Who Is Paul Cerrito? Life, Career, and Marriage to Yasmine Bleeth

Paul Cerrito stands as a resilient figure in the worlds of business, hospitality, and social good. Best known as the husband of Baywatch star Yasmine Bleeth, he has carved his own path as an entrepreneur deeply rooted in the food and beverage industry. Born on July 14, 1970, this American businessman from Detroit embodies determination, turning personal challenges into professional triumphs. His career spans nightclub ownership, consulting, and management roles, all while championing causes like ending hunger. Cerrito’s story blends entrepreneurial grit with quiet philanthropy, making him a compelling subject beyond his celebrity connection. This biography delves into his early life, career highs, family devotion, and lasting impact.

Early Life and Education

Paul Cerrito grew up in Detroit, Michigan, a city that shaped his work ethic and passion for community service. Born under the Cancer zodiac sign, he navigated a typical American upbringing amid the Motor City’s industrial heartbeat. Details about his parents and siblings remain private, reflecting Cerrito’s preference for discretion in personal matters. Public records do not disclose specifics on his family origins, but his deep ties to Detroit suggest a grounded, blue-collar influence that fueled his entrepreneurial spirit.

In 1988, Cerrito enrolled at Arizona State University, pursuing studies in Hospitality Administration and Management. He graduated in 1991 with what he humorously calls a “degree of hard knocks,” highlighting hands-on learning over formal accolades. This period honed his skills in operations, sales, and customer service—foundations for his future ventures. Tempe’s vibrant scene likely sparked his interest in nightlife and food services, setting the stage for bold business moves back home. By blending academic insight with real-world hustle, young Paul Cerrito emerged ready to build empires.

Entry into Nightclub Ownership

Paul Cerrito‘s professional journey ignited in the early 1990s with nightlife. Just three years post-graduation, in 1994, he launched Jon Jon’s Cabaret in Michigan. This venture thrived for over 14 years, establishing him as a savvy club owner. The cabaret became a local hotspot, demanding expertise in event management, staffing, and revenue streams. Cerrito’s hands-on approach turned it into a success story, proving his knack for high-energy hospitality.

Running a cabaret taught him resilience amid fluctuating nightlife trends. He managed everything from licensing to marketing, skills transferable to broader industries. Though he closed the club around 2008, its legacy underscored his business acumen. This era also marked personal growth; whispers suggest it was during this time he owned a strip club, aligning with reports of adult entertainment ventures. Paul Cerrito‘s nightclub phase laid groundwork for diversification, blending entertainment flair with operational precision.

Career in Food and Beverage Industry

Transitioning from nightlife, Paul Cerrito dove into logistics and food services. Post-cabaret, he joined Strive Logistics LLC as a freight broker, sharpening supply chain savvy. By 2011, he advanced to General Manager at BodyFactory in Hollywood, a food and beverage firm. His one-year stint there emphasized catering and retail operations, expanding his West Coast footprint.

In 2014, Cerrito founded dEATroitLOCAL, a consulting firm revolutionizing local food scenes. This Detroit-based company offered expertise in business development, operations, and sales. Concurrently, he ventured into life coaching, aiding personal and relational growth. His multifaceted roles showcased versatility, from managing Newport Beachside Market as a partner in 2016 to becoming Seafood Manager at Monsieur Marcel Gourmet Market in 2019—a position he holds today. In 2020, a UCLA Extension certificate in restaurant and food management solidified his credentials. Paul Cerrito‘s career reflects relentless adaptation in competitive sectors.​

Business Ventures and Achievements

Paul Cerrito‘s portfolio brims with ventures blending profit and purpose. dEATroitLOCAL stood out, not just for consulting but apparel sales funding anti-hunger efforts. Each purchase fed a Detroit family of four, merging commerce with compassion. Though the website lapsed, its 2020 campaigns rallied supporters via social media.

His award-winning status stems from hospitality prowess, including catering excellence and sales growth. As a “strong business development professional,” Cerrito excels in retail and management. From Michigan clubs to California markets, he’s managed diverse teams, navigated economic shifts, and innovated menus. Currently, at Monsieur Marcel Gourmet Market, he oversees premium seafood, ensuring quality amid LA’s demands. These achievements paint Paul Cerrito as a low-profile powerhouse, prioritizing impact over spotlight.

Philanthropy and Community Impact

Paul Cerrito‘s heart beats for Detroit‘s underserved. Through dEATroitLOCAL, he tackled homelessness and hunger, with clothing proceeds directly aiding families. The initiative’s mantra—”Together, we WILL make a difference”—echoed his commitment. Launching in 2014, it targeted his hometown’s struggles, leveraging food industry ties for donations and awareness.

This passion transcends business; Cerrito views philanthropy as duty. His efforts align with broader goals, like sustainable sourcing at gourmet markets. While specifics on other charities are scarce, his rehab-rooted empathy fuels giving back. Paul Cerrito proves success measures by community uplift, not just balance sheets. In a city rebounding from decline, his work inspires local change.​

Meeting Yasmine Bleeth

Fate intertwined Paul Cerrito and Yasmine Bleeth in December 2000 at Promises Rehabilitation Clinic in Malibu. Both seeking sobriety from cocaine addiction, they connected despite clinic rules barring relationships. Bleeth later shared, “They say you shouldn’t get into any relationship in the first year of sobriety… but Paul and I fell in love immediately.” Cerrito, then a Michigan club owner, offered stability amid her Hollywood turbulence.

