Image credits: Wikimedia Commons
Rick Springfield
August 23, 1949
Guildford, New South Wales, Australia
77 Years Old
Virgo
Who Is Rick Springfield?
Rick Springfield is an Australian American musician and actor, widely recognized for his captivating pop-rock anthems and enduring stage presence. Springfield also forged a successful acting career.
His iconic 1981 hit “Jessie’s Girl” soared to the top of the charts, becoming a defining song of the MTV era and earning him a Grammy Award. He also gained significant fame through his acting role as Dr. Noah Drake on the popular soap opera General Hospital.
Early Life and Education
Growing up in Australia, Rick Springfield was the son of a military officer, often relocating with his family across continents, including a period in England. His exposure to diverse cultures shaped a restless spirit and an early love for music, beginning with guitar at age thirteen.
Springfield began playing in bands during his teenage years and later dropped out of high school to pursue music professionally. This early dedication to performance laid the groundwork for his eventual breakthrough as a singer and actor.
Notable Relationships
A string of high-profile romances marked Rick Springfield’s early career, but he found enduring partnership with Barbara Porter. They first met in the late 1970s while he was working on an album at a recording studio where she was a receptionist.
Springfield married Barbara Porter in October 1984 in his family’s church in Australia. They have two sons, Liam Springthorpe, born in 1985, and Joshua Springthorpe, born in 1989.
Career Highlights
Rick Springfield’s breakthrough album Working Class Dog, released in 1981, featured the smash hit “Jessie’s Girl,” which earned him a Grammy Award for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance. The album itself sold millions and solidified his status as a pop-rock sensation with other top 10 singles.
Beyond his musical achievements, Springfield secured widespread recognition portraying Dr. Noah Drake on the popular daytime drama General Hospital. His recurring role on the show from 1981 to 1983, with several returns, expanded his audience and established him as a versatile entertainer.
To date, Springfield has released 22 studio albums and numerous hit singles, while also appearing in films like Hard to Hold and Ricki and the Flash.
Signature Quote
“You get together with someone to change bad behavior and improve your spirit, and she has really been that person for me.”