Who is Charleen McCrory?
Charleen is a former actress, but perhaps best recognized as the wife of Dusty Hill, who was the bass player in the rock band “ZZ Top” – Dusty was found dead on 28 June 2021. Charleen was born under the Zodiac sign Gemini on 29 May 1956, in the USA. Charleen holds American nationality, and as of 2022, is 65 years old.
Early life, Family, and Career
Nothing is known about her early life, background, and education, as unlike her famous husband, she spent most of her life away from the spotlight. Regarding her career as an actress, she has one credit under her belt – in 1996 she starred in the sci-fi horror movie “Alien Vows”, alongside Bill Cook, Christine Dunn and Don Luna.
Her marriage to Dusty Hill
After dating for a couple of years, Charleen and Dusty walked down the aisle on 23 March 2002 at Tony’s Ballroom in Houston, Texas. Reportedly, they initially wanted a small wedding, but later had a change of heart and threw a big celebration with 200 guests, attended by various celebrities, including “ZZ Top” guitarist and lead vocalist Billy Gibbons. Dusty’s best man was Frank Beard, while Frank’s wife, Debbie Meredith, was Charleen’s maid of honor.
They didn’t have any off-spring, however, Dusty had a daughter named Charity Hill from a previous relationship – the identity of Charity’s biological mother remains a mystery. Similar to her stepmother, Charity also likes to keep her personal matters private, and avoid the limelight.
What is Charleen’s net worth?
Given that she spent most of her life away from the public eye, not much is known about her professional life and her wealth. However, her husband’s net worth at the time of his death was estimated at $60 million, which he acquired through his long career as a musician. Considering that “ZZ Top” is one of the greatest international bands whose music has resonated with fans all over the world, it doesn’t come as a surprise that Dusty was one of the richest rock stars. It’s believed that Charleen and Charity inherited the great sum following Dusty’s tragic death.
Physical stats and Hobbies
Charleen is 5ft 7ins tall (170cm), while her weight is unknown. Her hair is light brown, further adorned with brown eyes.
According to sources, she and her husband supported various charities over the years – in 2013 they helped to raise over $40,000 for the non-profit organization Veteran Matters.
Is she active on social media?
It appears that Charleen is not a fan of social media, and doesn’t use Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.
How did her husband die?
Dusty Hill died in his sleep in his home in Texas at the age of 72. The official site of the “ZZ Top” band disclosed the news of his unfortunate death via an Instagram post: ‘We are saddened by the news today that our Compadre, Dusty Hill, has passed away in his sleep.
We, along with legions of ZZ Top fans around the world, will miss your steadfast presence, your good nature, and enduring commitment to providing that monumental bottom to the ‘Top.’
Devastated by this news, other famous musicians shared their grief and sorrow, including Flea, the bass player from “Red Hot Chili Pepper”, who wrote: ‘A true rocker, Dusty Hill, who laid it down deep and real. I will always listen to you, as will anyone who ever wanted to rock out, and we will all be moved.’
A month before his death, the band had to play a concert without Dusty, at Village Commons in New Lenox, Illinois, which had not happened in 50 years of the band’s existence. Dusty was forced to seek medical treatment as he had “hip issues”.
Charleen’s Post about Dusty’s Death
Charleen also made a long post on Dusty’s official account, saying:’ After 19 wonderful years of marriage that ended too soon, I’ve decided to step out into Dusty’s spotlight to thank all of his fans, colleagues and friends for the overwhelming outpouring of love for The Dust. It makes me hopeful he will not be forgotten.’ She also added that he had been the kindest, most gentle and caring man.
According to her statement, Dusty had been struggling with several health issues- a dislocated and broken hip, disclosing: ‘That wasn’t the plan he and I had. The plan was for another round of physical therapy, with a different approach, to help his chronic bursitis. The plan was he would return to the second leg of the tour in September.’
Briefly About Dusty Hill
A Texas native, Dusty Hill became interested in music at a young age. Later, he and his brother Rocky began performing at cafes and smaller gigs. Interestingly, he began playing bass at the age of 13, which was unusual considering that most people start playing guitar before bass.
Throughout his formative years and adolescence, he played in local bands in Dallas, including the garage band “American Blues” alongside his brother, and his future “ZZ Top” bandmate, Frank Beard.
Due to differences in music direction and style, Rocky left the band while Dusty and Frank relocated to Houston and formed the band, “ZZ Top” with the former member of “Moving Sidewalks”, Billy Gibbons.
Billy wrote the songs and arranged the music, while Hill played bass and keyboards. Joining forces with their manager Bill Ham, in 1971 they released their debut “ZZ Top’s First Album”. The following year, they released the second album, “Rio Grande Mud”, which saw huge success, especially their single “Francine”, which landed on the charts.
In 1973 they put out their third album “Tres Hombres”, and “La Grange” single becoming the band’s first major hit, surpassing “Francine”. A versatile musician, Hill also sang the lead and back vocals, alternating with Billy. After touring for several years, the band took a three-year break due to Franks’ drug addiction.
In 1979 the band returned to the scene and continued the string of successful albums and singles, including “Cheap Sunglasses” and “Pearl Necklace”. In 2004, Dusty was inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame with the other members of the band.
They would go on to release 12 albums in total, the last album in 2012 entitled “La Futura”. After his death, Bill announced that Dusty would be replaced by Elwood Francis, the longtime guitar tech, as per Dusty’s request.
Besides his prolific career as a musician, Dusty also appeared in several movies and TV shows, such as “Return to the Future III”, “The Drew Carey Show”, and “Deadwood”.
