Ringo Starr's Wives: The Untold Stories Of Maureen Starkey And Barbara Bach And His 40+ Year Marriage Secret

Ringo Starr, the legendary drummer of The Beatles, has lived a life defined by rock and roll history, but his personal journey is anchored by two extraordinary women who became his wives. As of December 2025, Ringo Starr has been married to his second wife, former Bond girl and actress Barbara Bach, for over four decades, a remarkable feat in the world of celebrity marriages. Their enduring partnership, which began in the midst of shared struggles, has become a testament to lasting love, a stark contrast to the whirlwind and tragedy of his first marriage to Maureen Starkey, the Liverpool hairdresser who was with him during the height of Beatlemania.

The story of Ringo Starr’s two marriages is a captivating look behind the curtain of one of the world's most famous musicians, revealing chapters of intense fame, personal turmoil, and ultimate redemption. From the excitement of a young hairdresser marrying her rock star sweetheart in 1965, to the fateful meeting on a movie set that led to his current, rock-solid union, these relationships have shaped the man born Richard Starkey. This deep dive explores the full biography of his current wife, the tragic end of his first marriage, and the foundational secret that keeps his decades-long love story with Barbara Bach thriving today.

Barbara Bach: Complete Biography, Career, and The Secret to a 44-Year Marriage

Ringo Starr’s current wife, Barbara Bach, is an American actress, former model, and philanthropist who has been married to the former Beatle since 1981. Their relationship is one of the longest and most stable in rock history, built on a foundation of mutual support and sobriety.

• The Unseen Story Jessica Simpsons Battle For Privacy And Body Image In A Digital Age Mlvqa

Barbara Bach's Early Life and Career Highlights

• Birth Name: Barbara Ann Goldbach
• Date of Birth: August 27, 1947
• Birth Place: Queens, New York, USA
• Early Career: Bach began her career as a model in the mid-1960s, appearing on the cover of *Seventeen* magazine. She moved to Italy and began acting, appearing in films like *The Great Kidnapping* and *Stateline Motel*.
• Breakthrough Role: She achieved international fame as the Bond girl Anya Amasova (Agent XXX) in the 1977 James Bond film *The Spy Who Loved Me*, starring alongside Roger Moore. This role cemented her status as a global icon.
• First Marriage: Prior to Ringo, she was married to Italian businessman Augusto Gregorini from 1968 to 1975, with whom she had two children, Francesca and Gianni.

How Ringo and Barbara Met

The couple's fateful meeting took place in 1980 on the set of the prehistoric comedy film *Caveman*, which was being shot in Mexico. Ringo, who played the role of Atouk, and Barbara, who played Lana, were cast as love interests in the movie. While Ringo later joked that Barbara had seen him play with The Beatles years earlier, they properly began their relationship during the filming process.

Their bond deepened quickly, but tragedy struck in 1980 when they were involved in a serious car crash shortly after filming wrapped. This near-death experience reportedly brought them closer, but it also coincided with a period of severe substance abuse for both. They married on April 27, 1981, just a year after meeting.

The Secret to Their Enduring Marriage

The key to Ringo and Barbara’s long-lasting relationship, which has spanned over 44 years as of 2025, is their shared journey to sobriety and a commitment to keeping their lives simple. The couple entered rehab together in 1988, a pivotal moment that saved their lives and their marriage. Ringo has often spoken publicly about their secret to longevity, stating, "I'm just blessed that I found Barbara. I love her. And she loves me. And we're cool." He also notes that they spend a lot of time together, often traveling, but they give each other space when needed. Their bond is clearly visible, with the couple recently attending the Stella McCartney Womenswear Fall/Winter 2024-2025 show at Paris Fashion Week in March 2024.

• The One Where They Tanked Jokes 15 Shocking New Secrets From The Friends Tv Show Behind The Scenes G9zdh

Maureen Starkey: The Liverpool Hairdresser and The Tragedy of Beatlemania

Before Barbara Bach, Ringo Starr was married to Maureen Starkey Tigrett, a woman who experienced the unparalleled chaos and excitement of Beatlemania firsthand. Maureen Cox, as she was known then, was a local Liverpool hairdresser and a regular at The Cavern Club, where The Beatles often played.

A Whirlwind Marriage and Growing Family

Maureen met Ringo in the early 1960s, and their relationship began shortly before The Beatles achieved global superstardom. They married on February 11, 1965, after Maureen became pregnant, and their wedding was a major media event, making her one of the original 'Beatle Wives.' Their marriage lasted for a decade, a period marked by the intense pressure of fame, constant touring, and the personal struggles that often accompany such a life.

During their ten years together, Ringo and Maureen had three children, all of whom have followed creative paths:

• Zak Starkey (Born 1965): An accomplished drummer who has notably played for The Who and Oasis.
• Jason Starkey (Born 1967): Also a drummer and musician.
• Lee Starkey (Born 1970): A fashion designer and stylist.

• The Facts Of Life Cast Where Are Eastlands Girls Now 2024 Updates 2tx8p

The Painful Divorce and Tragic Passing

The marriage ended in divorce in 1975, largely due to Ringo’s struggles with substance abuse and infidelity, though Maureen herself was involved in an affair with The Who’s lead singer, Roger Daltrey. Despite the acrimonious end, Ringo and Maureen maintained a degree of friendship and a strong commitment to their children.

Maureen later married American businessman Isaac Tigrett, the co-founder of the Hard Rock Cafe and House of Blues, in 1989, and they had one daughter. Tragically, Maureen Starkey Tigrett died on December 30, 1994, at the age of 48, due to complications from leukemia. In a moving display of enduring affection, Ringo Starr, along with their three children, Zak, Jason, and Lee, and her second husband, Isaac Tigrett, were all by her side when she passed away. This shared moment of grief highlighted the complex, yet ultimately loving, family bond that remained.

The Starkey Family Legacy: Children and Stepchildren

Ringo Starr's family is a complex tapestry woven from both of his marriages, with a strong emphasis on music and the arts. The children from his first marriage, Zak, Jason, and Lee Starkey, have all forged successful careers. Zak Starkey, in particular, has become a drumming legend in his own right, often compared to his famous father, and is a key entity in the family's musical legacy.

Barbara Bach also brought two children from her first marriage to the union: Francesca Gregorini, a film director, and Gianni Gregorini, a businessman. While Ringo and Barbara did not have children together, they are active grandparents to a large, blended family, a role they cherish. Ringo became the first Beatle to become a grandfather when Zak’s daughter, Tatia, was born in 1983.

The enduring love story between Ringo Starr and Barbara Bach, which has now surpassed four decades, is a powerful final act to a life of rock and roll drama. It is a story of two people who helped each other overcome personal demons and found a quiet, stable happiness that continues to inspire fans today, proving that even a Beatle can find his forever peace.