Who is Kim Wilde?
Kim Wilde, born Kim Smith on November 18, 1960, in Chiswick, London, England, is a renowned British pop singer, songwriter, and author. She is the eldest child of 1950s rock ‘n’ roll singer Marty Wilde and Joyce Baker, a member of the singing and dancing group The Vernons Girls. Kim rose to fame in the early 1980s with her debut single “Kids in America,” which became an international hit. Throughout her career, she has released numerous albums and singles, establishing herself as a prominent figure in the music industry.
Early Life and Education
Growing up in a musical family, Kim was exposed to the entertainment industry from a young age. She attended Oakfield School in Dulwich. At the age of nine, her family relocated to Hertfordshire, where she continued her education at Presdales School in Ware. After completing her secondary education, Kim pursued a foundation course at Hertfordshire College of Art & Design in 1980, focusing on her artistic interests.
Personal Life
Kim Wilde married actor Hal Fowler in 1996. The couple has two children: Harry Tristan and Rose Elizabeth. Kim values her family life and has often spoken about the balance between her personal and professional endeavors.
Family
Kim’s father, Marty Wilde, was a prominent figure in the British rock and roll scene of the late 1950s and early 1960s.
Her mother, Joyce Baker, was a member of The Vernons Girls, a singing and dancing group. Kim’s younger brother, Ricky Wilde, is a songwriter and producer who has collaborated with her throughout her career
Detailed Bio Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kim Smith |
| Stage Name | Kim Wilde |
| Date of Birth | November 18, 1960 |
| Place of Birth | Chiswick, London, England |
| Parents | Marty Wilde (father), Joyce Baker (mother) |
| Siblings | Ricky Wilde (brother) |
| Spouse | Hal Fowler (married in 1996) |
| Children | Harry Tristan, Rose Elizabeth |
| Height | 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 meters) |
| Occupation | Singer, Songwriter, Author, Landscape Gardener |
| Years Active | 1981–present |
| Notable Works | “Kids in America,” “You Keep Me Hangin’ On,” “You Came” |
| Net Worth (2025) | Approximately $20 million |
Career
Music Career
Kim Wilde’s music career took off in 1981 with the release of “Kids in America,” a song written by her father Marty and brother Ricky Wilde.
The track reached number two on the UK Singles Chart and gained international acclaim. Following this success, she released her self-titled debut album, which included hits like “Chequered Love.”
Throughout the 1980s, Kim continued to produce chart-topping songs, including “Cambodia,” “You Keep Me Hangin’ On” (a cover of The Supremes’ classic), and “You Came.” Her distinctive blend of pop and new wave elements garnered her a substantial fan base.
Hiatus and Gardening Career
In the late 1990s, Kim took a step back from the music scene to focus on her personal life and explore other interests. She developed a passion for gardening, which led her to study horticulture and subsequently become a landscape gardener. Kim achieved significant recognition in this field, winning a Gold award at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show in 2005. She also authored two gardening books: “Gardening with Children” (2005) and “The First-Time Gardener” (2006).
Return to Music
Inspired by a performance at a local village fete, where she sang ABBA songs and her own hit “Kids in America,” Kim rekindled her passion for music. She returned to the music industry, releasing new material and performing live. Her comeback was well-received by fans and critics alike.
Kim Wilde Career Summary
| Year | Event/Milestone | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Debut Single “Kids in America” | Became an international hit, reaching No. 2 in the UK Charts. |
| 1981 | Debut Album Kim Wilde | Featured successful singles like “Kids in America” and “Chequered Love.” |
| 1982 | Second Album Select | Included hits like “Cambodia” and “View from a Bridge.” |
| 1986 | Cover of “You Keep Me Hangin’ On” | Topped the US Billboard Hot 100 and became one of her biggest hits. |
| 1988 | Album Close | Featured singles like “You Came,” “Never Trust a Stranger,” and “Four Letter Word.” |
| 1990s | Shift in Career Focus | Explored other interests, including acting and presenting. |
| 1996 | Marriage and Family Life | Married actor Hal Fowler and took a step back from the music industry. |
| 1998 | Musical Theatre | Starred in the West End production of Tommy. |
| 2000s | Passion for Gardening | Became a landscape gardener and won a Gold award at the Chelsea Flower Show. |
| 2003 | Comeback Album Never Say Never | Marked her return to music, featuring re-recordings of her classics. |
| 2010s | Tours and New Music | Released albums such as Snapshots (2011) and Wilde Winter Songbook (2013). |
| 2018 | Album Here Come the Aliens | Featured songs like “Kandy Krush” and “Pop Don’t Stop.” |
| 2022 | Greatest Hits Tour | Celebrated 40 years in music with a worldwide tour. |
| 2025 | Latest Album Closer (Upcoming) | Expected to blend her classic new wave sound with modern influences. |
Height and Physical Appearance
Kim Wilde stands at 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 meters) tall. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her distinctive style, characterized by her blonde hair and fashion-forward attire, which became iconic during the 1980s.
Net Worth as of 2025
As of 2025, Kim Wilde’s estimated net worth is approximately $20 million. This wealth has been accumulated through her successful music career, book sales, and endeavors in landscape gardening.
Social Media Accounts
| Platform | Username | Official Link |
|---|---|---|
| @kimwilde | https://x.com/kimwilde | |
| Official Site | Kim Wilde Official | https://www.kimwilde.com/ |
Kim Wilde’s enduring talent and versatility have solidified her status as an iconic figure in the entertainment industry. Her contributions to music and the arts continue to inspire fans around the world.
Latest News
In January 2025, Kim Wilde released her brand-new album titled “Closer.” The album features a blend of new wave, pop, and rock elements, reminiscent of her iconic 1980s sound. Critics have praised the album for its catchy melodies and atmospheric production.
FAQS
Who is Kim Wilde’s husband?
Kim Wilde’s husband is Hal Fowler, an actor. The couple married in 1996, and they have two children together, Harry Tristan and Rose Elizabeth.
How rich is Kim Wilde?
As of 2025, Kim Wilde’s estimated net worth is approximately $20 million. Her wealth comes from her successful music career, book sales, and endeavors in landscape gardening.
What does Kim Wilde do now?
Currently, Kim Wilde continues to work in the music industry, with recent releases such as her album Closer. She also enjoys gardening and has authored several books on the subject. Additionally, she still performs live and participates in various tours celebrating her iconic music career.
What nationality is Kim Wilde?
Kim Wilde is British. She was born in Chiswick, London, England, and holds British nationality.
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