Gary Kemp Biography: Movies, Age, Children, Siblings, Parents, Net Worth, Awards, Songs, Wife, Controversy, Books

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Gary Kemp is a singer best known as the lead guitarist, principal songwriter, and creative force behind the British band Spandau Ballet, one of the defining acts of the 1980s New Romantic movement.

Kemp wrote some of the band’s most iconic hits, including “True,” “Gold,” and “Through the Barricades,” which propelled Spandau Ballet to international fame.

In addition to his musical career, Kemp has gained recognition as an actor, starring in notable films like The Krays and The Bodyguard.

Profile

•   Full name: Gary James Kemp  
•   Date of birth: October 16, 1959  
•   Age: 65 years old
•   Gender: Male  
•   Place of birth: Islington, London, England  
•   Nationality: British  
•   Profession: Musician, songwriter, actor  
•   Height: 1.80 m  
•   Parents: Frank Kemp (father), Eileen Kemp (mother)  
•   Siblings: Martin Kemp (brother)  
•   Spouse: Lauren Barber (current wife, married in 2003); previously married to Sadie Frost (1988–1995)  
•    Children: Finlay Munro Kemp, Milo Wolf Kemp, Kit Kemp, Rex Kemp  
•   Relationship status: Married  
•   Religion: N/A
•   Ethnicity: English  
•   Net worth: £10 million

Early Life and Education

Gary Kemp, born on October 16, 1959, in Islington, London, is now 65. He grew up in a working-class family with his brother, Martin Kemp, who would later join him in music and acting.

Kemp’s love for music began at 10 when he received his first guitar as a birthday gift. Inspired by the sounds of David Bowie and the Sex Pistols, Kemp decided to pursue a music career early on.

He attended Dame Alice Owen’s School in Islington, where he met future bandmates. This. This group would eventually evolve into Spandau Ballet. His early exposure to London’s vibrant art and music scene significantly shaped his career. He also briefly studied acting with his brother at the Anna Scher Theatre School.

Personal Life

Gary Kemp has had a colourful personal life, which includes two marriages. He was first married to actress Sadie Frost in 1988, and the couple had a son, Finlay Munro Kemp before their marriage ended in divorce in 1995. In 2003, Kemp married costume designer Lauren Barber, with whom he has three sons: Milo Wolf, Kit, and Rex.

Despite being in the spotlight for much of his life, Kemp has kept many aspects of his personal life private. His relationship with his brother Martin Kemp is also well-documented, with the two collaborating in music and acting, most notably in the biopic The Krays.

Career

Gary Kemp’s career began in music as the chief songwriter and guitarist for Spandau Ballet. Formed in the late 1970s, the band became one of the most successful acts of the 1980s, with hits like “True” and “Gold” earning them worldwide fame.

Kemp’s songwriting prowess helped define the band’s unique sound, which blended pop with elements of new wave and jazz-funk. Despite the band’s success, internal tensions, particularly over royalties, led to their split in the early 1990s.

After Spandau Ballet disbanded, Kemp pursued a solo music career, releasing the album Little Bruises in 1995. He also ventured into acting, with his most notable role being that of Ronnie Kray in The Krays (1990), where he starred alongside his brother Martin. Kemp’s Hollywood career also saw him play a supporting role in The Bodyguard (1992) with Whitney Houston.

In 2018, Kemp joined Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets, a band formed by Pink Floyd’s drummer to perform the early music of Pink Floyd. This collaboration brought a new dimension to Kemp’s career, allowing him to explore psychedelic rock and tour extensively. Kemp remains active in music and has released another solo album, INSOLO, in 2021.

Awards

•   BMI Icon Award: 2023  
•   Numerous gold and platinum certifications for Spandau Ballet albums  
•   Ivor Novello Award nomination for songwriting  

Net Worth

Gary Kemp’s estimated net worth is £10 million. His wealth has primarily been accumulated through his successful music career with Spandau Ballet, solo projects, and acting roles. His involvement in high-profile tours, record sales, and songwriting royalties has contributed significantly to his financial standing.

Controversy

Gary Kemp has been involved in a few controversies, mostly centred around Spandau Ballet’s internal conflicts. The legal battle over royalties in the late 1990s was one of the most notable incidents.

Kemp’s former bandmates, Tony Hadley, John Keeble, and Steve Norman, sued him for a share of the band’s songwriting royalties, claiming they were entitled to more earnings.

The 1999 lawsuit caused a rift between Kemp and his former friends, but Kemp won the case. The dispute left lasting scars, although the band eventually reconciled in 2009 for a reunion tour.

Kemp’s decision to join Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets raised eyebrows among some Pink Floyd and Spandau Ballet fans. Many questioned how someone known for pop music could fit into the world of psychedelic rock. However, Kemp’s performances with the group received positive reviews, and he has since earned respect in this new genre.

Social Media

•   Instagram: @garyjkemp  
•   Twitter: @garyjkemp  

Filmography

•   The Krays (1990)  
•   The Bodyguard (1992)  
•   Killing Zoe (1994)  
•   The Larry Sanders Show (1993)  
•   The Kemps: All True (2020)  

Discography

With Spandau Ballet:

•   Journeys to Glory (1981)  
•   Diamond (1982)  
•   True (1983)  
•   Parade (1984)  
•   Through the Barricades(1986)  

Solo:

•   Little Bruises (1995)  
•   INSOLO (2021)  

Books

•   I Know This Much: From Soho to Spandau (2009)

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