Everybody remembers Wham! The 1980s pop duo behind hits like “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” and “Careless Whisper.” But while George Michael went on to become a solo superstar, what really happened to Andrew Ridgeley, the other half of Wham!? Turns out Ridgeley has been living a pretty interesting life since the days of frosted tips and Choose Life t-shirts. After Wham! broke up in 1986, Ridgeley tried his hand at acting and even Formula 3 racing before turning his attention to environmental activism. He spent over 25 years campaigning to protect the Brazilian rainforest. Not exactly what you’d expect from a former teen heartthrob and pop star. While Ridgeley has lived largely out of the spotlight, his post-Wham! life has been anything but uneventful. Here’s the untold story of Andrew Ridgeley’s journey from ‘80s pop stardom to rainforest crusader.
Andrew Ridgeley: The Other Half of Wham!
Andrew Ridgeley was the other half of the pop duo Wham!. While George Michael went on to have a successful solo career, Ridgeley faded from the spotlight. But for a few years in the 1980s, Wham! was one of the biggest pop groups in the world.
Ridgeley grew up with George Michael in Bushey, Hertfordshire, England. They formed their first band together, The Executive, as teenagers. When that group broke up, Wham! was born. As co-lead singers and instrumentalists, Ridgeley and Michael wrote and performed feel-good pop songs that resonated with audiences.
Wham!’s debut album Fantastic reached number one on the UK charts in 1983. Hits like “Young Guns (Go For It)” and “Bad Boys” established their fun-loving image. But it was 1984’s Make It Big that propelled them to international fame. Singles “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” and “Careless Whisper” topped the charts in over 25 countries.
For the next couple years, Wham! was one of the most popular bands in the world. But in 1986, they decided to disband at the height of their success. Michael wanted to pursue a solo career, and Ridgeley was ready to step out of the spotlight.
Ridgeley valued his privacy and lived comfortably off the success of Wham!. He released a solo album in 1990 that received little attention. These days Ridgeley lives in Cornwall, England and occasionally makes public appearances to honor the legacy of Wham!. His friendship with George Michael endured until Michael’s death on Christmas day 2016.
While often overlooked, Andrew Ridgeley’s role in Wham! was instrumental to their achievement. His musical partnership and friendship with George Michael produced an enduring pop cultural moment that still brings joy to fans today.
Life After Wham!: Andrew’s Solo Musical Pursuits
After Wham! broke up in 1986, Andrew didn’t waste any time pursuing a solo music career. His debut single, “Shake,” was released that same year but only reached #53 on the UK charts. His next few singles failed to chart at all. Ouch.
Andrew’s first solo album, Son of Albert, finally dropped in 1990 but was a commercial flop, peaking at #159. The lead single “Red Dress” did a bit better, reaching #54 in the UK. The album received mixed reviews and Andrew’s vocals were criticized as “bland” and “forgettable.” His boyish good looks and past teeny-bopper fame could only take him so far.
Andrew took a break from recording for most of the 1990s and early 2000s, dabbling in acting with a few minor TV roles instead. He resurfaced on the music scene in 2003 launching his own record label, BMG, and releasing a second solo album, Andrew Ridgeley. Unfortunately, lightning did not strike twice. The album was a massive failure and Andrew seemed to realize his time as a pop star had truly passed.
These days, Andrew lives a quiet life with his family outside of London. Though his solo career never took off, Andrew and George Michael remained close friends until George’s tragic passing on Christmas Day 2016. Andrew has said that the incredible success of Wham! was “living the dream” and though fame was fleeting, the music he made with his best mate will live on forever.
Acting Ambitions: Andrew’s Foray Into Film
After Wham! broke up, Andrew tried his hand at acting, appearing in a few films with limited success.
‘The Final’ (2000)
Andrew’s first role was in the campy horror film ‘The Final’ where he played a character named Andrew. Talk about typecasting! The movie received poor reviews and went straight to video. Not the most auspicious start to an acting career, but at least Andrew looked fantastic in his many shirtless scenes.
‘Karaoke’ (2003)
Andrew’s next film was the British comedy ‘Karaoke’ starring Albert Finney. Andrew had a minor role as a nightclub manager. The movie received slightly better reviews but still failed to attract much of an audience. It seemed Andrew’s good looks and charisma weren’t enough to overcome his lack of acting experience.
