What happened to Andrew Ridgeley after Wham?

After the dissolution of Wham! in the 1980s, Andrew Ridgeley embarked on a diverse journey that took him across continents and through various pursuits.

Leaving behind the global stardom of Wham!, Ridgeley sought new adventures, beginning with a move to the glamorous locale of Monaco. There, he shifted gears quite literally, delving into the world of Formula Three motor racing.

This unexpected career choice showcased Ridgeley’s versatility beyond the realm of music. His racing pursuits eventually led him to Los Angeles, where Ridgeley set his sights on the acting profession.

It was a bold move, transitioning from the music industry to the competitive and unpredictable world of Hollywood. The decision demonstrated Ridgeley’s willingness to explore new horizons and embrace the challenges that came with a career shift.

However, Hollywood’s allure eventually gave way to a return to his roots. In 1990, Ridgeley made his way back to Britain, marking a full circle in his post-Wham! journey. Despite the twists and turns in his career path, Ridgeley remained resilient and adaptable, a testament to his multifaceted talents.

May 7, 1990, saw the release of Ridgeley’s solo album, “Son of Albert.” Produced by Andrew himself, the album featured his brother, Paul, on drums. Though the album reached a modest #130 on the “Billboard” 200 chart, it showcased Ridgeley’s commitment to exploring his musical capabilities beyond the collaborative magic of Wham!.

Ridgeley’s connection to the legacy of Wham! remained evident in his appearances in the “George Michael” episode of “Power Vision – Pop Galerie” in 1999 and the documentary “George Michael: A Different Story” in 2005.

In 2019, Ridgeley took on a new role as a guest judge in two episodes of “The Great British Menu,” showcasing yet another facet of his public persona. Furthermore, he made a cameo appearance in the film “Last Christmas,” featuring several Wham! and solo George Michael songs, further cementing his enduring connection to the music that defined his early career.