Andrew Ridgeley – Net Worth, Wife, Book and Life After Wham

Andrew Ridgeley is widely recognised as the co-founder of Wham!, the pop duo that defined much of the 1980s alongside his school friend George Michael. Born Andrew John Ridgeley on 26 January 1963 in Windlesham, Surrey, he rose to global fame before stepping away from the spotlight. Today, at 63, he lives a quiet life in Cornwall, occasionally appearing in interviews and maintaining a modest public presence.

While Wham! produced a string of unforgettable hits, Ridgeley’s personal story is less documented. His net worth, family life, and current activities are subjects of ongoing curiosity. This article brings together verified facts and clarifies what remains uncertain, drawing on public records, interviews, and official sources.

What Is Andrew Ridgeley’s Net Worth in 2025?

• Andrew Ridgeley remains best known as one half of Wham!, the iconic 1980s pop duo with George Michael.
• He stepped away from the spotlight after Wham! disbanded in 1986, pursuing motorsports and environmental work.
• His 2019 memoir ‘Wham! George & Me’ became a Sunday Times bestseller and offers an insider account of the duo’s rise.
• Ridgeley’s net worth is estimated between $10 and $15 million, primarily from Wham! royalties and his book.
• He has kept his personal life very private; no confirmed details about a wife, children, or partner are publicly available.

Ridgeley’s income largely derives from Wham! royalties. One secondary biography estimates his net worth at about £18 million, but this figure is not formally verified. No official financial disclosures are available. Wikipedia confirms his role in Wham! but does not cite a net worth.

Is Andrew Ridgeley Married? Wife, Children, and Personal Life

Ridgeley’s personal life has attracted much speculation. He was in a long-term relationship with Keren Woodward of Bananarama from around 1990 until 2017. Some sources refer to Woodward as his wife, but others describe her as his partner, and there is no consistent public record of a marriage. By 2017 the relationship had ended, according to multiple biographies.

As for children, Ridgeley is not recorded as having any biological offspring. Woodward has a son from a previous relationship; that child is sometimes mentioned in connection with Ridgeley, but he is not the biological father. A 2022–2023 relationship with Amanda Cronin was reported by one source, but no further details have been confirmed.

There is no public information suggesting Ridgeley has a husband. His current relationship status is private, and he has not commented publicly on the matter since his split from Woodward.

Andrew Ridgeley’s Book: What Is It About?

In 2019 Ridgeley published his memoir, Wham! George & Me. The book is described by Penguin Books as a heartfelt dedication to his “dearest friend” George Michael. It covers the duo’s meeting at Bushey Meads School, their rise to fame, the whirlwind of the 1980s, and the personal bond behind the music.

The memoir became a Sunday Times bestseller and is considered the most authoritative first‑hand account of Wham! from Ridgeley’s perspective. It includes previously untold stories about recording sessions, touring China in 1985 – the first Western pop group to do so – and the decisions that led to the duo’s split in 1986.

Ridgeley does not dwell on his post‑Wham! life in the book, focusing instead on the years with Michael. The work has been praised for its warmth and candour, offering fans a rare glimpse into a friendship that shaped pop history.

How Old Is Andrew Ridgeley and What Is His Ethnicity?

Age and birth details

Andrew Ridgeley was born on 26 January 1963. As of 2025 he is 62 years old, turning 63 in January 2026. His birthplace is Windlesham, Surrey, England. He grew up in Bushey, Hertfordshire, after his family moved there during his childhood.

Ethnicity and background

Ridgeley is English/British. Public records indicate he is of white ethnicity. Some sources note English and Maltese descent, but this is not widely confirmed. His mother was a teacher and his father worked in business; further genealogical details are not part of the public record.

What did Andrew Ridgeley look like when he was young?

Photographs from the 1980s show Ridgeley with long blonde hair, often styled in a mullet or swept back, and a trademark earring. He and George Michael cultivated a playful, energetic image that matched Wham!’s upbeat sound. His youthful appearance became iconic, with many fans still associating him with that era.

Timeline of Andrew Ridgeley’s Life and Career

1. 26 January 1963 – Born in Windlesham, Surrey, England.
2. 1981 – Forms Wham! with school friend George Michael.
3. 1982–1986 – Wham! releases hits including ‘Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go’, ‘Careless Whisper’, ‘Last Christmas’.
4. 1985 – Wham! tours China – first Western pop group to perform there.
5. 1986 – Wham! disbands; Ridgeley releases solo album ‘Son of Albert’.
6. 1990s–2000s – Pursues Formula Three racing and environmental activism with IMDb noting involvement with Surfers Against Sewage.
7. 2019 – Publishes memoir ‘Wham! George & Me’.
8. 2023–2025 – Occasional interviews and social media presence; remains active on Instagram.

What We Know vs. What Is Unconfirmed

Context and Legacy of Andrew Ridgeley

Andrew Ridgeley is often overshadowed by George Michael’s solo success, but his role in Wham! was critical to the duo’s image and early songwriting. After Wham! disbanded, he chose a low‑profile life, which contrasts sharply with many 80s pop stars who remained in the spotlight. His book provides rare insight into their partnership, reminding fans that Wham! was as much a friendship as a business.

In 2025, interest in Ridgeley remains steady. Searches for his net worth, family, and current whereabouts reflect an enduring curiosity about the quieter half of a legendary duo. He lives in Cornwall and occasionally posts on Instagram, but he has not announced any new musical projects. His legacy is permanently tied to Wham!, and his memoir ensures that his own voice is part of that story.

Key Quotes and Sources

“Wham! was our friendship set to music.”

Andrew Ridgeley, in an interview with Classic Pop magazine

“I choose famous anonymity.”

Ridgeley, speaking to The Guardian in December 2024

Additional reliable sources include Britannica, Pearson (not used), and Penguin Books for author profile and book details.

What’s Next for Andrew Ridgeley?

As of 2025, Ridgeley has not announced new music or a tour. His public appearances are rare. Future developments may include further book editions or documentary projects related to Wham! legacy. His net worth may increase if Wham! catalog licensing deals emerge. No new solo projects are expected. For more on the duo’s music, see our Wham! discography and history article.

Frequently Asked Questions About Andrew Ridgeley