When you hear the name Devon Aoki, you probably think of a stunning model or a cool actress from movies like 2 Fast 2 Furious and Sin City. She has a unique look. She has strong style. She has walked for big fashion brands like Versace and Chanel. But have you ever stopped and wondered — who raised her?
That’s where Pamela Hilburger comes in.
Most people know Pamela Hilburger as Devon Aoki’s mother. But she is much more than that. She was once married to the founder of Benihana. She later built her own name in the jewelry world. And today, in 2026, she lives a quiet and peaceful life in California, surrounded by her children and grandchildren.
In this article, we will walk step by step through Pamela Hilburger’s life. We will talk about her early years, her marriage, her children, and how she became strong and independent. Let’s begin from the start.
Pamela Hilburger Quick Bio
| Full Name | Pamela Hilburger |
| Born | 1951, Germany |
| Age (2026) | 75 years old |
| Nationality | German-American |
| Ethnicity | German-English |
| Religion | Christian |
| Height | 5’5″ (165 cm) |
| Weight | 154 lbs (70 kg) |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Brown/Green |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Ex-Husband | Hiroaki “Rocky” Aoki |
| Children | Kyle, Echo, Devon, Ellie, Cole |
| Famous For | Devon Aoki’s mother |
| Profession | Jewelry designer, artist |
| Net Worth (2026) | Around $1 million |
| Residence | California, USA |
| Social Media | Instagram (@pamforpeace) |
Who Is Pamela Hilburger?
So, who exactly is Pamela Hilburger?
Pamela Hilburger is a German-American jewelry designer. She is also known as Devon Aoki’s mother and the former wife of Hiroaki “Rocky” Aoki, the founder of Benihana restaurants. Her name became public because of her marriage. But over time, she built her own identity.
Many people search for Pamela Hilburger because they are curious about the woman behind the famous Aoki family. She was part of a very wealthy and well-known family. Yet she chose a different path after her divorce. Instead of chasing attention, she focused on art, family, and simple living.
Today, Pamela Hilburger is respected not for drama or fame, but for her quiet strength. She is a mother, a designer, and now a proud grandmother.
Pamela Hilburger’s Early Life in Germany
Pamela Hilburger was born in 1951 in Germany. That makes her around 74 years old in 2025 and 75 in 2026. She grew up in a big family. Her parents were Rosa D. and Edwin Hilburger.
She had six siblings. Imagine growing up in a house full of brothers and sisters. It was likely busy and full of life. Her siblings included Derek, Larry, Richard, Valerie, and her late brother Mark. Growing up in a large family often teaches you responsibility and care. It likely helped shape her calm and grounded personality.
Pamela later moved to the United States. Even though she was born in Germany, she became German-American. She kept her European roots while building her life in America. This mix of cultures later became part of her children’s unique background.
Pamela Hilburger’s Age, Height, and Personal Details
Let’s look at some simple personal details about Pamela Hilburger.
She was born in 1951. As of 2026, she is in her mid-70s. She stands about 5 feet 5 inches tall, which is around 165 cm. She weighs about 154 pounds. She has brown hair. Some sources say her eyes are green, while others say brown. Most recent pictures show her with soft brown-toned eyes.
Pamela Hilburger is of German-English ancestry. She has a Christian background. Today, she lives in California, mainly in the Canoga Park area. Even with famous connections, she prefers privacy. She is active on Instagram, where she shares family photos and loving messages.
These small details may seem simple. But they help us see her as a real person, not just a name connected to celebrities.
How Pamela Hilburger Met Rocky Aoki
Now, here is where her life took a dramatic turn.
In the late 1970s, Pamela Hilburger met Hiroaki “Rocky” Aoki. Rocky was a Japanese-American businessman. He was famous for creating the Benihana restaurant chain. He was also a former wrestler and a bold personality. At the time they met, Rocky was already married.
Yes, their story started in a complicated way.
In 1979, Rocky had a near-fatal speedboat accident near the Golden Gate Bridge. He was badly injured and taken to the hospital. When he woke up, both his wife and Pamela were at his bedside. Rocky later joked in an interview that he pretended to be unconscious when he saw both women there. That moment made everything public.
Soon after, Rocky divorced his first wife, Chizuru Kobayashi. In 1981, Pamela Hilburger married Rocky Aoki. It was the start of a new chapter in her life.
Pamela Hilburger and Rocky Aoki’s Marriage
Pamela Hilburger and Rocky Aoki were married from 1981 to 1991. During those ten years, Pamela stepped into a life of wealth and public attention. Benihana was growing fast. The restaurants were popular across America. Rocky was becoming a big name.
Living in that world must have been very different from her early life in Germany.
During their marriage, Pamela and Rocky had three children together. They welcomed their son Kyle first. Then came Echo V. Aoki. And in August 1982, they welcomed their youngest child together, Devon Aoki.
But like many public marriages, things were not perfect. After about ten years, they divorced in 1991. The official reason was “irreconcilable differences.” Rocky later married again. But Pamela Hilburger chose a quieter path.
Instead of staying in the spotlight, she focused on raising her children and building her own future.
Pamela Hilburger’s Children and Family Life
Family has always been the center of Pamela Hilburger’s life.
With Rocky Aoki, she had three children: Kyle Aoki, Echo V. Aoki, and Devon Aoki. Kyle was born around the mid-1970s. Echo followed a few years later. And Devon was born in 1982.
Pamela also has two other children, Ellie Stuart Hunter (also known as Eleanor) and Cole Jackson. They live more private lives compared to Devon. Cole shares his artwork online. Ellie sometimes appears in family photos. Pamela often posts loving messages to all her children on social media.