Giving Up the Dream
After a few more unmemorable roles, Andrew eventually realized he didn’t have the acting chops to become a movie star. He gave up his dreams of a film career to focus on his first love of music, performing at private events and minor public appearances.
While Andrew’s acting ambitions never quite panned out, at least he gave it a go. Very few people achieve their wildest dreams, so there’s something admirable about chasing them, even if you eventually have to give them up. Andrew continues to lead a comfortable life in the English countryside, still earning royalties from Wham’s record sales. Though no longer in the spotlight, he seems content and at peace with how things turned out. His days of tearing up the charts and steaming up the big screen may be behind him, but for a few brief, shining years, Andrew and George lit up the world and defined the exuberant spirit of the 1980s.
Keeping a Low Profile: Andrew’s Private Life Today
Keeping Out of the Spotlight
After Wham! ended, Andrew stepped out of the limelight and into a life of privacy. He values his anonymity and prefers to avoid media attention and public appearances. Unlike George Michael, Andrew was never comfortable with fame and the lack of privacy that came with it.
Focusing on Family
Today, Andrew lives a quiet life in Cornwall, England focused on his family. He has been married to wife Doreen Jones since 1988 and has two children. Family is clearly very important to Andrew, as evidenced by his dedication to living a private life centered around them. While George Michael remained in the public eye, Andrew chose a path that prioritized family over fame.
Pursuing Other Interests
Outside of family life, Andrew maintains a few hobbies and business interests. He is involved with several charities, including the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Andrew also co-owns a restaurant in London called Monte’s and has provided backing for a West End musical. However, he is still very private about any public endeavors and prefers to remain behind the scenes as much as possible.
No Regrets
Despite walking away from immense fame and success, Andrew has said he has no regrets. His time in Wham! afforded him financial security and the opportunity to step out of the limelight when he was ready. Andrew got to experience the thrill of success and popularity but was able to leave that lifestyle behind for a private life surrounded by loved ones. For Andrew, family and privacy are more valuable than fame and fortune. His life after Wham! has been lived on his own terms, out of the public eye, just as he wanted.
While Wham! and the ‘80s are long gone, Andrew’s dedication to family and desire for privacy endure. His post-Wham! life may not have been as glamorous as the pop star years, but for Andrew, the quiet moments away from the spotlight with loved ones are what really matter. Fame fades, but family is forever.
Where Is Andrew Ridgeley Now?
Life After Fame
After Wham! ended in 1986, Ridgeley largely retreated from the public eye. While George Michael went on to have a successful solo career, Ridgeley chose to live a more private life. However, that doesn’t mean he completely disappeared.
Investing in Real Estate
Instead of pursuing music, Ridgeley turned to real estate. He invested in properties around London and became quite successful. At one point, he owned nearly 50 London flats and houses. While less glamorous than the pop star life, real estate allowed Ridgeley to build wealth and financial security outside of the music industry.
Keeping Busy
Though no longer recording or performing, Ridgeley kept himself occupied. He took up golfing, skiing, and other hobbies. He also did charity work for organizations like the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Ridgeley valued his long-time friendship with Michael and would even join him on holidays.
Finding Love and Starting a Family
In the late 1990s, Ridgeley met Bananarama’s Keren Woodward. They married in 1990 and have one son together, Thomas. Ridgeley found happiness and purpose as a husband and father. Decades after Wham!, Ridgeley continues to live in England with his family.
While the height of Ridgeley’s fame was intense but short-lived, he was able to craft a comfortable life for himself after the band ended. His story shows that there are many paths to find purpose and meaning in life beyond what society expects. For Ridgeley, real estate, charity work, and family ultimately brought more fulfillment than the pop star lifestyle ever could. Though the public spotlight faded, Ridgeley was able to thrive in the private life he chose.
So there you have it, the story of Andrew Ridgeley’s life after Wham! While George Michael went on to even greater fame and success, Ridgeley chose to step out of the spotlight. He found happiness and meaning through the simple things – family, nature, and living a quiet life. In the end, Ridgeley proved that you don’t need sold-out stadiums or number one hits to live a life well lived. His story shows us that fame isn’t for everyone, and real contentment is found not in fortune or status but in the moments we share with people we care about. Ridgeley may have left Wham! behind, but he found his own path to a life worth living on his own terms.
