Kim Wilde: Age, Date of Birth & other info
Kim Wilde is an English singer, songwriter, and television presenter, who gained international fame in the 1980s with her hit single “Kids in America.” As one of the most prominent pop stars of her era, she built an impressive career that continues to influence music and pop culture today. Wilde’s music spans several decades, and she has made a lasting impact on both the music industry and pop culture.
- Age: 64 Years
- Date of Birth: November 18, 1960
- Birth Place: Chiswick, London, United Kingdom
- Weight: 1.5 stone (21 pounds)
- Height: 5 feet 4 inches tall (163 cm)
- Net Worth: $15 million
Early Life and Background
Name: Kim Wilde
Date of Birth: November 18, 1960
Place of Birth: Chiswick, London, United Kingdom
Full Name: Kimberly Ann Wilde
Nationality: British
Profession: Singer, Songwriter, TV Presenter, Designer
Genres: Pop, New Wave, Synth-pop
Kim Wilde was born on November 18, 1960, in Chiswick, London, England, into a musical family. She was the daughter of singer and actor Marty Wilde (born Reginald Leonard Smith) and his wife Joyce Baker, who was a member of the well-known British vocal group The Vernons Girls. As a result, Kim grew up in an environment steeped in music and performance, which later played a significant role in shaping her career.Her father, Marty Wilde, was one of the most famous rock ‘n’ roll stars of the late 1950s and early 1960s. He had a string of hits, including “Endless Sleep” and “A Teenager in Love,” which made him a household name in Britain. With this kind of musical heritage, Kim was introduced to the world of music from an early age.Kim Wilde attended St. Mark’s School in Hounslow, West London, and later studied at the prestigious De Montfort University in Leicester, where she focused on art and design. Although she loved music, Wilde originally pursued a different passion – designing. In fact, she went on to study graphic design, and her interest in visual art would later manifest in her own album cover designs.
Career Beginnings: The Rise to Fame
Kim Wilde’s professional music career began in the early 1980s when she signed a contract with the record label RAK Records. Her breakout moment came with the release of her debut single, “Kids in America,” in 1981. The track was written by her father, Marty Wilde, and his writing partner, Ricky Wilde, who also happened to be her brother. This catchy, high-energy pop anthem was an instant success, topping the charts in several countries and solidifying Kim Wilde as a prominent figure in the pop music scene.The song’s energetic melody, combined with Wilde’s youthful and charismatic persona, made it a classic of the early 1980s. “Kids in America” quickly became a hit in the UK, where it reached No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart, and it enjoyed success internationally as well. The track was also a chart-topper in countries like Australia, Canada, and parts of Europe. This single remains one of Kim Wilde’s signature songs to this day, and its popularity continues to endure.Following the success of her debut single, Kim Wilde released her self-titled debut album in 1981. The album included several other successful tracks, such as “Water on Glass” and “Chequered Love.” Wilde’s early music was heavily influenced by the New Wave genre, characterized by its electronic sounds and synth-driven melodies. This helped her stand out in the competitive pop landscape of the 1980s.
The 1980s: International Stardom
In 1982, Kim Wilde released her second album, Select. The album produced hit singles like “View from a Bridge” and “Child Come Away,” further establishing Wilde as a key figure in the pop music scene. The success of her albums in the UK and other international markets set her up for a lasting career in pop music.However, it was in 1984 that Wilde truly reached international stardom. Her third album, Teases & Dares, included one of her most famous songs, “You Keep Me Hangin’ On.” The song was a cover of the 1966 hit by The Supremes, and it became one of her biggest hits ever, reaching No. 1 in the US on the Billboard Hot 100. The track’s success was groundbreaking for a British artist at the time, and it solidified Wilde’s position as a global pop star.Kim Wilde’s 1980s success was not limited to music alone. Her distinctive image — which featured bold fashion choices and a punk-inspired look — helped to define the era’s aesthetic. Her style, along with her catchy and memorable songs, ensured that she remained a staple in popular culture throughout the decade.Over the next several years, Kim Wilde continued to release albums and singles, many of which charted well in Europe and beyond. Albums like Another Step (1986), Close (1988), and Love Moves (1990) kept her presence in the music industry strong, even though her chart success began to fade slightly in the early 1990s.
