Andrew Ridgeley is best known as the other half of Wham!, the 1980s pop sensation that sold over 30 million records and defined an era. But decades after the duo’s heyday, Ridgeley has carved out a quiet, meaningful life far from the spotlight. This profile covers his biography, net worth, family, health, book, and current activities, answering the questions that fans and curious readers most often ask.
Born on January 26, 1963, in Windlesham, Surrey, Andrew John Ridgeley became a household name alongside childhood friend George Michael. After Wham! disbanded in 1986, Ridgeley stepped away from the music industry, pursuing motorsport and environmental activism. Today, he lives a private life in Cornwall, remains active on Instagram, and has published a memoir about his time with Michael.
Who Is Andrew Ridgeley? Biography and Early Life
Full Name Andrew John Ridgeley
Born 26 January 1963 (Age 62)
Known For Wham! (with George Michael)
Book Wham! George & Me (2019)
Key Insights
- Andrew Ridgeley has largely remained out of the spotlight since Wham! disbanded in 1986, pursuing interests in motorsport (Formula Three) and environmental activism.
- Despite persistent rumors, there is no credible public evidence that Andrew Ridgeley has a serious illness or cancer.
- Ridgeley has been in a long-term relationship with former Bananarama singer Keren Woodward since the 1990s, but they are not publicly confirmed as married.
- His 2019 memoir ‘Wham! George & Me’ was a critical and commercial success, offering an insider perspective on the duo’s rise to fame.
- Ridgeley’s estimated net worth is derived primarily from Wham! royalties, songwriting credits, and his book deal.
Snapshot Facts
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Andrew John Ridgeley |
| Date of Birth | 26 January 1963 |
| Age (2025) | 62 |
| Place of Birth | Windlesham, Surrey, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Ethnicity | White (English) |
| Occupation | Musician, Songwriter, Author, Environmentalist |
| Years Active | 1981–1990 (music), 2019 (book) |
| Known For | Wham! (1981–1986) |
| Partner | Keren Woodward (1990–present) |
| Children | None publicly confirmed |
| Net Worth (Est.) | £10 million (approximately $12–15 million) |
| Book | Wham! George & Me (2019) |
| @andrewjohnridgeley |
Ridgeley met George Michael at Bushey Meads School in Hertfordshire, where Ridgeley volunteered to take the younger Michael under his wing. After a brief stint in the short-lived group The Executive, the two formed Wham! in 1981. The duo became one of the most successful pop acts of the 1980s, scoring six UK number‑one hits including “Wake Me Up Before You Go‑Go” and “Careless Whisper.” Ridgeley co‑wrote “Careless Whisper” on the back of a school bus and performed guitar and vocals in the duo. Wikipedia provides a full biographical account.
What Is Andrew Ridgeley Doing Now? Current Life and Activities
After the whirlwind of Wham! and a brief solo career, Ridgeley stepped back from the music industry. He has stated he has no intention of returning to music. Instead, he channels his energy into environmental causes and personal pursuits.
Environmental Activism
In the early 1990s, while surfing off the coast of England with his brother Paul, Ridgeley contracted a waterborne illness from raw sewage discharged into the water. This personal health crisis catalyzed his activism with Surfers Against Sewage (SAS), a UK charity campaigning for clean coastal waters. His efforts with SAS helped enact laws that virtually eliminated E. coli illness and deaths related to sewage in the UK. His personal website details this work.
Ridgeley’s own illness from polluted water transformed him into a dedicated environmentalist. He became a prominent member of Surfers Against Sewage and actively campaigned for cleaner British beaches.
Motorsport and Hobbies
A lifelong car enthusiast, Ridgeley pursued Formula Three racing in the 1990s, driving for the Mansell Madgwick team. Today he lives in Cornwall, where he is a keen surfer and golfer. He maintains a presence on Instagram (@andrewjohnridgeley), where his bio reads “One time member of an 80’s beat combo and inveterate wastrel.” His Instagram profile offers occasional updates.
Guardian of Wham!’s Legacy
Ridgeley made a cameo in the 2019 film Last Christmas, which featured Wham! songs. The 2023 Netflix documentary Wham! used archive footage and his own reflections to tell the duo’s story from inside their friendship. The Netflix documentary is a definitive account.
Is Andrew Ridgeley Married? Wife, Children, and Family Life
Relationship with Keren Woodward
Ridgeley has been in a long‑term relationship with Keren Woodward, a singer from the band Bananarama, since 1990. According to IMDb, they were married from 1990 until their divorce in November 2017. However, the status of a legal marriage has not been confirmed by Ridgeley himself. They have lived together in Cornwall for many years.
Children
Multiple reliable sources state that Ridgeley does not have any biological children. Some sources, including IMDb, claim he and Woodward have one child together, but there is no publicly verifiable information about a child, and Ridgeley has never spoken about being a father. The question remains open.
The couple’s long‑term partnership is well documented, but the details about a legal marriage and children are not confirmed by Ridgeley. Most biographies agree that he has no publicly known children.
What Is Andrew Ridgeley’s Net Worth?
Ridgeley has reportedly amassed £10 million since 1982 from record sales and royalties, according to his personal website. Much of this income stems from “Careless Whisper,” which sold six million copies worldwide and remains one of the UK’s best‑selling singles. He continues to receive tens of thousands of pounds annually from his share of Wham! royalties as a member and songwriter. While “net worth” is often used interchangeably with accumulated earnings, his active annual income remains steady from legacy royalties. No official financial disclosure exists, so all figures are estimates.
