What Happened To Bowie's First Wife?
Many people, it seems, often wonder about the lives connected to music's biggest stars, particularly after those stars are gone. When we think of David Bowie, a truly iconic figure who passed away on January 10, 2016, with liver cancer, our minds often turn to his groundbreaking music and incredible stage presence. Yet, there's also a deep curiosity about the personal side of his life, especially about the people who shaped him in those early, formative years. This is that, a story about someone who was right there at the very beginning of his legendary rise.
It's quite natural, actually, to look back and ask about the individuals who shared significant parts of an artist's journey. For David Bowie, his first wife, Angela Barnett Bowie, played an absolutely crucial role in his life and, arguably, in the creation of his most famous persona. Their relationship, while intense and ultimately brief in the grand scheme of things, left an undeniable mark on both of them.
This article, you know, will explore the fascinating path of Angie Bowie, from her initial meeting with David to their eventual separation and what her life has been like since. We'll look at their unique bond, the creative sparks that flew between them, and the challenges they faced together. So, let's get into the details of what truly happened to David Bowie's first wife.
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Unraveling the Story of Angela Barnett Bowie
The story of Angela Barnett Bowie, often just called Angie, is really quite a captivating one, isn't it? She's someone who, in a way, became part of rock'n'roll folklore, deeply entwined with one of music's most innovative minds. Her life before and after David Bowie, too, has its own distinct chapters, each telling a bit about a very strong and independent person.
Who is Angela Barnett Bowie?
Mary Angela Barnett, born on September 25, 1949, is an American model, actress, and journalist. She became widely known as Angie Bowie during her marriage to David Bowie. She is, quite simply, the first wife, now ex, of the late David (Jones) Bowie. Her life has been, you know, quite public at times, especially given her connection to such a famous figure.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mary Angela Barnett |
| Known As | Angie Bowie |
| Born | September 25, 1949 |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupations | Model, Actress, Journalist, Writer, Media Personality |
| Spouse | David Bowie (married 1970, divorced 1980) |
| Child | Duncan Jones (Zowie Bowie) |
A Fateful Meeting and a Unique Union
Angie met David Bowie in London in 1969, when she was just 19 years old. This was, as a matter of fact, just before the release of his iconic song "Space Oddity." Their connection was, by all accounts, immediate and rather intense. They were married just a year later, on Friday, March 20, 1970, at Bromley Register Office. It was, you know, a very quick progression from meeting to marriage.
Their marriage was, in many ways, quite unorthodox and, frankly, volatile. David Bowie himself once said he married Angie because she was the only person he could stand to live with. He had a tendency, apparently, to scare away most other people. This gives us, perhaps, a little insight into the kind of dynamic they shared, a relationship that was certainly not conventional by any stretch of the imagination.
The couple's bond, full of passion and creativity, was something quite special, too. It lasted for a decade, a significant period in Bowie's early career. This was a time when, arguably, he was truly finding his voice and his public persona, and Angie was right there beside him for much of it. Their connection was, in some respects, a foundational one for both their lives during those years.
The Creative Partnership Behind the Legend
Angie Bowie, at 66 years old at the time of David's passing, is deeply woven into the fabric of rock'n'roll folklore. She is, quite literally, the woman who helped David Bowie create Ziggy Stardust. Her involvement went beyond just being his wife; she assisted him, you know, in conceptualizing the costumes for the Ziggy Stardust stage show. This was a period of incredible artistic explosion, and she was a key player in it.
Her role as a creative collaborator is often highlighted when people talk about the early Bowie years. She wasn't just a bystander; she was an active participant in the artistic process, helping to shape the visual identity that became synonymous with the glam rock icon. This partnership, in a way, shows how deeply intertwined their lives and creative endeavors actually were during their marriage.
