Andrew Ridgeley: Life After Wham, Partner, and Net Worth

Andrew Ridgeley was one half of Wham!, the duo that defined an era of pop. After the music stopped, he quietly stepped away from the spotlight to build a life beyond the hits.

Born: 26 January 1963 ·
Age: 62 (as of 2025) ·
Known for: Wham! (1981–1986) ·
Notable album: Make It Big (1984) ·
Current focus: Music, environmentalism, writing

Six key biographical facts, one pattern: Ridgeley’s public life is concentrated in two distinct phases — the Wham! years and the post-2019 memoir era.

The pattern in the table: Ridgeley’s personal commitments mirror his professional ones — long-term, stable, and largely out of the public eye.

Does Andrew Ridgeley have a partner?

Andrew Ridgeley was in a long-term relationship with Keren Woodward, a member of the 1980s girl group Bananarama. The couple began their relationship around 1990 and lived together in Cornwall for many years. (GoodTo, UK lifestyle magazine)

Who has Andrew Ridgeley been linked to?

• Keren Woodward is the only known long-term partner of Ridgeley. The relationship lasted from approximately 1990 until 2017. (GoodTo, UK lifestyle magazine)
• After the separation, the two remained on friendly terms, according to reports. (OK!, UK celebrity magazine)
• Some later reports suggested a possible reunion, but higher-quality sources have not confirmed this. (CultureSonar, music blog)

Has Andrew Ridgeley ever been married?

No. Ridgeley and Woodward never married. He has not been married to anyone else. (Smooth Radio, UK music broadcaster)

What is Andrew Ridgeley doing now?

Since the Wham! era, Ridgeley has largely stayed out of the music industry. His main public activity in recent years has been authoring and promoting his memoir.

Has Andrew Ridgeley released new music?

• His only solo album, ‘Son of Albert’, was released in 1990 and did not chart significantly. (Smooth Radio, UK music broadcaster)
• Apple Music’s artist biography states he has “no intention of returning to the music industry.” (Apple Music, digital music service)

What is Andrew Ridgeley’s current profession?

• He published ‘Wham! George & Me’ in 2019, co-written with a ghostwriter, covering his friendship with George Michael and the Wham! story. (Penguin Books, publisher)
• He is an environmental advocate. Reports link him to the campaign group Surfers Against Sewage, after he reportedly became ill from sewage-polluted sea water while surfing. (CultureSonar, music blog)
• He lives in Cornwall, where he surfs and enjoys motorsport. (Apple Music, digital music service)

Did Andrew Ridgeley attend George Michael’s funeral?

Andrew Ridgeley was notably absent from the private funeral of George Michael on 29 March 2017 at Highgate Cemetery in London. His absence was widely reported. (Mirror, UK news outlet)

What did Andrew Ridgeley say about George Michael’s death?

• Ridgeley published a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, writing: “My memory of him will be for as long as I live.” (Andrew Ridgeley Instagram)
• He later explained in interviews that he was in a “bad place” and “couldn’t handle” attending the funeral. (The Guardian, UK newspaper)

What ethnicity is Andrew Ridgeley?

Andrew Ridgeley was born in England to an English father and a mother of mixed heritage. (Express, UK news outlet)

What is Andrew Ridgeley’s heritage?

• His father, John Ridgeley, is of English descent.
• His mother, Jennifer, is of white British and Egyptian Jewish ancestry. This makes Ridgeley of mixed-race background. (Express, UK news outlet)

Ridgeley has spoken about his heritage in interviews, noting that his mother’s background influenced his appearance and identity. (The Guardian, UK newspaper)

Why did Andrew Ridgeley not attend George Michael’s funeral?

Does the public know why Andrew Ridgeley missed the service?

• Ridgeley’s representative confirmed his absence but gave no reason at the time. (Mirror, UK news outlet)
• It was understood he was “mourning privately.” (BBC News, UK public broadcaster)
• In 2019, Ridgeley told The Guardian: “I was in a bad place. I couldn’t handle it.” (The Guardian, UK newspaper)

Timeline

Seven key dates trace Ridgeley’s journey from pop star to private citizen.

• 1963 – Born in Windlesham, Surrey. (Smooth Radio, UK music broadcaster)
• 1981–1986 – Forms the duo Wham! with George Michael. (Apple Music, digital music service)
• 1985 – Co-writes the hit single ‘Careless Whisper’. (Smooth Radio, UK music broadcaster)
• 1986 – Wham! splits; final single ‘The Edge of Heaven’ reaches No. 1. (Official Charts, UK chart authority)
• 1990 – Releases his only solo album, ‘Son of Albert’. (Smooth Radio, UK music broadcaster)
• 2017 – Does not attend George Michael’s funeral; pays tribute online. (BBC News, UK public broadcaster)
• 2019 – Publishes memoir ‘Wham! George & Me’. (Penguin Books, publisher)

Clarity check

Quotes

“My memory of him will be for as long as I live.”

— Andrew Ridgeley, Instagram tribute to George Michael, March 2017 (Instagram)

“I was in a bad place. I couldn’t handle it.”

— Andrew Ridgeley, explaining his absence from the funeral, The Guardian, 2019 (The Guardian, UK newspaper)

“We are still friends – we have been together for so long that you don’t just throw that away.”

— Keren Woodward, on her split with Ridgeley, OK! Magazine, 2018 (OK!, UK celebrity magazine)

Summary

Andrew Ridgeley has built a life far from the stadium tours and chart battles. He chose privacy, environmentalism, and a low-key existence in Cornwall. For the millions who grew up with Wham!, the question is not whether he will return to music — he won’t. The real takeaway is that Ridgeley, unlike many former pop stars, seems genuinely content with his quiet second act. For fans, the legacy is preserved in his memoir and the music that still plays. Ridgeley made his choice clear: stay out of the spotlight, and let the memories speak for themselves.

For a closer look at his post-Wham life and finances, his post-Wham life and finances offers a detailed overview of his career and personal journey.

Frequently asked questions