Barbara Bach, famously known for her role as the Bond girl Triple X in The Spy Who Loved Me, wasn’t searching for a hero like James Bond. Instead, she found her real-life knight in shining armor in her husband, Sir Richard Starkey, better known to the world as Ringo Starr.
Now 75, Bach reached the pinnacle of her acting career with her iconic role in the 1977 James Bond film where she played Major Anya Amasova, a love interest and formidable adversary to Roger Moore’s James Bond. Her role cemented her status as a Hollywood star, but it was her real-life love story with Ringo Starr that would truly define her life.
Bach had a successful career in Italian films before landing her role as a Bond girl, including a part in Black Belly of the Tarantula, a 1971 Italian murder mystery. However, her life took a dramatic turn when she met Starr on the set of Caveman in 1980. Starr played a Neanderthal in the slapstick comedy, and although their characters didn’t end up together on screen, off-screen was a different story.
Their paths first crossed at Los Angeles International Airport on their way to film Caveman in Mexico. At the time, both were involved with other people, but by the end of the shoot, their relationship had blossomed into something more profound. As Bach later revealed in an interview, “Within a week—the last week of shooting—it just happened. We changed from friendly love to being in love.”
Ringo Starr, now 82, recalls the moment he first saw Bach with fondness. “I loved her from when I first saw her at LAX in 1980. I’m blessed she’s in my life,” he shared with the Irish Examiner in 2021.
Their love story is not just about romance but also survival. Shortly before their wedding in April 1981, the couple was involved in a near-fatal car accident. The experience brought them even closer, with Starr vowing never to spend time apart from Bach. True to his word, they’ve only spent five days apart since then—a separation that Starr found unbearable.
Their commitment to each other extended beyond their personal lives. In 1988, they entered rehab together, a decision that led to their sobriety, which they have maintained ever since. Their bond was further solidified by their shared commitment to giving back. Together, they run The Lotus Foundation, a charity that supports various causes, including animal welfare, substance abuse recovery, homelessness, and cancer research. Starr, an accomplished artist, donates all proceeds from his artwork to the foundation.
Their love has endured the test of time, and in 2021, they celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. Starr commemorated the milestone by sharing a wedding day photo with the caption, “It was 40 years ago today. The love of my life said yes yes yes.”
Despite their fame and success, what stands out most is their enduring love and mutual respect. As Bach simply puts it, “I love the man, and that’s it.” And Starr, reflecting on their decades together, adds, “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.”
The love story between Barbara Bach and Ringo Starr is one that has inspired many, showing that true love is about partnership, resilience, and a shared commitment to making the world a better place. We can’t wait to see what they continue to achieve, both together and through their charity work.