Beyond the costumes, she was, of course, the mother of their son, Zowie, who is now known as Duncan Jones. This shared responsibility, too, added another layer to their already complex relationship. Their story is, you know, a clear example of how personal and professional lives can blend, especially in the intense world of rock music during that era. Learn more about the history of iconic rock figures on our site.
The Challenges and the End of a Marriage
Despite the creative synergy and passion, their marriage faced numerous challenges. The text suggests, quite directly, that David Bowie’s increasing substance abuse issues were a significant problem. His infidelity, too, played a role in the difficulties they encountered. These issues, you know, placed immense strain on their relationship, making it incredibly difficult to sustain.
Their relationship, understandably, eventually came to an end. The separation and divorce between David and Angela Bowie marked a truly significant turning point in both their lives. It was, in some respects, the closing of a very intense and formative chapter for them both. The process itself was not quick or easy, either.
David and Angie Bowie’s divorce was officially granted and settled on February 8, 1980, in Switzerland, after nine years of marriage. It was, you know, a lengthy divorce procedure. Angie was awarded £500,000 as part of the settlement. A particularly poignant aspect of their separation was that Angie left their son, Zowie, in David's custody. This decision, understandably, caused an emotional fracture between Bowie and his son, a very difficult outcome for all involved.
David, for his part, hasn't spoken much about Angie since their divorce. He did, of course, famously say that living with her was like living with a blowtorch, which gives a pretty vivid picture of the intensity of their dynamic. This comment, you know, really highlights the powerful and perhaps exhausting nature of their relationship from his perspective.
Life After David: Angie's Path
After her marriage to David Bowie ended, Angie Bowie certainly didn't fade into the background. She became a writer and a media personality, remaining quite active in those fields. Her experiences, too, gave her a unique perspective, which she has shared publicly over the years. She has, you know, opened up about her former husband, providing insights into their life together.
Her public appearances and writings have kept her in the public eye, allowing her to tell her side of the story. She's been quite candid about her experiences, offering a glimpse into the complexities of being married to a global superstar. It’s a very different kind of life, you know, compared to what most people experience, and she has navigated it on her own terms.
A notable public moment for Angie came after David Bowie's passing. She was, actually, a contestant on the reality show “Celebrity Big Brother” when he died on January 10, 2016. Because of the nature of the show, her access to outside news was limited. She was not told of his death until the Monday afternoon following his passing, which must have been, you know, an incredibly difficult way to receive such news. This event, in a way, brought her back into the immediate public conversation, highlighting her connection to the music legend once again.
Angie Bowie continues to be, you know, a figure of interest for those curious about the inner workings of David Bowie's early life and career. Her story is, after all, an integral part of the broader narrative of one of music's most influential artists. She has carved out her own path, maintaining her presence as a writer and media personality. Discover other fascinating stories from music's past.
Frequently Asked Questions About Angie Bowie
People often have, you know, a lot of questions about Angie Bowie, especially given her significant connection to David Bowie. Here are some common inquiries people often ask.
When did David and Angie Bowie break up?
David and Angie Bowie’s divorce was officially granted and settled on February 8, 1980. So, their marriage ended after about 10 years, which is quite a significant period of time, actually, especially in the fast-paced world of rock and roll.
What happened to David Bowie’s first wife after their divorce?
After her marriage to David Bowie, Angie Bowie became a writer and a media personality. She has remained active in those fields, often sharing her experiences and insights. She’s, you know, been quite open about her past, offering her unique perspective on her life with and after David.
Who was David Bowie’s first wife?
David Bowie’s first wife was Angela Barnett, also known as Angie Bowie. She was an American model, actress, and journalist whom he met in London in 1969. They married a year later, in 1970. She was, in a way, a very important figure in his early career, helping to shape his public image.
What happened to David Bowie's first wife? What does Angie Bowie do? - ABTC
What happened to David Bowie's first wife? What does Angie Bowie do? - ABTC
David Bowie First Wife: The Untold Story of Angie Bowie - WifeInfo
