David Bowie's Dating and Relationship History

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Updated April 12, 2024 155.7K views 20 items

Was Grace Jones married to David Bowie? Discover the engaging story of David Bowie's romantic relationships and partnerships throughout his vibrant life. Rising to stardom with his innovative music style and charismatic stage presence, Bowie's love life was just as electrifying as his illustrious music career.

Our knowledgeable editors have diligently gleaned updated information on David Bowie's relationship history by scouring various entertainment news outlets and exploring social media. Through meticulous research, they've produced a comprehensive list of David Bowie's girlfriends, wives, and intimate partners, providing a fresh insight into his personal life beyond his public persona.

Anchoring David Bowie's relationships, his wife, supermodel Iman, remained his enduring companion until his death in 2016. Prior to securing this lasting bond, Bowie's vibrant love life included fascinating liaisons with numerous illustrious figures, such as his ex-wives Mary Angela Barnett and Ava Cherry, further prominent ex-girlfriends, whose relationship with Bowie continues to tantalize fans with its vibrant history. As you'll see, Grace Jones is not on this list even thought it was rumored they were in a relationship.Ā 

Intrigued by David Bowie's magnetic allure? Satiate your curiosity by exploring our comprehensive list detailing David Bowie's romantic partners. Whether you're a passionate fan or a curious reader, we invite you to delve into the intriguing love life of this extraordinary music legend, captured within our well-researched collection. Go ahead, who knows what captivating tales you might uncover?

  • Iman
    Photo: David Shankbone / Flickr

    David Bowie and Iman's iconic love story began in 1990 when they were introduced by a mutual friend, hairstylist Teddy Antolin, at a dinner party. Their connection was instant and powerful, leading to a whirlwind romance that culminated in their marriage in 1992 in Switzerland. The couple welcomed their daughter, Alexandria Zahra Jones, in 2000, solidifying their status as one of the most enduring and loving relationships in the entertainment world. The pair remained together until David Bowie's death in 2016, leaving behind a legacy of love and devotion that still captivates fans today.

    Widely regarded as one of fashion's trailblazing icons, Iman is a Somali-American model, actress, and entrepreneur who has been in the public eye since the late 1970s. Known for her stunning looks and fierce runway walk, she has been a muse for top designers like Yves Saint Laurent and Calvin Klein. In addition to her remarkable modeling career, Iman has acted in several films and television shows, and launched her own cosmetics line, IMAN Cosmetics, in 1994. Prior to her relationship with Bowie, Iman had been married to basketball player Spencer Haywood, but it's her bond with the legendary musician that she's most remembered for.

  • Melissa Hurley

    David Bowie and Melissa Hurley started dating in 1987 after meeting during rehearsals for his Glass Spider Tour. Hurley, a skilled dancer, was chosen by Bowie to represent his vision in the live performances, and the two soon became romantically involved. Throughout their relationship, they were often spotted together at events, showcasing both their artistic synergy and personal affection. The couple eventually parted ways amicably in 1990, just before Bowie met the love of his life, Iman.

    Melissa Hurley is an acclaimed American dancer, choreographer, and actress who has made a name for herself through her work on stage and screen. She began her career as a dancer on the hit TV show Fame, and went on to work with major artists like Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson. In addition to her work as a dancer, Hurley has acted in various television shows and movies, such as the soap opera Days of Our Lives. Throughout her career, she has been linked to celebrities like Brian Setzer and Patrick Cassidy, with whom she eventually married and had children.

  • Bowie's brief relationship with Bianca Jagger began in 1973, after the two met at a party hosted by Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards. At the time, Bianca was married to Mick Jagger, but their marriage was marred by reported infidelity on both sides. It is said that David and Bianca shared a night of passion during this tumultuous period, further fueling the already fiery love lives of these two legendary figures. However fleeting, the encounter nonetheless added an intriguing layer to the complex tapestry of Bowie's romantic history.

    Born in Nicaragua, Bianca Jagger is an actress, human rights activist, and former fashion icon who gained fame in the 1970s. Her marriage to Mick Jagger in 1971 propelled her into the limelight and she soon became a fixture on the international party scene, often seen rubbing shoulders with fellow icons like Andy Warhol and Yves Saint Laurent. Though she dabbled in acting, including roles in movies like The Cannonball Run, Bianca later turned her attention to activism, founding the Bianca Jagger Human Rights Foundation in 2005. Throughout her life, she has been romantically attached to several high-profile figures besides Bowie and Mick Jagger, including actor Ryan O'Neal and author Christopher Hitchens.

  • Susan Sarandon
    Photo: Missy Martinez / Flickr

    In 1982, David Bowie and Susan Sarandon starred together in the cult classic vampire film The Hunger. It was during the filming of this project that the two reportedly became involved in a brief, yet passionate affair. Though their romantic liaison was short-lived, they maintained a friendship and mutual admiration for each other that lasted until Bowie's death.