Net worth figures for public figures are frequently estimates based on known assets and industry averages. Ridgeley has never released a formal financial statement, so the £10 million figure should be treated as an informed estimate.
Does Andrew Ridgeley Have an Illness? Health Rumors Explained
Rumors have circulated online that Andrew Ridgeley has cancer or another serious illness. This appears to be an internet rumor with no credible source. The only documented health issues Ridgeley has experienced are:
- In 1984, he underwent surgery to straighten his septum to improve his breathing after breaking his nose at age nine.
- In the early 1990s, he contracted a waterborne illness from raw sewage while surfing, which sparked his environmental activism.
There is no public evidence of any life‑threatening disease. As of the latest available information, Ridgeley appears to be in good health.
What Is the Andrew Ridgeley Book About?
In 2019, Penguin Random House published Ridgeley’s memoir titled Wham! George & Me. The book is a heartfelt account of his deep childhood bond with George Michael and the duo’s whirlwind rise to fame. It pays “eloquent dedication” to his “dearest friend.” Following Michael’s death on December 25, 2016, Ridgeley publicly expressed his grief on Twitter, calling him his “beloved friend Yog.” In 2023, Ridgeley inducted George Michael into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, honoring their lifelong friendship on stage. The book is available from Penguin Books.
Key Events in Andrew Ridgeley’s Life
- 1963 – Born in Windlesham, Surrey, England.
- 1975 – Met George Michael at Bushey Meads School.
- 1981 – Formed Wham! with George Michael.
- 1982 – Wham! releases debut album Fantastic.
- 1984 – Wham! releases Make It Big with global hits.
- 1985 – Wham! performs in China, a historic cultural event.
- 1986 – Wham! disbands after farewell concert at Wembley Stadium.
- 1990 – Releases solo album Son of Albert; begins relationship with Keren Woodward.
- 1990s – Pursues Formula Three racing and environmental activism.
- 2019 – Publishes memoir Wham! George & Me.
- 2023 – Participates in Wham! documentary on Netflix.
- 2025 – Remains active on Instagram; continues environmental work.
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear About Andrew Ridgeley?
| Topic | Status | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Illness/Cancer | Unconfirmed | No credible public source or official statement confirms cancer or serious illness. Likely an internet rumor. |
| Marital Status | Uncertain | Long‑term relationship with Keren Woodward since 1990s; no public confirmation of a legal marriage. |
| Children | Confirmed (no children) | Multiple reliable sources state Ridgeley has no biological children. |
| Net Worth | Estimated | Figures are based on known assets, royalties, and book sales; no official disclosure. |
Understanding Andrew Ridgeley’s Legacy and Relationship with George Michael
Andrew Ridgeley’s role in Wham! was often overshadowed by George Michael’s songwriting and vocal prowess, but he was a crucial visual and energetic counterpart. The duo’s deliberate homoerotic imagery was a calculated marketing strategy that challenged 1980s norms. Ridgeley’s decision to step away from the music industry after his solo album underperformed reflects a deliberate choice for privacy over fame. His environmental activism and motorsport pursuits demonstrate a multifaceted personality beyond pop stardom. The 2019 memoir and 2023 Netflix documentary have renewed public interest in his story.
Where Can I Find Reliable Information About Andrew Ridgeley?
“One time member of an 80’s beat combo and inveterate wastrel.”
Andrew Ridgeley (Instagram bio)
“Andrew John Ridgeley (born 26 January 1963) is an English musician. He is best known for his work in the 1980s in the musical duo Wham!”
Wikipedia
“Andrew Ridgeley is one of the biggest names in the history of pop music. He is also a guitarist and environmentalist.”
IMDb
For further reading, see the Wham! discography and history and the George Michael biography.
What Is the Bottom Line?
Andrew Ridgeley remains a respected figure in pop history, a committed environmentalist, and a private individual who values his life away from fame. His story is one of friendship, creativity, and a purposeful second act. While rumors persist, the available evidence paints a picture of a healthy, content man who has made peace with his past and actively protects his legacy and the environment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Andrew Ridgeley
What is Andrew Ridgeley’s Instagram handle?
@andrewjohnridgeley
Did Andrew Ridgeley attend George Michael’s funeral?
Yes, Ridgeley was a pallbearer at George Michael’s funeral in 2017.
What car did Andrew Ridgeley race in Formula Three?
He raced for the Mansell Madgwick team in the early 1990s.
Is Andrew Ridgeley on any social media besides Instagram?
He is not publicly active on Twitter/X or Facebook.
What is Andrew Ridgeley’s height?
Approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm).
Does Andrew Ridgeley still make music?
No, he has stated he has no intention of returning to the music industry.
What is the title of Andrew Ridgeley’s book?
Wham! George & Me, published in 2019.
How old is Andrew Ridgeley in 2025?
62 years old (born 26 January 1963).
Is Andrew Ridgeley a father?
Multiple reliable sources say he does not have children.
Henry William Morgan Harrison is a staff writer for NorwichWire.co.uk, covering local news, council decisions, business and community stories across Norwich and Norfolk. He works under Editor-in-Chief William Hargreaves and Managing Editor Clara Benson, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.