Their bond grew swiftly, culminating in courtship. This Malibu meeting marked a turning point, blending personal recovery with romance. Paul Cerrito supported Bleeth through media scrutiny, showcasing quiet strength. Their story humanizes addiction recovery, proving love can bloom in unlikely places.

Marriage to Yasmine Bleeth

On August 25, 2002, Paul Cerrito married Yasmine Bleeth at Bacara Resort in Santa Barbara, California. The intimate ceremony hosted close family and friends, mirroring Debra Messing‘s venue choice. After nearly two years dating, it was Bleeth’s first marriage; Cerrito’s prior marital history stays private.

They dated post-rehab, navigating sobriety together. The couple resides in Los Angeles and Scottsdale, Arizona, maintaining a low profile. No children bless their union, focusing instead on mutual support. Paul Cerrito and Bleeth’s enduring partnership, over two decades strong, defies Hollywood norms. It highlights commitment forged in adversity.

Paul Cerrito Family and Relatives

Family anchors Paul Cerrito‘s life, though he guards details respectfully. Born in Detroit, his parents’ names and backgrounds remain undisclosed publicly, honoring privacy. No confirmed siblings appear in records, suggesting a close-knit but private unit influencing his values.

His spouse, Yasmine Bleeth, born June 14, 1968, is central. The actress, famed for Baywatch‘s Caroline Holden, found stability with Cerrito post-recovery. They share no children, prioritizing their bond. Bleeth’s relatives, like mother Carina Bleeth (artist) and late father Bruce Bleeth (businessman), indirectly enrich their circle, though not directly tied to Cerrito.

Ex-spouses or other relatives for Cerrito are not publicly noted, avoiding speculation. This discretion underscores his family-first ethos, blending Yasmine‘s fame with grounded roots.

Current Life and Residence

Today, Paul Cerrito, age 55, thrives in duality. He manages seafood at Monsieur Marcel Gourmet Market while nurturing marriage. The couple splits time between Los Angeles—career hub—and Scottsdale, Arizona—serene retreat. Social media glimpses, like his Instagram, reveal political views and humor, from “The answer to 1984 is 1776” to eclectic vibes.

Cerrito embraces sobriety, coaching others subtly. His Detroit loyalty persists via philanthropy echoes. At January 2026, he embodies balance: professional drive, spousal devotion, community care. Paul Cerrito‘s low-key life contrasts Bleeth’s past stardom, proving fulfillment beyond fame.

Challenges and Resilience

Paul Cerrito faced addiction, mirroring Bleeth’s 2000 rehab entry. This shared trial built unbreakable resilience. Business closures, like Jon Jon’s Cabaret, tested him, yet pivots to logistics and consulting prevailed. Economic shifts and industry competition honed adaptability.

Public scrutiny via marriage brought indirect fame, which he navigates privately. Cerrito’s “hard knocks” philosophy turns setbacks into strengths, from hunger initiatives amid personal recovery to sustained roles. His journey inspires, showing perseverance yields purpose.

Legacy and Influence

Paul Cerrito‘s influence ripples through hospitality and aid. As Yasmine Bleeth‘s husband, he’s typecast, but ventures like dEATroitLOCAL define him. Mentoring via coaching extends impact, guiding relationships and careers.

In Detroit, his hunger fight lingers as a blueprint. Hospitality peers admire his operations mastery. At 55, Cerrito’s legacy is quiet empowerment—proving businessmen can champion change without headlines.​

Conclusion

Paul Cerrito exemplifies reinvention, from Detroit clubs to gourmet management and philanthropy. His marriage to Yasmine Bleeth adds romance to resilience, crafting a narrative of love and growth. With privacy intact, his story motivates: success blends hustle, heart, and humility. As he continues shaping food scenes and communities, Cerrito remains a beacon of balanced achievement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is Paul Cerrito married to?

Paul Cerrito has been married to actress Yasmine Bleeth since August 25, 2002. They met in rehab and share a private, loving life.​

What is Paul Cerrito’s profession?

He is a businessman in food and beverage, owning Jon Jon’s Cabaret, founding dEATroitLOCAL, and serving as Seafood Manager at Monsieur Marcel.​

Where does Paul Cerrito live?

Paul Cerrito and Yasmine Bleeth reside in Los Angeles, California, and Scottsdale, Arizona.​

Does Paul Cerrito have children?

No, Paul Cerrito and his wife have no children, focusing on their partnership.​

What business did Paul Cerrito start in 2014?

He launched dEATroitLOCAL, a consulting firm aiding Detroit‘s food scene and fighting hunger.​

How did Paul Cerrito meet Yasmine Bleeth?

They met in December 2000 at Promises Rehab Clinic in Malibu during sobriety journeys.

What is Paul Cerrito’s birthdate?

Paul Cerrito was born on July 14, 1970, making him 55 in 2026.​

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