    Susan Sarandon is an Academy Award-winning American actress known for her roles in films such as Thelma & Louise, Dead Man Walking, and Bull Durham. With a career spanning over five decades, she's established herself as one of the most respected and talented actresses in Hollywood. In addition to her acting career, Sarandon is also an activist and philanthropist, with a focus on human rights, environmental causes, and progressive politics. She has been involved in numerous high-profile relationships, including her long-term partnership with actor Tim Robbins and a brief romance with fellow actor Richard Gere.

  • In a 2010 interview with British television personality Piers Morgan, Angie Bowie (David Bowie's ex-wife) claimed that her husband had a secret affair with legendary actress Elizabeth Taylor in the 1970s. Although neither Bowie nor Taylor ever confirmed this alleged tryst, the two icons were known to have been friends and moved in the same glamorous circles during that time. Whether the rumors are true or not, the idea of a romantic liaison between these two luminaries has captured the imaginations of fans for years.

    Known as one of the greatest and most glamorous actresses of all time, Elizabeth Taylor made her mark in Hollywood with iconic roles in films like Cleopatra, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Taylor also made headlines for her personal life, with eight marriages to seven men under her belt. Throughout her life, she was linked to numerous famous names, including Eddie Fisher, Richard Burton (whom she married twice), and even Frank Sinatra. Beyond her acting career, Taylor was an astute businesswoman and a tireless AIDS activist, founding the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation in 1991.

  • Ava Cherry

    Ava Cherry and David Bowie's romance took form in 1972 when the aspiring singer auditioned as a backup singer for his upcoming tour. Bowie was immediately captivated by her talent and her striking appearance, and soon the two embarked on a relationship that would last several years. During their time together, they collaborated on several tracks, with Cherry contributing vocals to classic Bowie songs like "Young Americans" and "Fascination." Their relationship came to an end in the mid-1970s, but their shared musical legacy has endured.

    Ava Cherry is an American singer and model who first rose to prominence through her association with David Bowie, who also produced her early solo work. After parting ways with Bowie, Cherry went on to have a successful career, forming the group Ava Cherry & The Astronettes and later releasing solo material. In addition to her musical endeavors, Cherry has also worked as a fashion model, appearing in various magazines and ad campaigns throughout the years. Her romantic history includes relationships with other musicians such as Mick Jagger and Robert Palmer.

  • David Bowie and Romy Haag's fiery affair began in 1976 when Bowie was living in Berlin and exploring new artistic directions. Haag, a cabaret performer and club owner, was an influential figure in the city's underground nightlife scene. He reportedly frequented her nightclub, Chez Romy Haag, where they struck up a passionate relationship. Although their romance was short-lived (lasting only about a year), it is said to have played a role in inspiring some of Bowie's groundbreaking musical creations during his Berlin period.

    Romy Haag is a Dutch-born cabaret performer, actress, and singer. She has been a prominent figure in the European LGBTQ+ scene for many years, known for her transgender identity and trailblazing gender-fluid performances. Haag has released several albums throughout her career and has acted in numerous films and television shows. In addition to her relationship with Bowie, Haag has been linked to other famous names such as singer-songwriter Jacques Brel and musician Freddy Mercury.

  • Sabel Starr

    In the early 1970s, teenage groupie Sabel Starr met and subsequently began a brief relationship with David Bowie. Their liaison was just one of many high-profile connections Starr made during her time as a fixture on the Los Angeles rock scene. While their romance wasn't long-lasting, it did serve as another example of Bowie's penchant for connecting with captivating personalities throughout his life.

    Sabel Starr, born Sandra Stiegelmeier, was an American groupie and socialite who captured attention in the rock and roll scene of the 1970s. Known for her long blonde hair and her trademark top hat, she became an emblematic figure of the groupie lifestyle. Starr's dalliances with famous musicians were documented in various books and articles, and she was even briefly romantically linked to Iggy Pop in addition to Bowie. Sadly, Starr passed away in 2009 at the age of 51.

  • Bebe Buell

    Another figure from the rock and roll world to have a brief fling with David Bowie was Bebe Buell. The two reportedly had a short-lived affair in 1973 while Buell was simultaneously dating Todd Rundgren. Though their time together was brief, the connection between these two magnetic personalities remains an interesting footnote in their respective romantic histories.

    Bebe Buell is an American singer, model, and former Playboy Playmate, best known for her relationships with numerous rock musicians during the 1970s. In addition to her dalliances with Bowie and Rundgren, Buell has been romantically linked to Steven Tyler (with whom she shares a daughter, actress Liv Tyler), Mick Jagger, and Elvis Costello. Throughout her life, Buell has dabbled in various artistic pursuits, from modeling to publishing a memoir, but her true passion has always been music. She released several albums over the years, both with her band The B-Sides and as a solo artist.

