- Andrew Ridgeley is best known for his work in the 1980s with the musical duo Wham!, where he contributed to guitar and vocals.
- After Wham!, Ridgeley pursued a solo career, releasing several albums that showcased his talent as a singer and songwriter.
- Ridgeley has also ventured into acting, appearing in films and television shows, further expanding his career beyond music.
- His interest in racing led him to become a professional racing driver, competing in various championships.
Newsypeople- Ridgeley’s musical career with Wham! was marked by a series of hit singles and albums that dominated the charts in the 1980s. The duo’s success was largely attributed to their catchy pop music and memorable performances, which made them one of the most popular bands of the era. Ridgeley’s contributions to the band included guitar playing and vocals, showcasing his musical versatility.
After the disbandment of Wham! in 1986, Ridgeley embarked on a solo career, releasing several albums that showcased his talent as a singer and songwriter. His solo work, while not as commercially successful as his time with Wham!, allowed him to explore different musical styles and genres.
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What Is Andrew Ridgeley Net Worth?
Andrew Ridgeley, the English singer, songwriter, guitarist, and record producer, is best known for his time with the iconic 80s pop band Wham!, which he co-founded with his childhood friend George Michael. Ridgeley’s net worth is estimated to be around $40 million as of 2023. This impressive figure is largely attributed to his time in Wham!, which skyrocketed to stardom in the early 1980s and concluded with their final performance on June 28, 1986, at Wembley studio, attended by 72,000 fans. This period marked a significant chapter in pop culture, contributing significantly to Ridgeley’s wealth.
Beyond his time with Wham!, Ridgeley has also made a couple of millions from other ventures, including rare television appearances and a deal with a surfing company. Following Wham!’s disbandment in 1986, Ridgeley picked up the hobby of surfing, which led to a partnership with a surfing company. Additionally, his contributions to the music industry extend beyond his work with Wham!, as he is credited as a co-writer of the hit song “Careless Whisper” by George Michael. Despite the song being a solo effort by George Michael, Ridgeley still receives a significant portion of the song’s royalties each year, further contributing to his net worth.
Andrew Ridgeley’s net worth of around $40 million is a testament to his success and influence in the music industry, particularly through his time with Wham! and his contributions to the music of George Michael. His ventures beyond Wham!, including his surfing company deal and his share of “Careless Whisper” royalties, have also contributed to his wealth.
Andrew Ridgeley Family: Who Are His Wife And Kids?
Andrew Ridgeley family background is rich with cultural diversity, as his mother, Jennifer Jill (née Dunlop), was of English and Scottish descent, while his father, Alberto Mario Zacharia, was of Jewish, Italian, Yemeni, and Egyptian descent.
His father’s family was expelled from Egypt due to the Suez Crisis. Ridgeley has one sibling, Paul, born in February 1964. Growing up in Bushey, Hertfordshire, Ridgeley attended Bushey Meads School, where his mother was a schoolteacher at Bushey Heath Primary School, and his father worked for Canon. When George Michael started school, Ridgeley took it upon himself to look after him, demonstrating his close relationship with George Michael from an early age.
In terms of his personal life, Ridgeley was in a long-term relationship with Keren Woodward, a member of the group Bananarama, from 1990 to 2017. They lived together with her son in a restored 15th-century farm property near Wadebridge, Cornwall, England. This relationship was significant, as it was the longest relationship Ridgeley had been in, spanning over 25 years. However, they announced their split in 2017.
Following his split with Woodward, Ridgeley announced he was dating socialite Amanda Cronin in summer 2022, but they separated in May 2023. This period marked a brief interlude in Ridgeley’s personal life, following his long-term relationship with Woodward.
Ridgeley’s career in music has been notably successful, especially with Wham!, where he and George Michael achieved significant fame and success in the 1980s. Despite his success in music, Ridgeley has chosen to largely stay out of the limelight and did not pursue a career in music after Wham! disbanded. In 2019, he published a book about his close friendship with George Michael, titled “George and Me,” reflecting on their time together and the impact of their partnership.
Andrew Ridgeley Achievement Explored
Ridgeley’s music career took off with the formation of Wham! in 1981, alongside George Michael. The duo quickly became one of the most popular music acts of the 1980s, known for their catchy pop and rock music. Their discography includes several hit singles and albums that have stood the test of time, such as “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go,” “Careless Whisper,” and “Last Christmas.” Despite the duo’s initial success, Ridgeley’s role in the band evolved over time, with his contributions to songwriting and music production becoming more prominent.
Beyond his music career, Ridgeley has also been involved in charitable work. He has participated in the Dallaglio Cycle Slam, a charity bike ride established by former England rugby captain Lawrence Dallaglio, which aims to help young people tackle life in a positive way through rugby. This involvement reflects Ridgeley’s commitment to giving back to the community and supporting young people.
Ridgeley’s personal life has also been noteworthy, marked by significant relationships and personal growth. From 1990 to 2017, he was in a relationship with Keren Woodward, a member of the group Bananarama, and they lived with her son in a restored 15th-century farm property near Wadebridge, Cornwall, England. More recently, Ridgeley announced he was dating socialite Amanda Cronin in summer 2022, although they separated in May 2023.
In his later years, Ridgeley has continued to explore his musical talents, with a focus on songwriting and developing his skills further. Despite facing criticism and being portrayed as George Michael’s hanger-on in the press, Ridgeley has maintained a positive outlook, acknowledging the challenges but also highlighting the growth and evolution of his career. His memoir, published in 2019, offers a candid look into his life, career, and personal reflections, providing readers with a deeper understanding of his journey.
Andrew Ridgeley’s achievements extend beyond his music career, encompassing his contributions to charity, his personal growth, and his enduring impact on the music industry. His journey is a testament to his resilience, creativity, and dedication to his craft, making him a significant figure in the world of music.
