Gary Kemp is an English musician, songwriter, and actor best known as the lead guitarist and principal songwriter of Spandau Ballet. Born Gary James Kemp on 16 October 1959 in Islington, London, he rose to fame in the 1980s as a key figure in the New Romantic movement and later built a parallel career in film and television.
His songwriting produced enduring hits such as “True” and “Gold,” which remain staples of 1980s pop culture. Beyond music, his role in the 1992 film The Bodyguard introduced him to a global film audience.
Kemp continues to perform and record, most recently with Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets, demonstrating a career that has spanned more than four decades.
Gary Kemp’s Family and Relationship with Martin Kemp
Gary James Kemp
16 October 1959 (age 65), Islington, London, England
Songwriter, musician, actor
Lead guitarist and principal songwriter of Spandau Ballet, role in The Bodyguard
- Gary Kemp is the primary songwriter behind Spandau Ballet’s biggest hits, including ‘True’ and ‘Gold’.
- He has a successful acting career, most notably playing Mike Nichols in the 1992 film ‘The Bodyguard’.
- Kemp is married to Lauren Henson, and they have three sons together.
- His brother, Martin Kemp, is also a famous actor and musician (Spandau Ballet bassist).
- Kemp’s net worth is not publicly disclosed; estimates vary but no official figure is available.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gary James Kemp |
| Date of Birth | 16 October 1959 |
| Place of Birth | Islington, London, England |
| Occupation | Songwriter, musician, actor |
| Spouse | Lauren Barber (m. 2003, now Lauren Kemp) |
| First Wife | Sadie Frost (m. 1988–1996) |
| Children | Finlay, Milo Wolf, Kit, Rex |
| Net Worth (est.) | Not reliably sourced; estimates vary widely |
| Notable Works | Spandau Ballet albums, ‘The Bodyguard’ (1992), solo albums |
Who is Gary Kemp’s wife?
Gary Kemp is married to costume designer Lauren Barber. The couple married in 2003, and she is now known as Lauren Kemp. Together they have three sons: Milo Wolf, Kit, and Rex. This information is confirmed by his official website and biographical sources.
Does Gary Kemp have children?
Yes. Gary Kemp has four sons in total. From his first marriage to actress Sadie Frost, he has a son named Finlay, born in 1990. With his current wife Lauren Kemp, he has three more sons: Milo Wolf, Kit, and Rex. The names and general structure of his family are documented across multiple sources.
What is the relationship between Gary Kemp and Martin Kemp?
Gary Kemp is the older brother of Martin Kemp. Both brothers were members of Spandau Ballet — Gary on lead guitar and as principal songwriter, Martin on bass. They grew up together in Islington and attended Anna Scher’s Children’s Theatre as boys, which provided their early exposure to performance. Their relationship is frequently noted in media as both a personal bond and a professional collaboration.
Gary Kemp’s family includes his brother Martin Kemp (Spandau Ballet bassist), his first wife Sadie Frost (actress), his current wife Lauren Kemp (costume designer), and his four sons: Finlay, Milo Wolf, Kit, and Rex.
Gary Kemp’s Net Worth and Career Success
Determining an exact net worth for Gary Kemp is challenging due to the absence of official financial disclosures. Available sources do not provide a reliable, verified figure. Estimates circulating online vary considerably, but none can be confirmed through the documentation reviewed.
What is clear is that his career has generated substantial income over decades. As the principal songwriter of Spandau Ballet, he earns ongoing royalties from hits like “True,” “Gold,” and “Only When You Leave.” The band’s 1983 album True was a major commercial success. Kemp has also earned from acting roles, solo albums, and touring activities, including recent performances with Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets.
How did Gary Kemp achieve fame?
Kemp co-founded Spandau Ballet in 1979 with his brother Martin and school friends. The band became a defining act of the New Romantic movement in the early 1980s. Their breakthrough came with the album True in 1983, which reached number one in the UK and produced the iconic title track. Kemp’s songwriting was central to the band’s identity.
What is Gary Kemp known for?
He is primarily known as the lead guitarist and principal songwriter of Spandau Ballet. His songwriting credits include many of the band’s most recognizable songs. He is also known for his acting role in The Bodyguard (1992) and for his ongoing solo work and collaborations.
Gary Kemp wrote Spandau Ballet’s biggest hits including “True” (1983), “Gold” (1983), and “Only When You Leave” (1984). His songwriting was the engine behind the band’s international success.
Gary Kemp’s Acting Career: The Bodyguard and Beyond
Gary Kemp’s acting career began in childhood. He and his brother Martin attended Anna Scher’s Children’s Theatre, which led to early television roles. In the 1990s, his acting returned to prominence with a notable role in the 1992 film The Bodyguard, starring alongside Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner. He played Mike Nichols, a member of the protection team.
What role did Gary Kemp play in The Bodyguard?
