Gary Kemp, born on October 16, 1959, in London, is a legendary British musician, actor, and songwriter with a net worth of approximately $10 million as of 2025. Best known as the guitarist and chief songwriter of the iconic 1980s band Spandau Ballet, Kemp has built a remarkable career spanning decades. Beyond his professional achievements, his personal life has been of great interest to fans, particularly his relationships and family life. In this article, we take a closer look at his marriage to Lauren Barber, his past relationship with Sadie Frost, and his journey as a father.
Who Is Gary Kemp’s Wife, Lauren Barber?
Lauren Barber is a well-respected costume designer in the fashion and entertainment industry. She married Gary Kemp on September 5, 2003, and has since been a significant part of his life. Her career has seen her work with some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, including pop stars Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Emma Bunton.
Lauren has also lent her expertise to major global brands such as Ford, Head & Shoulders, Pepsi, Vodafone, Mastercard, and Volkswagen, among many others. She has even styled her brother-in-law, Martin Kemp, further solidifying her connection to the Kemp family. Despite being married to a globally recognized musician, Lauren has maintained a relatively private life, focusing on her work in the fashion industry and her family.
How Did Gary Kemp and Lauren Barber Meet?
The exact details of how Gary and Lauren first met have not been widely documented, but their relationship blossomed in the early 2000s before they tied the knot in 2003. Their marriage has stood the test of time, with over 20 years together as of 2025. Gary has spoken openly about his long-lasting relationship with Lauren, acknowledging that even after two decades, there are parts of his past self that she may not know.
This sentiment highlights how individuals evolve over time, particularly those in the public eye. Despite these personal reflections, Gary and Lauren have built a strong family foundation, raising their three children together while maintaining their professional lives.
How Many Times Has Gary Kemp Been Married?
Gary Kemp has been married twice. Before his relationship with Lauren Barber, he was married to actress and fashion designer Sadie Frost. The couple first met in 1981 when Sadie was only 16 and appearing as a dancer in one of Spandau Ballet’s music videos. They tied the knot on May 7, 1988, but their marriage lasted just seven years, ending in divorce on August 19, 1995.
Although their relationship came to an end, they share a son, Finlay Kemp, born in 1990. Looking back on his divorce, Gary admitted that the separation was a difficult period for him. He once revealed that, while he had found success in his career as a musician and actor, his failed marriage made him feel as if he had lost his sense of security and direction.
What Has Gary Kemp Said About His Divorce From Sadie Frost?
Gary Kemp has spoken candidly about the emotional impact of his divorce from Sadie Frost. In a 2008 interview, he admitted that while he didn’t want the marriage to end, his biggest struggle was coming to terms with failure. After the breakup of Spandau Ballet, Kemp pursued an acting career in Hollywood, achieving success. However, when his marriage collapsed at the age of 33, he felt as though his life had completely unraveled.
With his young son, Finlay, to care for, Gary had to return to the UK and rebuild his life. Despite the challenges of divorce, he remained devoted to his role as a father, ensuring that his son grew up with both parents present in his life.
How Many Children Does Gary Kemp Have?
Gary Kemp is the father of four children. His eldest son, Finlay Kemp, was born in 1990 during his marriage to Sadie Frost. After marrying Lauren Barber, he welcomed three more sons:
- Milo Kemp (born in 2004)
- Kit Kemp (born in 2009)
- Rex Kemp (born in 2012)
Gary has often expressed how much joy his children bring to his life. In a 2022 interview, he stated that his kids make him feel young and that being in the music industry adds to that sense of youthful energy. However, he also acknowledged the challenges of being constantly reminded of his younger self, as people still critique his music from the 1980s, when he was in his early twenties.
What Does Gary Kemp Say About Aging in the Music Industry?
As a musician who gained fame in the 1980s, Gary Kemp has had a unique perspective on aging in the entertainment industry. He has mentioned how strange it feels to be judged based on the work he created in his early twenties while continuing to evolve as an artist decades later.
Despite this, Kemp remains active in music, performing and creating new work. His passion for his craft, combined with his role as a father, keeps him feeling young. He acknowledges that balancing nostalgia with present-day relevance is a challenge for many artists of his generation, but he continues to embrace both aspects of his career.
What Is Gary Kemp Doing in 2025?
As of 2025, Gary Kemp continues to be involved in various creative projects. In addition to his music career, he has also pursued acting and television appearances. In December 2023, he and his brother Martin appeared in the BBC Two mockumentary The Kemps: All Gold, a lighthearted look at their lives and careers.
Outside of entertainment, Kemp remains dedicated to his family, enjoying time with his wife and children. His ability to balance his personal and professional life has helped him maintain his status as one of the most respected musicians of his generation.
Conclusion
Gary Kemp’s life is a testament to resilience, talent, and growth. From his rise to fame with Spandau Ballet to his enduring marriage with Lauren Barber, Kemp has navigated the highs and lows of fame with grace. His past relationship with Sadie Frost and the challenges of divorce only strengthened his commitment to fatherhood and personal growth.
As of 2025, Kemp continues to shape his legacy both in music and family life, proving that reinvention and evolution are key to longevity in the entertainment industry.
