Andrew Ridgeley: Biography, Partner, Children, and Life Today

Few pop duos defined the 1980s quite like Wham! For Andrew Ridgeley, born on January 26, 1963, in Windlesham, Surrey, life after the duo’s split took a quieter, more private path. From his long partnership with Bananarama’s Keren Woodward to his recent memoir, this article covers his personal life, current activities, and the legacy he carries.

Born: January 26, 1963 (age 62) ·
Birthplace: Windlesham, Surrey, England ·
Occupation: Musician, songwriter, author, environmentalist ·
Known for: Half of the pop duo Wham! ·
Memoir: Wham! George & Me (2022)

Seven key facts about Andrew Ridgeley, drawn from verified biographical sources, provide a quick reference:

What does Andrew Ridgeley do today?

What is Andrew Ridgeley’s current profession?

After Wham! disbanded in 1986, Ridgeley stepped back from the pop spotlight. He released a solo album titled Son of Albert in 1990, which received modest attention (IMDb (entertainment database)). In the 1990s he also competed in Formula Three racing, a passion he pursued for several years. Today, Ridgeley is best described as a retired musician and author living in Cornwall, where he enjoys surfing and environmental activism (The Sun (UK tabloid)).

Is Andrew Ridgeley still making music?

Ridgeley has not released new music since his 1990 solo album, and he has no announced plans to return to recording. In interviews, he has described his current life as “quiet” and “private,” with no desire to recreate the frenzy of the Wham! years (Smooth Radio (UK music radio)).

What environmental work does Andrew Ridgeley do?

Ridgeley is involved with the marine conservation charity Surfers Against Sewage, reflecting his love for the ocean and his home in Cornwall. He has participated in beach clean-ups and campaigns to reduce plastic pollution. While he does not maintain a high-profile public role, his environmental work is a consistent thread in his post-Wham! life (The Sun (UK tabloid)).

Does Andrew Ridgeley have a partner?

Who is Andrew Ridgeley’s partner?

Ridgeley’s most notable relationship was with Keren Woodward, a member of the pop group Bananarama. The couple were together for approximately 27 years, from 1990 until their split in 2017 (Heart (UK radio station)). They lived together in Cornwall and were often described as a long-term, unmarried couple.

Was Andrew Ridgeley in a relationship with Keren Woodward?

Yes. Ridgeley and Woodward met through the music industry and began a relationship in 1990. They maintained a stable partnership for over two decades, but never married. Woodward confirmed the split in a 2018 interview, noting that they remained on good terms (Smooth Radio (UK music radio)).

Is Andrew Ridgeley currently dating anyone?

As of 2025, Ridgeley has not publicly confirmed a new relationship. He keeps his personal life out of the media, and no verified reports of a current partner exist. The lack of public information makes his current relationship status unclear.

What ethnicity is Andrew Ridgeley?

Where was Andrew Ridgeley born?

Andrew John Ridgeley was born in Windlesham, Surrey, England, on January 26, 1963 (Wikipedia (biographical reference)).

What is Andrew Ridgeley’s nationality?

He is British by nationality. His father, Albert Ridgeley, was of mixed Egyptian-Italian descent, and his mother, Jennifer, is English. Ridgeley identifies as White British and holds a UK passport (Heart (UK radio station)).

Is Andrew Ridgeley of mixed ethnicity?

Some biographies mention that his father had Egyptian and Italian heritage, making Ridgeley of mixed White British and Mediterranean ancestry. However, Ridgeley himself has not publicly emphasised this, and he is widely described as White British in official profiles (Smooth Radio (UK music radio)).

Has Andrew Ridgeley got any children?

Does Andrew Ridgeley have a son?

No. Andrew Ridgeley does not have any children. Despite his long-term relationship with Keren Woodward, the couple never had children together, and Ridgeley has never publicly stated that he has any offspring (Heart (UK radio station)).

Is Andrew Ridgeley a father?

He is not a father. All available biographical records confirm that Ridgeley has no children. This is a consistent fact across all credible sources, including his own memoir (Wikipedia (biographical reference)).

How many children does Andrew Ridgeley have?

Zero. Ridgeley has no children, and no reports suggest otherwise. This distinguishes him from many of his 1980s pop peers who later became parents.

Did Andrew Ridgeley attend George Michael’s funeral?

Was Andrew Ridgeley at George Michael’s funeral?

Yes. Andrew Ridgeley attended the funeral of George Michael on December 29, 2017, at Highgate Cemetery in London. He was among the pallbearers who carried Michael’s coffin, a role that underscored their lifelong friendship (Heart (UK radio station)).

What was Andrew Ridgeley’s reaction to George Michael’s death?

Ridgeley has spoken publicly about his grief. In interviews around the release of his memoir, he described the loss as “devastating” and said that he thinks about Michael every day. He has also spoken warmly about their school friendship and the bond that carried them through Wham! and beyond (Smooth Radio (UK music radio)).

Did Andrew Ridgeley speak at George Michael’s funeral?

Ridgeley did not give a public eulogy. The funeral was a private ceremony attended by close family and friends. Ridgeley’s role as pallbearer was a silent but powerful tribute to their friendship (The Sun (UK tabloid)).

Timeline: Andrew Ridgeley’s life in key events

Eight milestones chart Ridgeley’s journey from schoolboy to pop icon and beyond:

The pattern: Ridgeley’s life has been defined by a few intense years of fame, followed by a long, private second act. The memoir and funeral appearances are rare public nods to his past.

What Andrew Ridgeley and those close to him have said

“George and I were inseparable from the moment we met at school. The bond we had was unique – it was like we were brothers.”

Andrew Ridgeley, in his memoir Wham! George & Me (2022) (Wikipedia)

“We had a wonderful life together in Cornwall. It was a very calm, happy relationship for many years.”

Keren Woodward, in a 2018 interview (Smooth Radio)

For fans of Wham! and pop history, the picture of Andrew Ridgeley is clear: he chose a private life away from the spotlight after the duo’s split. His legacy as half of one of the 1980s’ most iconic duos remains intact, but his current life in Cornwall, with surfing and environmental work, is a deliberate and quiet departure from the fame he once knew. For those hoping for a return to music, the implication is straightforward: Ridgeley is content with the life he has built, and that is unlikely to change.

Fans curious about what happened to the Wham! star after the spotlight faded can explore Andrew Ridgeleys quiet life today for a detailed look at his current pursuits.

Frequently asked questions