40+ Years Strong: The Two Wives Who Defined Ringo Starr's Life—From Liverpool Hairdresser To Bond Girl

Few rock and roll marriages endure the decades, but Ringo Starr, the legendary drummer for The Beatles, has defied the odds with his second wife, Barbara Bach, for over 40 years. As of late 2025, their enduring partnership stands as one of the most stable and inspiring in the world of celebrity, a testament to shared sobriety and mutual devotion. This deep dive explores the two pivotal women—a loyal Liverpool fan and a glamorous Bond Girl—who have shaped the life of Richard Starkey, from the peak of Beatlemania to his current role as a rock icon and philanthropist.

The story of Ringo Starr’s personal life is one of transformation, moving from the whirlwind of his first marriage during the 1960s to the quiet, committed stability he found later in life. His current spouse, Barbara Bach, is more than just a famous wife; she is his partner in philanthropy, sobriety, and music, solidifying her role as an essential figure in his second act.

Ringo Starr: A Biographical Snapshot and His Family

Richard Starkey, known globally as Ringo Starr, is an English musician, singer, songwriter, and actor who achieved international fame as the drummer for The Beatles. His life has been marked by musical innovation, a successful solo career, and two significant marriages.

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• Full Name: Richard Starkey
• Born: July 7, 1940, in Liverpool, England
• Primary Occupation: Musician, Drummer (The Beatles, Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band)
• First Spouse: Maureen Cox (m. 1965; div. 1975)
• Second Spouse: Barbara Bach (m. 1981; present)
• Children (with Maureen Cox): Zak Starkey, Jason Starkey, Lee Starkey
• Notable Achievements: Member of The Beatles, Solo Artist, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee (Twice)
• Philanthropy: Co-Founder of The Lotus Foundation with Barbara Bach

The First Love: Ringo’s Marriage to Maureen Cox (1965–1975)

Ringo Starr’s first marriage was a quintessential Beatles love story, rooted in the band’s early days in Liverpool. His first wife, Maureen Cox, was a local hairdresser and a devoted fan of The Beatles, often spotted at the Cavern Club. She was born Mary Cox in 1946 and was only 18 when she married the famous drummer.

A Whirlwind Romance in the Eye of the Storm

The couple married on February 11, 1965, at the Caxton Hall Registry Office in London, just as Beatlemania was reaching its peak. Their wedding was a massive media event, attended by John Lennon and George Harrison. Paul McCartney was on vacation and did not attend. Maureen Cox quickly became known as "Mo" and was one of the original "Beatles Wives," alongside Cynthia Lennon and Pattie Boyd.

The marriage produced three children: sons Zak Starkey (born 1965) and Jason Starkey (born 1967), and daughter Lee Starkey (born 1970). Zak Starkey followed in his father's footsteps and became a highly respected drummer in his own right, playing for bands like The Who and Oasis, further cementing the family's musical legacy.

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Despite the birth of their children, the marriage faced immense pressure from Ringo's global fame, touring, and the inevitable strains of the rock and roll lifestyle. They divorced in 1975. Tragically, Maureen Cox passed away in 1994 at the age of 48 from complications related to leukemia. Ringo, along with their children and her second husband, was reportedly by her side at the time of her death, demonstrating a lasting bond despite their separation.

The Eternal Partnership: Ringo and Bond Girl Barbara Bach (1981–Present)

Ringo Starr’s second marriage to American actress and model Barbara Bach has proven to be his lasting relationship, celebrated for its longevity and shared commitment to health and philanthropy. Their partnership is a remarkable story of finding love and stability later in life, overcoming personal demons together.

Meeting on the Set of Caveman (1981)

Ringo and Barbara first crossed paths in 1980 on the set of the prehistoric slapstick comedy film *Caveman*. Ringo starred as the caveman Atouk, and Barbara played his love interest, Lana. Both were going through personal struggles at the time, particularly with substance abuse. They quickly bonded on set, and their professional relationship blossomed into a profound personal connection.

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Barbara Bach was already a well-known figure, having achieved international fame as the Bond Girl Anya Amasova, a formidable KGB agent, in the 1977 James Bond film *The Spy Who Loved Me*, opposite Roger Moore. Her role was groundbreaking for its portrayal of a strong, independent female character in the Bond franchise.

Following a serious car accident in 1980, which they survived, the couple made a mutual commitment to change their lives. They married a year later, on April 27, 1981, and have been inseparable ever since. Their wedding was a star-studded event, with Paul McCartney and George Harrison in attendance, marking a small reunion of The Beatles.

A Foundation of Sobriety and Shared Purpose

The secret to their enduring, 40-plus-year marriage lies in their shared journey to sobriety. Both Ringo and Barbara entered a treatment program together in the late 1980s, an experience Ringo has openly discussed as pivotal to their relationship and his life. This shared commitment to a clean and healthy lifestyle has provided a powerful foundation for their stability.

Beyond their personal lives, the couple are active philanthropists. They co-founded The Lotus Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to funding, promoting, and supporting a wide range of causes, including those related to substance abuse, children’s welfare, and animal relief. Through this foundation, they have channeled their fame and resources toward meaningful change, often auctioning off personal memorabilia from Ringo's career and his work with the All-Starr Band to raise funds.

Today, Ringo Starr and Barbara Bach, Lady Starkey (a title she gained when Ringo was knighted in 2018), maintain a relatively private life while still making public appearances together, often related to Ringo’s music tours or their charitable work. Their relationship stands as a rare example of a Hollywood and rock star marriage that has not only survived but thrived for over four decades, built on a foundation of mutual support, sobriety, and shared humanitarian goals.