In The Bodyguard (1992), Kemp portrayed Mike Nichols, a fellow bodyguard working for the security firm headed by Frank Farmer, played by Kevin Costner. The film was a global box office success and remains a cultural touchstone.
What other movies has Gary Kemp been in?
Beyond The Bodyguard, Kemp appeared in the 1990 film The Krays, a biographical crime drama about the notorious Kray twins. His other acting credits include television appearances and smaller film roles, documented on his IMDb profile.
While Gary Kemp is widely recognized for his music, his acting career includes notable film roles such as The Krays (1990) and The Bodyguard (1992). He has also appeared in television productions, though music remains his primary profession.
Gary Kemp’s Early Life and Rise to Fame with Spandau Ballet
Gary James Kemp was born on 16 October 1959 in Islington, London, to parents Eileen and Frank Kemp. He grew up in a working-class family alongside his younger brother Martin. Both boys attended Anna Scher’s Children’s Theatre, which helped them develop early acting skills.
How old was Gary Kemp when he started his career?
Kemp began acting as a child after attending Anna Scher’s school. His formal music career began at age 20 when he co-founded The Makers in 1978, which soon evolved into Spandau Ballet in 1979. The band’s first album, Journeys to Glory, was released in 1981.
What is Gary Kemp’s background?
His background is rooted in North London. He attended the Anna Scher Theatre School, which is known for producing actors and performers. Before music took precedence, he had already experienced acting work. The formation of Spandau Ballet marked the pivot point in his career.
Timeline of Gary Kemp’s Life and Career
- 1959: Born in Islington, London, to Eileen and Frank Kemp.
- 1979: Co-founded Spandau Ballet with brother Martin Kemp and other school friends.
- 1983: Released the iconic album True, featuring the hit single “True.”
- 1992: Played Mike Nichols in the film The Bodyguard.
- 1990s: Pursued solo music career and took on additional acting roles.
- 2009: Spandau Ballet reunited for a tour.
- 2020s: Continues to tour with Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets and release solo material.
What Is Known and What Remains Unclear About Gary Kemp
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Gary Kemp’s date and place of birth (16 October 1959, Islington, London) | Exact net worth figure (estimates vary; no official disclosure) |
| His role as lead guitarist and principal songwriter of Spandau Ballet | Specific details of personal relationships (e.g., children’s full names not all public) |
| His marriage to Lauren Barber (2003) and his four sons | Future career plans |
| His acting role in The Bodyguard (1992) | Precise financial figures from royalties and touring |
Understanding Gary Kemp’s Cultural Impact
Gary Kemp’s dual career as a musician and actor sets him apart from many pop stars. His songwriting for Spandau Ballet was central to the New Romantic movement, a style that defined early 1980s pop culture. The relationship with his brother Martin Kemp is both a personal and professional bond, often highlighted in media. For more on British musicians who shaped the era, see also Sharleen Spiteri.
His role in The Bodyguard alongside Whitney Houston remains a cultural touchstone, introducing him to film audiences worldwide. More recently, his work with Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets demonstrates his ongoing relevance in the music industry and his ability to adapt across genres.
Key Sources and Quotes on Gary Kemp
“Gary Kemp was the force behind Spandau Ballet for many years.”
TapeOp interview
“Gary Kemp is an English songwriter, musician and actor, best known as the lead guitarist, backing vocalist, and principal songwriter of Spandau Ballet.”
Wikipedia
Who Is Gary Kemp? A Concise Summary
Gary Kemp is an English musician, songwriter, and actor born in 1959 in Islington, London. He is best known as the lead guitarist and principal songwriter of Spandau Ballet, the band behind hits like “True” and “Gold.” He also appeared in films such as The Bodyguard and The Krays. He has four sons and is married to Lauren Kemp. His career spans over four decades, encompassing music, acting, and solo projects. For more on British musicians, see also Harry Judd.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gary Kemp
How tall is Gary Kemp?
Gary Kemp is approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall.
What instruments does Gary Kemp play?
He plays guitar, synthesizer, and sings backing vocals.
Is Gary Kemp still touring?
Yes, as of 2025 he performs with Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets and occasionally as a solo artist.
What is Gary Kemp’s most famous song?
‘True’ (1983) is widely considered his most iconic song, written and performed with Spandau Ballet.
Does Gary Kemp have any solo albums?
Yes, he released albums like ‘Little Bruises’ (1995) and ‘INSOLO’ (2021).
Who is Gary Kemp’s brother?
His brother is Martin Kemp, also a musician and actor who played bass in Spandau Ballet.
How many children does Gary Kemp have?
He has four sons: Finlay, Milo Wolf, Kit, and Rex.
What film did Gary Kemp appear in with Whitney Houston?
He played Mike Nichols in the 1992 film The Bodyguard alongside Whitney Houston.
Amelia Grant is Local Government Editor at RegionalReport.co.uk, covering council decisions, regional public policy, combined authorities, planning, housing and transport.