Ozzy Osbourne – Wiki, Age, Wives, Trivia, Net Worth

Ozzy Osbourne, born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, in Aston, Birmingham, England, is an iconic figure in the world of music. Often referred to as the “Prince of Darkness,” he is renowned as a musician, songwriter, and actor. Osbourne’s life and career have been a rollercoaster of groundbreaking music, wild on-stage antics, and off-stage controversies.

Early Life and Humble Beginnings

Growing up in a working-class family, Ozzy Osbourne faced a challenging childhood. His school days were marked by struggles, leading him to leave formal education at just 15. He embarked on a series of jobs, including construction and trainee plumbing. However, amidst the drudgery of work, a passion for music burned within him. Ozzy would often skip school to attend concerts and rehearsals, setting the stage for his future in the world of rock.

The Rise of a Legend

In 1967, Osbourne formed his first band, initially named Rare Breed, which later morphed into Earth. It was in 1969 that fate intervened, as he crossed paths with guitarist Tony Iommi. Together, they embarked on a journey that would redefine music history. Thus, the legendary band Black Sabbath was born. In 1970, their debut album, simply titled “Black Sabbath,” emerged, ultimately becoming one of the most influential albums in the heavy metal genre.

Osbourne’s distinctive vocals, coupled with Iommi’s thunderous guitar riffs, cemented Black Sabbath’s status as heavy metal pioneers. The band delivered a string of successful albums, including classics like “Paranoid,” “Master of Reality,” and “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath.” However, personal conflicts led to Osbourne’s departure from the group in 1979.

The Solo Odyssey

After parting ways with Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne embarked on a solo career, launching it with his 1980 debut album, “Blizzard of Ozz.” This milestone album featured iconic tracks like “Crazy Train” and “Mr. Crowley,” propelling him into the spotlight as a formidable solo artist. Throughout the 1980s, Osbourne continued to release successful albums, including “Diary of a Madman,” “Bark at the Moon,” and “The Ultimate Sin.”

Beyond Music

Ozzy Osbourne’s creative reach extended beyond music. He ventured into the realms of film and television, gracing productions like “Trick or Treat,” “Little Nicky,” and “The Osbournes,” a reality show that provided an intimate look into his family life from 2002 to 2005.

Personal Life and Challenges

Ozzy Osbourne’s personal life has been marked by his enduring marriage to Sharon Osbourne since 1982. Together, they have three children: Aimee, Kelly, and Jack. Publicly, Osbourne has confronted addiction, candidly discussing his battles with alcohol and drugs. His life has also been punctuated by legal issues and controversies, including the notorious 1982 incident where he famously bit the head off a live bat during a concert.

In 2019, Osbourne disclosed his diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, a development that led to the cancellation of several tour dates. Despite this health challenge, the indomitable musician has remained committed to creating new music, asserting that retirement from the music scene is not on his horizon.

Ozzy Osbourne’s journey has been marked by both the highs and lows of a rock legend. His marriages, including his union with Sharon Osbourne, have added depth to his life story, resulting in five children from two marriages.

 

Ozzy Osbourne’s Marital Journey: Love, Struggles, and Renewed Commitment

Thelma Riley – Ozzy Osbourne’s First Wife

Ozzy Osbourne’s first venture into matrimony was with Thelma Riley in 1971. Their union produced two children, Jessica and Louis. However, their marriage was fraught with challenges, many stemming from Ozzy’s addiction and infidelity issues. The strains became insurmountable, leading to their divorce in 1982.

Thelma Riley, born in 1949 in Birmingham, England, has maintained a low public profile. Little is known about her life before her marriage to Ozzy. The couple’s story began in the late 1960s, a period when Ozzy was the lead singer of Black Sabbath. Despite their love, Riley grappled with Ozzy’s substance abuse and erratic behavior during their marriage.

Their relationship lasted over a decade before culminating in divorce in 1982. Since then, Thelma Riley has chosen to stay out of the public eye, refraining from making any public statements about her marriage to Ozzy.

Ozzy Osbourne has acknowledged his shortcomings during his marriage to Riley and expressed regret for his past behavior in interviews.

Sharon Arden – Ozzy Osbourne’s Second Wife

In 1982, Ozzy Osbourne embarked on a new chapter of his life with Sharon Arden, marking the beginning of his second marriage. Sharon, besides being his life partner, took on the role of his manager. Their marriage brought forth three children: Aimee, Kelly, and Jack. Sharon’s influence was pivotal in revitalizing Ozzy’s career post-Black Sabbath, guiding him to success as a solo artist.

Sharon Arden, born on October 9, 1952, in London, England, hailed from a privileged background. Her father, Don Arden, was a prominent music executive, and Sharon enjoyed a comfortable upbringing, attending private schools.

Sharon’s journey in the music industry commenced in the 1970s when she worked for her father’s management company, Jet Records. It was during this period that she crossed paths with Ozzy Osbourne, the lead singer of Black Sabbath at the time.

As the early 1980s dawned, Sharon Arden took on the role of Ozzy’s manager, steering his solo career. Her efforts bore fruit with the success of Ozzy’s debut solo album, “Blizzard of Ozz.” Arden also negotiated lucrative deals for his tours, merchandise, and various business ventures, effectively transforming him into a global brand.

In 1982, Sharon and Ozzy tied the knot, and their marriage weathered numerous storms, including Ozzy’s infidelity and struggles with addiction. Their relationship has been scrutinized by the media, and it encountered a significant challenge in 2016 when Sharon briefly stepped away from “The Talk” following allegations of Ozzy’s infidelity. However, the couple reconciled, and Ozzy publicly apologized for his actions.

Beyond her role as Ozzy’s manager and wife, Sharon Arden has been involved in diverse philanthropic efforts, advocating for colon cancer awareness, supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and championing animal rights.

In 2002, Sharon faced a personal health challenge when she was diagnosed with colon cancer, undergoing surgery and chemotherapy. Her experience prompted her to become an advocate for early detection and screening for the disease.

While Sharon has been successful in various endeavors, her marriage to Ozzy has faced its share of difficulties. Ozzy, too, has battled addiction over the years, with a relapse in 2013 necessitating treatment.

Ozzy Osbourne’s Children

Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne have three children. Aimee, the eldest, has chosen a low-profile life, shying away from the entertainment industry and rarely appearing on the family’s reality show or in media.

Kelly Osbourne, the middle child, has embraced a career in the public eye. She is a singer, actress, and television personality, with appearances in shows like “Dancing with the Stars” and “Fashion Police.” Kelly has also released several albums, including “Shut Up” and “Sleeping in the Nothing.”

Jack Osbourne, the youngest of the trio, is a television producer and director known for his work on reality shows like “The Osbournes,” “Ozzy & Jack’s World Detour,” and “Portals to Hell.”