The Spy Who Loved Me
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$20 Million
"Time is clay. Go make something" so says Barbara Bach who followed her own advice and used her time wisely turning it into a successful modeling career followed by an active acting career.
Early Life
Barbara Bach was born in Queens, New York where she lived with her parents, two brothers, and one sister. After graduating from Dominican Commercial High School in 1964, she began taking steps and making plans for the next chapter in her life; modeling.
In 1965 once she turned 18 years old, Barbara made the decision to go by the name Bach versus Goldbach before embarking on what would turn out to be a long-running modeling career working with top leaders and photographers in the fashion industry. She was signed by the famous Eileen Ford Agency and appeared on national and international magazine covers including Vogue USA, ELLE in France, Italian magazines Bella and Amica, and the ever-popular Seventeen magazine. She was considered a beauty with unlimited poise, polish, and sophistication that led to her being one of the highest paid models, worldwide.
Next Chapter
In 1966, Barbara had an opportunity to work with a client in Rome, Italy on a modeling project. During the project, she met businessman Augusto Gregorini. The two began a relationship that led to Barbara moving to Rome where the courtship continued culminating in marriage a few months later when Barbara was 19 years old.
After the marriage, Barbara continued modeling. According to Barbara, "I was casually asked on the street in Italy if I would do something for television. One of those things they say happens, and it did." This encounter led to her first acting role in "Cordialmente" for Italian television in 1967, followed by six episodes of the TV mini-series, "Nausicaa" in 1968 while expecting her first child.
Barbara and Augusto welcomed their daughter, Francesca, to the family, and four years later in 1972, the two were blessed with a son, Gianni. During the four-year span, Barbara continued to be the face that adorned magazine covers in Brazil, Spain, Germany, and Canada. In 1970, she was chosen "the most beautiful model from Italy."
Her acting career ran simultaneously with her modeling career during this time with a variety of small roles in French and Italian films during 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, and 1975 leading up to her most famous role in the James Bond film.
Exchanging Italy for Los Angeles
In 1975, Barbara moved back to Los Angeles with her two children; she and Augusto were separating. That same year, Barbara screen tested with Tony Richardson for a murder mystery movie. She made an impression with Richardson comparing her to the beautiful Brigitte Bardot, which is quite a compliment.
While the movie did not come to fruition, Barbara's screen test made its way to producer Albert Broccoli, who would cast her in the role that she will be remembered for as a Bond girl in the 1977 movie, The Spy Who Loved Me.
Barbara's movie, TV, and modeling career continued. She had a co-starring role in The Mask of Alexander Cross for TV and had the distinction of being the only female with a role in the Force Ten from Navarone movie in 1978. In 1979, she was seriously considered to be the replacement for Kate Jackson on the popular U.S. TV series, Charlie's Angels. Ultimately, her beauty and her classy style and sophistication were too European for the American audience and the role went to another actress. Although she was disappointed with not getting the prime role, she didn't let it affect her vision or goals to be successful in her dual roles of actress and model.
In 1979, Barbara worked on three films, which took her back to Italy and Spain. She appeared in Jaguar Lives, L'isola degli uomini pesce, and Il fiume del grande caimano. Once filming was complete, she returned to the United States in 1980 where she worked on Up the Academy and The Unseen. During the filming, she met and fell in love with Roberto Quezada; a love-affair destined to be a short-term affair.
Becoming a Starr
Also, in February 1980 while working on the movie Caveman, a "Starr" was found that ultimately led to a long romance culminating in long-lasting marriage to Beatles drummer, Ringo Starr. According to Barbara in an interview, "... we weren't together until the very end of Caveman. ... suddenly, two weeks before the end of shooting, we fell in love."
After a serious car crash a few months later in May, Barbara and Ringo felt the accident had been a sign the two had a destiny to be shared together, which prompted Ringo to propose marriage, which Barbara happily accepted.
1980 held a more serious issue resulting in extreme sadness; the shooting and death of John Lennon on December 8. Ringo and Barbara were notified with a call from Barbara's daughter, Francesca. The couple flew to New York to be with John's wife Yoko Ono and his son Sean.
A New Beginning
At the Marylebone Register Office, a civil service was performed on April 27, 1981, uniting the couple in marriage. The ceremony was performed by Joseph Jevons who had also performed the marriage ceremony for Paul and Linda McCartney. Friends and family members of Ringo and Barbara were in attendance along with her two children.
After the marriage was sealed, Ringo continued his career and Barbara became a continued source of support and working alongside her husband on tours, in music videos, and as an inspiration for his songs.
Current Status
Today, Barbara Bach, also known as Lady Starkey, has an active interest in multiple charities. She has worked on the "Parents for Safe Food" campaign, The Rumanian Angel Appeal Foundation, and Live Aid. In 1998, The Lotus Foundation was established in the United Kingdom by Barbara and Ringo. In 2005, the couple brought the charity to the United States. The foundation focuses on promoting projects to support areas such as brain tumors, substance abuse, homelessness, cancer, animals in need, cerebral palsy, and many more worthwhile areas.
In 2018 at the Peggy Albrecht House Awards Luncheon, Barbara Bach Starkey was among a group of several women acknowledged for their support of the center's program to provide an environment for women recovering from alcohol and drug addiction.
Demi Moore was the recipient of the Woman of the Year Award. Angela Davis received the Shining Star Award and Dr. Louise Stanger, the Excellence in Service Award. Barbara and her sister Marjorie Bach Walsh, married to musician Joe Walsh, were the recipients of the Humanitarian Award.
Barbara was radiant in her wedding gown on that special day so long ago and today she remains a vision of elegance and a beacon of light for her two children and for her husband, Ringo, who captured her heart 38 years ago and has no intentions of letting it go.
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