Barbara Bach’s decision to leave Hollywood might have surprised many at the time, but one of her greatest roles has been being by the side of one of the world’s most iconic drummers. Together for over 43 years, their love story is as captivating as the careers they once pursued.

Barbara Bach marveled audiences with her talent and beauty during the height of her acting career in the 1970s and ’80s. However, after reaching stardom, she stepped back from acting after falling in love with a rock star.

Take a look at their compelling love story — from overcoming addiction together to facing public scrutiny, and how their bond has endured for over four decades.

From Italy to Hollywood – Barbara Bach’s Rise to Fame and First Marriage

Bach’s journey to stardom began far from the glittering lights of Hollywood. In the early 1960s, she met her first husband, Augusto Gregorini, during one of her overseas modeling assignments.

Gregorini, an Italian businessman eleven years her senior, captivated her, and after they married, the couple moved to Italy. There, Bach’s acting career truly began to take shape.

Her first significant role came in 1968 when she portrayed Nausicaa in the Italian television adaptation of Homer’s epic poem, “The Odyssey,” directed by Franco Rossi. This early success set the stage for her burgeoning career in the Italian film industry.

Over the next few years, she gained more recognition for her roles in films like “The Black Belly of the Tarantula” in 1971, where she worked alongside fellow Bond girls Claudine Auger and Barbara Bouchet.

During her first marriage, Gregorini and Bach welcomed two children, Francesca and Gianni. However, the marriage would not last, and by 1975, the couple had separated.

Bach reflected on her first marriage, “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.”

Following their divorce, Bach returned to the United States, ready to embark on the next chapter of her career. Hollywood beckoned, 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 performance as the bold and beautiful Bond girl earned her widespread fame and solidified her status as a leading actress of the era. Although she had reached the peak of her career with the Bond film, her Hollywood journey had its ups and downs before coming to an end in 1986.

One notable setback was losing the opportunity to join the cast of “Charlie’s Angels” to Shelley Hack. However, this loss proved to be a blessing in disguise, as it allowed her to sign on for the 1981 film “Caveman,” on the set of which she met her husband of over four decades.

Meeting Ringo Starr

When Bach first saw the iconic drummer of The Beatles, Ringo Starr, she was only a teenager among the 55,000 fans at Shea Stadium, cheering them on during their historic concert in the U.S.

Little did she know, she would eventually fall in love with one of the band’s members. Her journey from model to actress took her to various corners of the world, but it was on the set of “Caveman” that she met Starr.

By this time, he was an established star, not only as The Beatles’ drummer but also as an actor. He 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. Bach fondly recalled, “On April 27, he told me he loved me,” and from that moment, the couple became inseparable. By the time filming wrapped, they had already moved in together.

However, 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, and their car flipped 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 Barbara.”

The public scrutiny they faced also added a layer of complexity to their relationship. Starr had previously divorced Maureen Starkey, the mother of his three children — Zak, Jason, and Lee.

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,” Bach 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.

The experience helped both of them turn their lives around, and Starr’s music career, which had taken a backseat in the late ’70s and ’80s, was reignited.

“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, Bach and Starr became vegetarians and dedicated themselves to giving back. They founded The Lotus Foundation, a charitable organization that funds various projects aimed at promoting social welfare.

These include initiatives supporting individuals battling substance abuse, those with cerebral palsy, and patients with brain tumors, among other causes.

Reflecting on their enduring love, 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, Starr took to Instagram to share a snap of him and Bach, and one social media user commented, “Such a beautiful couple…hope your birthday was totally awesome Ringo!!!!!”

Another person typed, “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. The couple has faced life’s challenges side by side and after over 40 years together, their bond remains strong, proving that true love can thrive, even under the spotlight.