Life After Pop Stardom: A New Direction
By the early 1990s, the pop landscape was changing rapidly, and Wilde’s success in the pop charts began to diminish. However, rather than fading from the spotlight, Kim Wilde reinvented herself. She took a brief hiatus from music to focus on her family life, and during this time, she also pursued her passion for gardening and home design.In the 1990s, Wilde began a career in television and radio. She became a popular host on British television, particularly known for her presenting role on the BBC show National Lottery and other programs. Her time on television allowed her to expand her career beyond music, showcasing her versatility and adaptability. She also wrote a gardening column for various publications, including The Daily Express, and later published books on gardening, focusing on designing gardens and growing plants.In 2003, Kim Wilde returned to the music scene after a long break with the album Never Say Never. The album’s title track gained significant attention, and it marked Wilde’s return to the pop charts. Since then, she has continued to tour and record new music, maintaining a dedicated fan base that spans multiple generations.
Family Life and Personal Life
Kim Wilde’s family life has been relatively private, although it is clear that her musical family has played a significant role in her life and career. She is married to Hal Fowler, an actor and musician. The couple married in 1996, and they have two children together: a son, Harry, born in 2000, and a daughter, Rose, born in 2005. Wilde’s family life appears to be rooted in balance, as she manages to maintain a successful career while also being a mother and wife.Her relationship with her brother Ricky Wilde, a key figure in her musical career, has also been central to her success. Ricky was not only a frequent collaborator on her albums but also helped produce many of her early hits. Their bond has remained strong throughout the years, both professionally and personally.Kim Wilde has spoken openly about her love for gardening, which she says has helped her maintain a sense of calm and peace in her busy life. Her passion for plants and the outdoors is reflected in her various gardening projects, which she continues to be involved in.
Kim Wilde’s Net Worth
As of 2025, Kim Wilde’s net worth is estimated to be around $20 million. Her wealth comes from multiple revenue streams, including her music career, television appearances, and gardening-related ventures. Her ongoing music career, which includes touring and album sales, continues to contribute significantly to her income. Additionally, Wilde’s investments in gardening books and television shows have helped solidify her financial standing.Wilde’s enduring popularity in the UK and Europe has ensured that her net worth remains strong, and her ability to reinvent herself and explore new interests outside of music has allowed her to diversify her income sources. The continued success of her music catalog, coupled with her ventures in television and design, ensures that her legacy remains intact.
Legacy and Influence
Kim Wilde’s contribution to pop music and culture cannot be overstated. Her distinctive voice, catchy melodies, and vibrant persona helped define the 1980s music scene. Even today, she remains an iconic figure in pop music, and her songs continue to resonate with new generations of fans.Her influence on the pop genre is still felt today, as she helped to pave the way for other female artists in the 1980s. The combination of her strong songwriting ability, her catchy melodies, and her edgy persona made her one of the era’s most enduring stars.Her music, especially songs like “Kids in America” and “You Keep Me Hangin’ On,” remains timeless, continuing to be featured in films, television shows, and commercials. Kim Wilde’s legacy as one of the most iconic pop stars of the 1980s is secure, and her enduring presence in the music world proves that her influence continues to be felt.
Conclusion
Kim Wilde’s career has spanned over four decades, from her rise as an 80s pop sensation to her present-day role as a respected musician, television personality, and gardening enthusiast. Her journey reflects resilience, creativity, and the ability to evolve with the times. With a net worth of approximately $20 million and a lasting cultural legacy, Kim Wilde remains an important figure in the entertainment world. Whether through her music, her television appearances, or her gardening expertise, Wilde’s influence continues to shine, proving that her talent and passion have made her a true legend in the entertainment industry.
