Later, she also appeared in “The Killing Time” (1987). This movie became important in her personal life because it was where she met Kiefer Sutherland.
Marriage to Kiefer Sutherland
On the set of “The Killing Time,” Camelia met actor Kiefer Sutherland, who was rising in fame after movies like “Stand by Me” and “The Lost Boys.” Despite an age difference of about 12 years, they formed a close relationship.
In 1987, they married. For many years, people searching who is kiefer sutherland married to discover that Camelia Kath was his first wife. During their marriage, they had a daughter named Sarah Sutherland, born in 1988.
Family Life with Kiefer
During this time, Kiefer Sutherland and wife Camelia lived a life connected to Hollywood projects and family duties. Kiefer became stepfather to Michelle, and they raised both girls together.
However, their marriage lasted only about three years. They divorced in 1990. Even after divorce, they continued to co-parent peacefully.

Children and Creative Legacy
Michelle Kath Sinclair, from her first marriage, grew into a creative adult and filmmaker. She later made a documentary called “The Terry Kath Experience.” This project explored her father’s influence in music.
Sarah Sutherland followed a different path. She became an actress and is known for her role in the TV series “Veep.” Through her daughters, Camelia’s connection to both music and film continues.
Behind-the-Scenes Work
Besides acting, Camelia Kath also worked behind the camera. In the late 1990s, she helped with writing and assistant roles on television projects, including work related to “The Nanny.”
This shows she was more than just a celebrity spouse. She had creative interests and skills of her own.
Relationship with Jeff Lynne
Years later, Camelia Kath found love again with Jeff Lynne, the English musician and producer known for Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) and collaborations with The Traveling Wilburys.
Fans often search for jeff lynne wife camelia kath or jeff lynne camelia kath to understand their relationship. The couple married in 2017. Since then, she has appeared at music events with him, supporting his performances and projects.
Public Appearances Today
Today, Camelia Kath lives a more private life but sometimes attends public events with Jeff Lynne. Some fans refer to her as camelia lynne, combining her name with her husband’s last name.
She enjoys family time and supporting music culture quietly, away from heavy media attention.
Age Difference Conversations
When she married Kiefer Sutherland, she was about 34 and he was 20. This age difference gained public attention. However, they focused on family rather than criticism.
This is why many people search camelia kath age even today. Her life story crosses generations of rock and film fans.
Personal Strength and Private Nature
Throughout her life, Camelia Kath has shown resilience. She survived tragedy, divorce, and public attention while raising two daughters who entered creative careers.
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She has never chased constant fame. Instead, she built a balanced life between music, film, and family.
Conclusion
Camelia Kath is remembered as terry kath wife, Kiefer Sutherland’s first wife, and now the partner of Jeff Lynne. But she is also a mother, actress, and creative professional. Her life connects rock history, Hollywood film culture, and modern music events. From tragic loss in 1978 to marriage in 2017, her journey shows strength and quiet influence. When people search about who is kiefer sutherland married to or explore camelia kath jeff lynne, they discover a story that goes far beyond headlines.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How old is Camelia Kath?
She was born in 1953 and is about 71–72 years old in 2025.
2. Was Camelia Kath married to Kiefer Sutherland?
Yes, she was his first wife from 1987 to 1990.
3. Who was her first husband?
Her first husband was Terry Kath from the band Chicago.
4. Is she married now?
Yes, she married Jeff Lynne in 2017.
5. How many children does she have?
She has two daughters: Michelle Kath Sinclair and Sarah Sutherland.


