Biography for
Rick Springfield More at IMDbPro »

Date of Birth

23 August 1949, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Birth Name

Richard Lewis Springthorpe

Nickname

Rick

Height

6' 1" (1.85 m)

Mini Biography

Rick Springfield was born the son of a Lt. Colonel in the British Army and spent his childhood on various army bases in Australia and Britain. As a teenager, he fronted many music bands-such as the "Jordy Boys", "Wakedy Wak" and "Zoot". The latter was his most successful paving his way for his future success as a musician. However, that success was still a long time coming. While he waited for that big break he signed a contract with Universal television which cast him in bit parts in shows such as the "The Six Million Dollar Man" (1974) and "The Rockford Files" (1974). As well, he also had a recurring role on the soap "The Young and the Restless" (1973). In the early 1980's, his luck changed as he signed to RCA Records and was then cast as "Dr. Noah Drake" on the soap "General Hospital" (1963). While he had released six albums in the 1970s, his 1980 break-through album "Working Class Dog" gave him the #1 single "Jessie's Girl". From the music and TV exposure, he became a teen idol. He ruled the airwaves for a couple of years, ended his stint on "General Hospital" (1963) and attempted a a motion picture career, which fizzled.

IMDb Mini Biography By: Anita Culley

Mini Biography

Started in a 'quasi' heavy metal band in Australia called Zoot. Came to US early 70's and recorded an album - Beginnings. It had one "major" hit - Speak to The Sky. After that came "Comic Book Heroes" which was marginally successful. Then he learned to speak English with an American accent to further his acting career after he lost his record label. Did bit parts in "The New Adventures of Wonder Woman" (1975) and a few other 70's shows before landing the role as "Dr. Noah Drake" on "General Hospital" (1963) in 1980. Shortly after landing the role, his single "Jessie's Girl" became a #1 record in the USA. He continued to star on GH while touring and releasing "Success Hasn't Spoiled Me Yet" with the hit "Don't Talk To Strangers". Upon releasing his 3rd album with RCA-"Living In Oz" he quit GH and went back to his rock roots. "Living In Oz" is considered by many his finest (and hardest rock) album. He starred in the movie Hard to Hold (1984) in 1984 and released the soundtrack to it with the hit "Love Somebody", followed by "Don't Walk Away" and "Bop Til Ya Drop". His next album "Tao" started his slow descent from rock star to "who?". It was followed up in 1988 by "Rock Of Life" which was his 'moodiest' and least recognized album (by the public).

IMDb Mini Biography By: Anonymous

Spouse

Barbara Porter

(27 October 1984 - present) 2 children

Trivia

His wife Barbara Porter was the receptionist at the studio where he recorded "Working Class Dog."

Sidelined for the late 1980's-early 1990's through a combination of severe depression, a bad accident in an ATV, and a decision to devote himself to his wife and two sons.

He was added to the cast of the syndicated Aaron Spelling drama, "Robin's Hoods" (1994), in a belated attempt to shore up ratings.

He won a Grammy Award for the song "Jessie's Girl" in 1982.

His first single released was "Speak to the Sky" in 1972.

Throughout the 1970's he was mistaken for Bruce Springsteen because of their similar surnames and musical backgrounds.

He was linked romantically with actress Linda Blair in the 1970s. There was quite an age difference at the time he was 25 and she was 15! Nevertheless, he still refers to her as the first love of his life.

Had hit song "Speak to the Sky" years before Working Class Dog.

Was in the Australian rock band "Zoot" with Beeb Birtles, who later co-founded one of Australia's most successful rock bands, 'The Little River Band'.

Arrested in Malibu for spousal assault and spent the night in jail but was released after he posted $50,000 bail. [18 September 2000]

Has two sons with Porter: Liam (b. 1985) and Joshua (b. 1989).

Ranked #12 in TV Guide's list of "TV's 25 Greatest Teen Idols" (23 January 2005 issue).

At an auction of memorabilia of items from the liner R.M.S. "Titanic", he purchased the nameplate that had come off one of the ship's lifeboats.

He was in the early group version of wickety wak.wickety wak - later Australia's premier showband in the 1980s and 90s.

[2006] Became a US citizen, while still maintaining his Australian citizenship.

Close friend of Doug Davidson and Cindy Fisher. Was an usher at their wedding on May 27, 1984.

Personal Quotes

Writing music is what I enjoy most. And playing it. I want to give people the kind of positive feeling I used to get from a really good concert.

I've always been something of a whore with my acting, but never my music.

Salary

"General Hospital" (1963)

$750/week

Where Are They Now

(June 2003) Starred in the Las Vegas extravaganza, "EFX-Alive" at the MGM Grand from January 2001 until the show closed on December 31, 2002. He is now working on a new album, titled "Shock/Denial/Anger/Acceptance" and has been touring the United States.

(2006) Co-host, with Kate Williams Stone, of an infomercial for Universal Music's "80s Gold" music collection.