Andrew Ridgeley Wham – Why He Left and His Life Today

Andrew John Ridgeley, born on 26 January 1963 in Bushey, England, is the quieter half of the iconic 1980s pop duo Wham!. While his school friend George Michael became a global superstar, Ridgeley stepped away from the limelight at the height of their fame. This article explores the key questions about his life: his decision to leave Wham!, his estimated net worth, his relationship status, his age, health, and what he is doing today.

Why Did Andrew Ridgeley Leave Wham?

Born: 26 January 1963, Bushey, England
Known for: Co-founder of Wham! with George Michael
Estimated net worth: $35–40 million (2025)
Personal: Long-term partner Keren Woodward; no biological children

Ridgeley’s decision to leave Wham! was mutual, driven by a desire to pursue different paths after achieving massive success.
George Michael wanted to move in a more adult musical direction, which Ridgeley supported.
Despite not matching Michael’s solo fame, Ridgeley has lived a private, content life away from the spotlight.
His net worth, while substantial, is modest compared to Michael’s, largely due to a shorter songwriting role and fewer solo projects.
Ridgeley’s role in Wham! included guitar, backing vocals, and co-writing credits on tracks like “Wham Rap! (Enjoy What You Do)” and “Young Guns (Go for It).”
The duo’s final concert took place at Wembley Stadium in 1986.
Ridgeley has stated in multiple interviews that he has no regrets about the decision.

Fact	Detail
Full name	Andrew John Ridgeley
Birthdate	26 January 1963
Age (2025)	62
Birthplace	Bushey, Hertfordshire, England
Occupation	Musician, songwriter, former racing driver
Years active	1981–1990 (music), 1990s (racing)
Partner	Keren Woodward (1990–2017)
Children	None (biological)
Notable achievement	Co-founder of Wham! (1982–1986)
Estimated net worth	$35–40 million (2025)

Wham! ended in 1986 after George Michael wanted to move in a more adult musical direction. Ridgeley also moved on to other pursuits after the breakup, a fact confirmed by both Wikipedia and financial sources.

What Is Andrew Ridgeley’s Net Worth?

Estimates of Andrew Ridgeley’s net worth vary, but the most commonly reported figure is between $35 and $40 million, roughly £30 million. This wealth is largely derived from ongoing royalties from Wham! hits, particularly the enduring success of songs like Careless Whisper, on which he holds a co-writing credit.

Net worth figures for private individuals like Ridgeley are estimates based on publicly available information. No official financial disclosure has been made, so these numbers should be considered approximations. Sources like Wealthiest.co and Therichest.com provide these estimates.

After Wham!, Ridgeley released his only solo album, Son of Albert, in 1990, which had modest commercial success. He continues to earn from songwriting royalties, especially for “Careless Whisper,” and from the Wham! catalog.

Is Andrew Ridgeley Married and Does He Have Children?

Andrew Ridgeley has never been publicly reported as married. His most significant long-term relationship was with Keren Woodward, a member of the pop group Bananarama. They moved in together in Cornwall around 1990 and were described as a couple for many years.

Who Is Andrew Ridgeley’s Wife?

Ridgeley has never been married. His long-term relationship with Keren Woodward ended in 2017. Later, he was linked to Amanda Cronin, but that relationship reportedly ended in May 2023.

There is no reliable evidence that Andrew Ridgeley has biological children. Reports that he has a son or a daughter are false or unsubstantiated. He did move to Cornwall with Woodward and her then-10-year-old son, Thomas, indicating a stepfamily connection rather than his own child.

Does Andrew Ridgeley Have a Son?

No, Andrew Ridgeley does not have any children of his own, biological or adopted. He was a stepfather figure to Keren Woodward’s son, Thomas. For more details on Andrew Ridgeley’s life after Wham!, you can explore Paul Mescal’s age and net worth.

Does Andrew Ridgeley Have a Daughter?

No, he has no daughters.

How Old Is Andrew Ridgeley and Does He Have Any Illnesses?

Andrew Ridgeley was born on 26 January 1963, making him 63 years old as of 2026. He was 62 in 2025.

Regarding his health, the provided sources do not show that Ridgeley has a major ongoing illness. He underwent septum surgery in 1984 after breaking his nose as a child. A separate report mentions a surfing-related sewage exposure in the early 1990s that affected his environmental activism, but there is no evidence that he developed a chronic illness from this. He appears to be in good health based on recent public appearances.

Online rumors about Andrew Ridgeley suffering from a serious illness are not supported by credible sources. Recent interviews and public appearances show him active and healthy. His only known medical procedure was a septum operation in 1984.

What Is Andrew Ridgeley Doing Now?

Andrew Ridgeley now lives a quiet life in Wadebridge, Cornwall, where he has resided for approximately 30 years. He is active in the community, cycles for charity, and supports environmental causes. He enjoys a low-profile lifestyle, including golf and surfing.

He continues to participate in Wham!-related projects. He published his memoir, Wham! George Michael and Me, and appeared in the 2023 Netflix documentary Wham!. He also maintains an active presence on Instagram, where he posts occasional personal updates. He reportedly earns ongoing royalties from Wham! hits and from his co-writing credit on “Careless Whisper.”

For a look at another 80s pop star’s current life, read Chesney Hawkes – Biography, Career and 2026 Tour Plans.

Timeline of Key Events in Andrew Ridgeley’s Life

1963: Born in Bushey, England.
1981: Forms the duo Wham! with school friend George Michael.
1982: Wham! releases debut single “Young Guns (Go for It).”
1984: Wham! achieves global fame with Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go and album Make It Big.
1985: Wham! becomes first Western pop group to perform in China.
1986: Wham! disbands after farewell concert at Wembley Stadium.
1990: Releases only solo album Son of Albert and begins relationship with Keren Woodward.
1990s: Pursues car racing in the British Touring Car Championship and Formula Three.
2023: Featured in Netflix documentary Wham!.
2024–2025: Active on Instagram; participates in Wham! reissue projects.