  • Amanda Lear and David Bowie met in the early 1970s and soon began a brief affair that would spark both lasting friendship and collaboration between the two. Lear, a French singer, model, and television personality, became one of Bowie's muses for a short time, even appearing on the cover of his album Aladdin Sane wearing the iconic lightning bolt makeup. Their relationship eventually fizzled out, but Bowie and Lear remained friends and creative confidants for many years.

    Born in Vietnam and raised in France, Amanda Lear achieved international fame through her work as a fashion model, muse to painter Salvador Dali, and her successful career as a singer and television star. With a series of disco hits like "Follow Me" and "Fashion Pack," Lear became a symbol of European dance music in the late 1970s. Beyond her association with Bowie, Lear has also been linked to other famous names, including Rolling Stones guitarist Brian Jones and actor Alain Delon.

  • Cherry Vanilla
    Photo: Freebase

    David Bowie and Cherry Vanilla's connection centered around their shared love for performance and creativity. Vanilla worked as Bowie's publicist while he was taking the world by storm with his alter ego, Ziggy Stardust. Although the extent of their romantic relationship is debated, it is clear that these two influential personalities shared a deep bond and admiration for one another.

    Cherry Vanilla, born Kathleen Dorritie, is an American singer and actress who first gained recognition as a member of Andy Warhol's Factory scene. In addition to her work with Bowie, she served as a publicist for other prominent musicians, such as the New York Dolls. Cherry went on to release several albums throughout the 1970s and 1980s, both solo and with her band Cherry Vanilla & Her Staten Island Band. Her autobiography, Lick Me: How I Became Cherry Vanilla, offers an intimate look at her life and experiences in the glamorous world of art, music, and fame.

  • Though the true nature of their relationship remains disputed, David Bowie and Mick Jagger's close friendship and possible romantic involvement has long been a topic of speculation. It is said that the two icons shared a deep creative connection, with each artist influencing and inspiring the other's work. Whether the friendship ever turned romantic is still debated, but the undeniable influence they had on one another's artistic output speaks volumes about their unique bond.

    Mick Jagger, the charismatic frontman for The Rolling Stones, is a living legend in the world of rock and roll. With his provocative stage presence and distinctive voice, Jagger helped shape the sound and style of rock music for more than five decades. Alongside his immense success with The Rolling Stones, Jagger has also released several solo albums and acted in various films. His love life is nearly as renowned as his music, with relationships with Bianca Jagger, Jerry Hall, and countless other high-profile figures peppering his storied history.

  • Marianne Faithfull
    Photo: Alter1fo / Flickr

    In the late 1960s, Marianne Faithfull became yet another magnetic personality to be drawn into David Bowie's orbit. The two shared a brief but passionate encounter, with Bowie later commenting on their relationship in interviews. Although their romance was short-lived, the connection between these two gifted artists remains an interesting chapter in their respective histories.

    Marianne Faithfull is an English singer-songwriter and actress who began her career as a folk musician in the 1960s. Her delicate voice and striking beauty quickly caught the attention of the public, leading to a string of hit singles and memorable roles in films like Girl on a Motorcycle. However, Faithfull's life has been marked by personal struggles and tragedy, including drug addiction, homelessness, and a highly publicized relationship with Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger. Despite the challenges she faced, Faithfull continued to create music throughout the years, releasing more than twenty albums and showcasing her ability to reinvent herself as an artist.

  • Mick Ronson

    Mick Ronson and David Bowie shared a deep friendship and creative partnership, with Ronson playing a key role in shaping the sound of many classic Bowie records. Though the true nature of their relationship remains unclear, the two men were known to be extremely close and at times flirtatious, with Bowie even referring to Ronson as his "soulmate" in interviews. Whether their bond was romantic or simply platonic, it is undeniable that the connection between these musicians was instrumental in creating some of the most unforgettable moments in rock history.

    Mick Ronson was an English guitarist, best known for his work with David Bowie during the iconic Ziggy Stardust era. A talented musician and arranger, Ronson played a major role in crafting the unique sound that would define Bowie's music in the early 1970s. In addition to his work with Bowie, Ronson also enjoyed a successful solo career and collaborated with other notable artists such as Lou Reed, Morrissey, and Ian Hunter. Tragically, Ronson passed away in 1993 at the age of 46 after a battle with liver cancer, but his legacy as one of rock's most talented and influential guitarists lives on.

  • Hermione Farthingale
    Photo: AVRO / Wikimedia Commons

    Hermione Farthingale

    David Bowie and Hermione Farthingale's romance began in 1968 when they met during the shooting of a promotional film for his single, "Love You Till Tuesday." Farthingale, an English dancer and actress, became the inspiration for several of Bowie's early songs, including the classic ballad "Life on Mars?" Although their relationship was relatively brief, it left a lasting impact on Bowie's life and music, with the singer later reflecting on their time together as "a magical period" in his life.