Even after her divorce, she stayed close to her kids. She supported them. She encouraged them. She built a strong home for them. That support played a big role in shaping their futures.
Devon Aoki’s Mother, Her Special Bond with Devon
Let’s talk about the bond that many people are most curious about.
Pamela Hilburger is best known as Devon Aoki’s mother. But their relationship is not just about fame. It is about support, love, and trust. Devon started modeling at just 13 years old. That is very young. Imagine being a teenager and suddenly walking on big fashion stages. It can be scary.
Pamela Hilburger stood by her side during those early years. When Devon became the face of Versace at 16, it was a huge moment. She even replaced Naomi Campbell at the time. That is not something small. Behind that success was a mother who believed in her daughter.
Over the years, Devon has shared emotional messages about her mom. On Mother’s Day once, she called her mother “the jewel of my kingdom” in a sweet poem. That tells you everything. Their bond is strong. Even in 2026, you can see them sharing family photos and smiling together.
Pamela Hilburger’s Career as a Jewelry Designer
After her divorce from Rocky Aoki, Pamela Hilburger did not sit still.
She always loved fashion and gems. So she turned that passion into work. She started designing jewelry. Not loud, flashy pieces. But elegant, classic designs. The kind that feel timeless. The kind that people keep for years.
She worked with luxury fashion brands. She created pieces for well-known clients. Over time, she built her own name in the jewelry world. She did not use fame to grow her business. She used skill and creativity.
Many people admire Pamela Hilburger for this reason. She did not let her divorce define her. Instead, she created something beautiful with her own hands. That shows strength.
Pamela Hilburger’s Net Worth and Financial Life
Now let’s talk about money in a simple way.
Pamela Hilburger’s estimated net worth is around $1 million as of 2026. Most of that came from her jewelry work and business projects. She reportedly earns steady income from her designs and past collaborations.
When she divorced Rocky Aoki, she received a financial settlement. But she did not just spend it on luxury. Reports say she donated part of it to charity. For example, she helped victims of the 2004 tsunami in Asia. That shows heart, not just wealth.
Her ex-husband Rocky had a much larger fortune. At the time of his death in 2008, his net worth was reported to be around $40 million. But Pamela Hilburger built her own financial path, separate from his empire.
Rocky Aoki’s Death and the Family Inheritance Story
Rocky Aoki passed away on July 10, 2008. He died from pneumonia at the age of 69. His death led to legal problems in the family over inheritance.
His estate included a large trust, estimated around $50 million. His third wife, Keiko Ono, became the trustee. Later, in 2014, the children regained control of the trust after legal battles.
It is important to note that Pamela Hilburger was not part of these court fights. By that time, she had already been divorced from Rocky for many years. She stayed away from the drama.
Instead of fighting in public, she focused on her children and her quiet life. That choice says a lot about her character.
Pamela Hilburger’s Life Today in California
So where is Pamela Hilburger today?
As of 2026, she lives a peaceful life in California, mainly in the Canoga Park area. She stays out of the spotlight. She does not attend many public events. Instead, she shares small family moments on Instagram.
One big part of her life now is being a grandmother. Devon Aoki has children, and Pamela loves spending time with them. You will often see warm photos online. Birthdays. Smiles. Family dinners. Simple joys.
She enjoys art and design. She enjoys being with her children. She does not chase headlines. And maybe that is why people respect her even more.
The Legacy of Pamela Hilburger, Devon Aoki’s Mother
When you look at the full picture, Pamela Hilburger’s story is not about fame.
Yes, she married a famous businessman. Yes, she is Devon Aoki’s mother. But her life is about quiet strength. She raised creative children. She built her own jewelry career. She gave back through charity.
Her children went on to do big things. Devon became a global model and actress. Steve Aoki, Devon’s half-brother, became a world-famous DJ. The Aoki name is known in food, fashion, and music. Behind that success was a mother who valued family and support.
Pamela Hilburger showed that you can move forward after change. You can build something new. You can stay calm in a loud world.
Final Thoughts
So, who is Pamela Hilburger?
She is more than just Devon Aoki’s mother. She is a German-American designer. She is a former wife of a restaurant empire founder. She is a mother of five. She is a grandmother. She is an artist.
Her life had dramatic moments. It had public headlines. It had change. But she handled it with grace. Instead of staying in the shadow of Rocky Aoki, she built her own path.
In 2026, Pamela Hilburger lives quietly but proudly. Her story reminds us that strength does not have to be loud. Sometimes, the strongest people are the ones who choose peace, family, and creativity over fame.
(FAQs)
How old is Pamela Hilburger? When is her birthday?
Pamela Hilburger was born in 1951 in Germany. In 2026, she is about 75 years old. Her exact birthday has not been shared with the public.
What was Pamela Hilburger like when she was young?
When she was young, Pamela Hilburger was very pretty and elegant. She had soft brown hair and light-colored eyes. She lived a simple life before becoming known as Devon Aoki’s mother.
How many children does Pamela Hilburger have?
Pamela Hilburger has five children. With Rocky Aoki, she had Kyle, Echo, and Devon Aoki. She also has two more children, Ellie and Cole. Devon became a famous model and actress.
Did Pamela Hilburger really work in jewelry?
After her divorce, Pamela Hilburger became a jewelry designer. She made beautiful jewelry and worked with fashion brands. She built her own career quietly.
What is Pamela Hilburger’s net worth and her link to Rocky Aoki?
Pamela Hilburger was married to Benihana founder Rocky Aoki from 1981 to 1991. Her net worth is around $1 million in 2026. She made her own money from jewelry and stayed away from family court fights after Rocky passed away.
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