The actress’s choice to leave Hollywood surprised many, but her most important role has been standing by the side of one of the world’s most famous drummers. Together for over 43 years, their love story is as captivating as their past careers.
This star captivated audiences with her talent and beauty during the peak of her acting career in the 1970s and ’80s. However, after achieving stardom, she chose to step away from acting after falling in love with a rock star.
Discover their captivating love story—how they overcame addiction together, faced public scrutiny, and how their bond has lasted for more than four decades.
From Italy to Hollywood – The Actress’s Journey to Stardom and Her First Marriage
The star’s path to stardom started far from Hollywood’s spotlight. In the early 1960s, she met her first husband, Augusto Gregorini, while on a modeling assignment overseas. Gregorini, an Italian businessman 11 years her senior, captured her heart, and after marrying, they relocated to Italy. It was there that the actress’s acting career truly began to take off.
Her first major role came in 1968 when she played Nausicaa in the Italian television adaptation of Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey, directed by Franco Rossi. This early success paved the way for her growing career in the Italian film industry.
In the following years, she gained more recognition for roles in films like The Black Belly of the Tarantula (1971), where she starred alongside fellow Bond girls Claudine Auger and Barbara Bouchet.
During her first marriage, she and Gregorini had two children, Francesca and Gianni. However, the marriage eventually ended, and by 1975, the couple had separated.
Reflecting on her first marriage, the actress stated, “My marriage was by no means a mistake. I have two wonderful kids—Francesca, 12, and Gianni, 8—and I learned a whole new culture. It just wasn’t a lifetime commitment.”
After her divorce, the actress returned to the United States, eager to begin the next chapter of her career. Hollywood called, and her breakthrough came in 1977 when she starred as Anya Amasova in The Spy Who Loved Me, one of the most iconic James Bond films.
Her portrayal of the bold and beautiful Bond girl earned her widespread fame and cemented her status as a leading actress of the era. While The Spy Who Loved Me marked the peak of her career, her Hollywood journey was filled with ups and downs before it came to an end in 1986.
A notable setback in her career was losing the opportunity to join the cast of Charlie’s Angels to Shelley Hack. However, this turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as it led her to sign on for the 1981 film Caveman, where she met her husband, with whom she has now been married for over four decades.
Meeting Ringo Starr marked a significant turning point in her life. While on the set of Caveman, she crossed paths with the legendary drummer of The Beatles, and their connection quickly blossomed into a deep and lasting relationship. Their bond has stood the test of time, enduring for over four decades.
By this time, Ringo Starr had become an established star, not only as The Beatles’ drummer but also as an actor. He once remarked, “They still think I’m just some rock’n’roll drummer and don’t respect me as an actor, but the people I’ve worked with — like Peter Sellers and Richard Burton — gave me a far better education than an acting school could.”
Their relationship quickly blossomed, and the actress fondly recalled, “On April 27, he told me he loved me,” marking the moment when they became inseparable. By the time filming wrapped, they had already moved in together.
Their romance faced an early test when they were involved in a serious car accident near London, England. Starr swerved to avoid a skidding truck, causing their car to flip over twice after hitting two light posts.
Miraculously, they both walked away unharmed. Starr later sweetly said, “We decided we wouldn’t spend any time apart. So far, the longest break was five days, and that was too long. I want to live every minute with [girlfriend’s name].”
The public scrutiny they faced added a layer of complexity to their relationship. Starr had previously divorced Maureen Starkey, the mother of his three children — Zak, Jason, and Lee — which brought additional attention and challenges to his new romance.
He had also been involved in high-profile relationships with singer Lynsey de Paul and model Nancy Andrews. “We both had the same philosophy. Neither one ever wanting to marry again,” Starr’s then-girlfriend revealed during an interview with Playboy magazine.
However, the couple’s bond grew stronger as they supported each other through life’s challenges. “Quite honestly, I never thought I’d be so lucky, to fall so much in love that I’d want to do the whole thing over. My family was shocked,” she added.
One of the most significant trials they faced together was their battle with substance abuse. In October 1988, the couple sought treatment at the Sierra Tucson Rehabilitation Clinic to address their struggles and begin the path to recovery.
The experience helped them both turn their lives around, and Starr’s music career, which had taken a backseat in the late ’70s and ’80s, was reignited. The couple’s recovery gave Starr a renewed focus, leading to a resurgence in his music career.
“I didn’t tour in the ’80s, and not a lot in the ’70s. I sort of got involved in a lot of substances and they became more important than anything else,” Starr admitted.
“Then in ’88 I ended up in rehab, and in ’89 I put the first All-Starr Band together. I got back on track, and that’s what I’ve done ever since,” the iconic drummer added.
Since their recovery, Barbara Bach and Ringo Starr became vegetarians and dedicated themselves to giving back, using their influence to support various charitable causes.
They founded The Lotus Foundation, a charitable organization that funds various projects focused on promoting social welfare and supporting humanitarian causes.
The Lotus Foundation supports a range of initiatives, including programs for individuals battling substance abuse, those with cerebral palsy, and patients with brain tumors, as well as other important causes.
Reflecting on their enduring love, Barbara Bach simply stated, “I love the man, and that’s it.”
Starr echoed her sentiment, saying, “There’s no escape… I think I love Barbara as much [today] as I did [when we met]—and I’m beyond blessed that she loves me and we’re still together.”
In July 2021, Ringo Starr shared a photo of him and his longtime wife on Instagram, prompting one social media user to comment, “Such a beautiful couple…hope your birthday was totally awesome Ringo!!!!!”
Another person commented, “So beautiful. Aww!…love ya both!” A third added, “Gorgeous pic – you and Barbara looking fabulous!” A fourth wrote, “Cool couple!”
Barbara Bach and Ringo Starr’s love story is a testament to their enduring commitment and resilience. Having faced life’s challenges side by side, their bond remains strong after over 40 years together, proving that true love can thrive, even under the spotlight.
