Barbara Bach, famously known for her role as Bond girl Triple X, wasn’t waiting for James Bond to come to her rescue; instead, she was on a quest for her own prince charming—rock legend Ringo Starr, also known as Sir Richard Starkey.
Now at the age of 77, Bach reached the zenith of her career when she starred in the 1977 film The Spy Who Loved Me, where she portrayed Anya Amasova, a complex character who was both the love interest and a rival to the charming yet womanizing 007, played by Roger Moore.
In a candid 1983 interview with People, Bach didn’t hold back her opinion about her character’s relationship with Bond, referring to him as “a chauvinist pig who uses girls to shield him against bullets”. Moore himself agreed, stating in a 1973 People interview: “Bond, like myself, is a male chauvinist pig. All my life I’ve been trying to get women out of brassieres and pants”.
Before landing her iconic role in the Bond franchise, Bach had appeared in several Italian films, including Black Belly of the Tarantula, where she shared the screen with fellow Bond actresses Claudine Auger and Barbara Bouchet.
Bach’s portrayal of the KGB agent Anya Amasova not only solidified her status as a beloved Bond girl but also opened doors to numerous opportunities in her acting career. Following her Bond debut, she starred in Mad Magazine Presents Up the Academy (1980) and Caveman (1981), where she worked alongside Ringo Starr, who played a Neanderthal vying for her affections. Interestingly, the movie’s script contrasted sharply with their actual relationship, as they only became romantically involved towards the end of filming.
In a revealing Playboy feature from 1981, Bach noted: “A lot of garbage has been written about us, none of it interesting. The truth is, we weren’t together until the very end of Caveman. Working, we got along fine, but we each had other people, our respective friends. Then, all of a sudden, within a week—the last week of shooting—it just happened. We changed from friendly love to being in love”.
In a 2021 interview with the Irish Examiner, Starr reminisced about their first encounter at Los Angeles International Airport in 1980. “I love the woman. I loved her from when I first saw her at LAX”, he shared. “I’m blessed she’s in my life, that’s all I can ever say.”
Starr, renowned as the drummer for the legendary band The Beatles, was once part of a performance at New York’s Shea Stadium in 1965, where Bach was present. However, she revealed that she wasn’t an ardent Beatles fan, attending the concert with her sister Marjorie, a passionate follower of the band. “I liked [Bob] Dylan, Ray Charles, and the Rolling Stones”, Bach remarked in a People interview from 1981.
Bach’s sister eventually married Joe Walsh, the Eagles guitarist, who later performed with Starr in the All-Starr Band. Just months after John Lennon’s tragic death, Bach and Starr tied the knot on April 27, 1981, with notable guests including Paul McCartney and George Harrison.
Their journey together hasn’t been without challenges. Just before their wedding, the couple survived a near-fatal car accident, which prompted them to vow to stay together. Starr remarked: “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 couple also took a significant step together in 1988 by entering rehab, emerging sober since then. Celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary in 2021, Starr shared a nostalgic wedding photo with the caption:, “It was 40 years ago today The love of my life said yes yes yes”.
Starr and Bach’s love extends beyond their personal lives; they also have a blended family, with Starr having three children from his late wife Maureen Cox and Bach two from her former marriage to Augusto Gregorini. Together, they run the Lotus Foundation, which supports various causes, including animal welfare, substance abuse, homelessness, and cancer research. Starr donates all proceeds from his art sales to the foundation.
There’s no denying the deep affection shared between Barbara Bach and Ringo Starr, a bond that remains as strong as ever. As Bach expressed: “I love the man, and that’s it”. Starr echoed her sentiments, 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”. Their inspiring love story continues to resonate, and fans eagerly anticipate what they will accomplish together in their charitable endeavors and personal lives.
78-year-old Susan Sarandon faces criticism over her fashion choices but delivers an ideal reply to her detractors
Susan Sarandon, a celebrated figure in cinema, stands as a symbol of authenticity and self-expression. With a career that spans several decades, she has mesmerized audiences not only with her acting skills but also with her unwavering commitment to living her truth, both in front of and behind the camera.
From her unforgettable performance in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” to her Academy Award-winning role in “Dead Man Walking”, Sarandon has made a profound impact on the film industry. Yet, what truly distinguishes her is her fearless embrace of individuality.
In an industry often constricted by rigid standards of beauty and conformity, Sarandon boldly defies these limitations. Recently, when critics criticized her fashion sense as “inappropriate”, she chose a powerful, non-verbal response. Rather than engage in a debate, she shared a striking image of herself confidently showcasing her body in just her underwear, effectively sending a message that she sets her own standards.
Sarandon’s boldness transcends fashion. Now at 78, she embraces the aging process with grace, valuing the moments of life and dismissing societal pressures. Her recipe for maintaining vitality includes a healthy dose of laughter, regular physical activity, nutritious meals, and, naturally, a talented team for her beauty needs.
Beneath her glamorous exterior and numerous accolades lies a woman who forges her own path. Surrounding herself with those who share her zest for life and adventurous spirit, Sarandon refuses to dwell on trivial matters.
In a society that often tries to stifle individuality, Susan Sarandon exemplifies the power of confidence and tenacity. She inspires us to embrace our true selves and pursue our own journeys, regardless of the opinions of others.
As we celebrate Sarandon’s indomitable spirit, let us also learn from her example: choose authenticity over conformity and dare to be unapologetically ourselves. In a world that frequently seeks to suppress uniqueness, Sarandon’s message resonates loudly: be courageous, be bold, and most importantly, stay true to who you are.
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