The Two Remarkable Spouses Of Ringo Starr: From Liverpudlian Hairdresser To Bond Girl

Contents

Ringo Starr, the legendary drummer of The Beatles, has lived a life under the intense scrutiny of the global spotlight, but his personal relationships have been the anchors of his journey. As of late 2025, Ringo Starr is famously married to actress and former model Barbara Bach, a union that has lasted for over four decades and is considered one of the most enduring marriages in rock history. This article delves into the lives of the two women—Maureen Starkey Tigrett and Barbara Bach—who have held the title of Ringo Starr’s wife, exploring their unique stories, the children they share, and the secrets to the drummer's lasting domestic peace.

The story of Ringo Starr's spouses is a fascinating blend of the early Beatlemania era and Hollywood glamour, providing a unique look at the personal life of one of the world's most famous musicians. From a young hairdresser who became a Beatle wife to a former Bond girl and international star, these women have played pivotal roles in shaping Ringo's life and legacy.

Ringo Starr: A Biographical Profile and His Family

Richard Starkey, known professionally as Ringo Starr, has a family life as rich and storied as his musical career. His two marriages have resulted in a blended family that includes musicians, artists, and entrepreneurs.

  • Full Name: Richard Starkey
  • Born: July 7, 1940, in Liverpool, England
  • Occupation: Musician, Singer, Songwriter, Actor
  • Famous For: Drummer for The Beatles; Solo career with hits like "It Don't Come Easy" and "Photograph"; All Starr Band founder.
  • First Spouse: Maureen Cox Starkey Tigrett (m. 1965; div. 1975)
  • Current Spouse: Barbara Bach (m. 1981–present)
  • Children (with Maureen Starkey):
    • Zak Starkey (b. 1965) - Musician, drummer for The Who and Oasis.
    • Jason Starkey (b. 1967) - Musician.
    • Lee Starkey (b. 1970) - Fashion designer and makeup artist.
  • Stepchildren (from Barbara Bach's previous marriage):
    • Francesca Gregorini (b. 1968) - Film director and writer.
    • Gianni Gregorini (b. 1972) - Entrepreneur.

Maureen Starkey Tigrett: The First Beatle Wife

Maureen Cox, later Maureen Starkey Tigrett, was the epitome of the "Beatle wife" of the 1960s. Her journey from a local Liverpool girl to the wife of a global superstar is a classic tale of the era.

The Hairdresser Who Married a Beatle

Born Mary Cox in 1946, she was a hairdresser in Liverpool when she first met Ringo Starr. She was a devoted fan of The Beatles, often frequenting the Cavern Club, and her relationship with Ringo began before the height of Beatlemania.

Ringo and Maureen married on February 11, 1965, shortly after she discovered she was pregnant with their first child, Zak Starkey.

The couple had three children together: Zak, Jason, and Lee. Their marriage lasted for ten years, but the pressures of fame, Ringo's struggles with substance abuse, and Maureen's alleged affair with bandmate George Harrison eventually led to their divorce in 1975.

A Tragic End

Maureen later married Isaac Tigrett, co-founder of the Hard Rock Cafe and House of Blues, in 1989. However, her life was tragically cut short. Maureen Starkey Tigrett died on December 30, 1994, at the age of 48, after a battle with leukemia.

Ringo Starr, along with their children and George Harrison, was reportedly at her bedside in Seattle during her final moments, a testament to the enduring bond of the extended Beatles family despite the divorce.

Barbara Bach: The Enduring Bond with a Bond Girl

Ringo Starr's second and current marriage to Barbara Bach is a remarkable story of recovery, enduring love, and shared commitment. They have been married for over 40 years, a rarity in the world of celebrity.

Meeting on a Film Set

Barbara Bach, born Barbara Goldbach, is an American actress, former model, and an iconic figure in her own right. She is best known for her role as the Russian KGB agent Anya Amasova in the 1977 James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me.

Ringo and Barbara met on the set of the prehistoric comedy film Caveman in 1980, where they played love interests. Their on-screen romance quickly blossomed into a real-life relationship.

Their courtship was marked by a serious shared experience: a near-fatal car crash in London in 1980, followed by a mutual decision to enter rehab together to address their respective substance abuse issues.

A Marriage Built on Sobriety and Shared Values

The couple married on April 27, 1981, and their commitment to sobriety and a shared life philosophy has been the foundation of their long-lasting union.

In recent interviews, Ringo Starr has openly discussed the secret to their decades-long marriage, often citing their deep friendship and mutual respect. Their shared experience in rehab forged an unbreakable bond, making them partners in life and recovery.

As of late 2025, the couple remains highly active. They are frequently seen together at Ringo’s annual Peace and Love birthday celebration, which he has hosted in various locations, most recently in July 2024.

Philanthropic Efforts and Blended Family

Beyond their celebrity status, Ringo and Barbara are dedicated philanthropists. They established The Lotus Foundation, which aims to fund, promote, and support charities around the world, focusing on issues like substance abuse, cerebral palsy, cancer, and animal welfare.

Barbara brought two children, Francesca Gregorini and Gianni Gregorini, from her previous marriage to Augusto Gregorini, into the family. Together with Ringo's three children, they form a large, blended family that supports Ringo's ongoing musical and peace initiatives.

The Legacy of Ringo Starr's Marriages

The two marriages of Ringo Starr offer a stark contrast but share a common thread of loyalty and family. Maureen Starkey represents the raw, tumultuous, and ultimately tragic side of early rock stardom, while Barbara Bach embodies the stability, maturity, and enduring partnership that Ringo found later in life.

The children from Ringo's first marriage, particularly Zak Starkey, have carried on the musical torch, with Zak becoming a highly respected drummer in his own right, playing with major bands like The Who. This is a testament to the legacy of both Ringo and Maureen.

Ringo and Barbara's partnership, which has spanned over 40 years, continues to be a public symbol of lasting love and mutual support, proving that even a Beatle can find his "happily ever after." Their shared dedication to the Peace and Love message, which Ringo promotes globally, is a joint endeavor that defines their public life together today.

ringo starr spouse
ringo starr spouse

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