    Hermione Farthingale is best known for her relationship with David Bowie and the influence she had on his early career. As a trained dancer and actress, Farthingale worked in various theatrical productions, both on stage and screen. However, it is her association with Bowie that has cemented her place in popular culture, serving as the muse for one of the greatest musicians of all time.

  • Dana Gillespie
    Photo: MainMan / Wikimedia Commons

    In the late 1960s, David Bowie and Dana Gillespie became entwined both musically and romantically, with Bowie supporting her efforts as a singer-songwriter and even producing her first album, Ain't Gonna Play No Second Fiddle. Their romantic relationship was relatively brief but impactful, with Gillespie later describing Bowie as her "first love." Though they eventually went their separate ways, Gillespie and Bowie shared a deep respect and admiration for one another that lasted until the end of his life.

    Dana Gillespie is an English actress and singer who began her career in the 1960s. With a focus on blues and folk music, Gillespie released dozens of albums throughout her career, leaving an indelible mark on the British music scene. In addition to her work as a musician, Gillespie also acted in various films and television shows, including the cult horror film The Blood on Satan's Claw. Her romantic history includes relationships with other high-profile musicians, such as Donovan and Bob Dylan.

  • Queenie
    Photo: JStone / Shutterstock

    Queenie

    David Bowie's relationship with Queenie (also known as Wendy Kirby) dates back to the mid-1960s when they were both teenagers in England. They were reportedly involved in a brief but passionate affair, which ended when Bowie went on to pursue his music career. Though their romance was short-lived, it is said that Queenie remained in Bowie's heart for years, even inspiring a character in his 1972 song "Queen Bitch."

    Little is known about Queenie (Wendy Kirby) outside of her connection to David Bowie. As a teenager, she was a part of the London mod scene, where she met Bowie and became entwined in his early romantic life. Despite the fleeting nature of their relationship, Queenie's influence on Bowie during his formative years adds another layer of intrigue to the musician's storied romantic history.

  • Helena Springs
    Photo: Metaweb / CC-BY

    Helena Springs

    In the late 1970s, David Bowie began a relationship with American singer Helena Springs while he was touring in support of his album Station to Station. The two collaborated on several songs and continued their relationship for a few years before eventually parting ways. Though their romance did not endure, their time together fostered creative collaboration and added another dimension to Bowie's already-immense musical journey.

    Helena Springs is an American singer-songwriter known for her work as a backup vocalist for various prominent musicians, including Bob Dylan and The Rolling Stones. In addition to her success as a session singer, Springs released several solo singles throughout her career and worked as a songwriter for other artists. Her relationship with Bowie remains one of the defining chapters in her life, marking yet another fascinating connection in the ever-evolving tapestry of his romantic encounters.

  • Cyrinda Foxe
    Photo: Metaweb / CC-BY

    Cyrinda Foxe

    Cyrinda Foxe's relationship with David Bowie began in the early 1970s when she was working as a model and actress in New York City. Their romance was short but passionate, with Bowie later writing the song "Jean Genie" as a tribute to their time together. Although their relationship eventually ended, it left an indelible mark on both of their lives and the history of rock and roll.

    Cyrinda Foxe, born Kathleen Victoria Hetzekian, was an American actress, model, and former wife of Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler. She first gained fame as a part of Andy Warhol's Factory scene, where she befriended and worked with numerous artists, musicians, and filmmakers. In addition to her romantic involvement with Bowie and Tyler, Foxe also had a tumultuous marriage to New York Dolls guitarist Johnny Thunders. She passed away in 2002 after a battle with brain cancer, leaving behind a legacy of glamour and intrigue.

  • Angela Bowie
    Photo: Ronald Douglas Frazier / Flickr

    David Bowie's relationship with his first wife, Angela (commonly known as Angie), began in the late 1960s and culminated in their marriage in 1970. The couple had a son, Duncan Jones, in 1971, and together they navigated the highs and lows of Bowie's fame and artistic evolution. However, their relationship became increasingly strained, ultimately leading to their separation in 1976 and divorce in 1980. Their tumultuous marriage and subsequent breakup played a significant role in shaping Bowie's personal life and creative output during this period.

    Angela Bowie, born Mary Angela Barnett, is an American model, actress, and musician who rose to prominence through her marriage to David Bowie. As his partner, Angie was an influential figure in the glam rock scene, often credited with helping to develop his iconic Ziggy Stardust alter ego. Following her divorce from Bowie, Angie pursued various artistic endeavors, including writing, acting, and music. She published a memoir, Backstage Passes: Life on the Wild Side with David Bowie, detailing their time together and her experiences in the world of rock and roll.