Thelma Riley, now Thelma Mayfair, is famous for being the first wife of the well-known British rockstar and leader of the heavy metal band Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne. The pair met during the start of Ozzy’s promising music career, tied the knot, and had two kids together.
Despite Thelma’s efforts to be a strong and supportive partner, their marriage went through numerous ups and downs due to Ozzy’s alcoholism, addiction, infidelity, and the unpredictable lifestyle that came with being a rockstar on the road. Their union ultimately ended in divorce.
In this post, we’ll explore the fascinating details of Thelma Riley’s life, family, career, and past relationship with Ozzy Osbourne. We’ll also discuss the key moments that shaped her as the woman behind one of the greatest musicians in rock and roll history.
Personal Facts About Thelma Riley
Thelma Riley, also known as Thelma Osbourne and Thelma Mayfair, was born on May 17, 1954, which makes her 69 years old as of 2023. Thelma is a Christian and a British citizen. She has dark brown hair and eyes, a height of 5 feet and 6 inches, and a weight of 137 pounds.
Ozzy Osbourne was only 22 years old when he and Thelma first met at the Rum Runner Club in Birmingham in 1971. The club was a hotspot for young musicians and rock music fans in the area, and bands such as Duran Duran and Magnum regularly made an appearance there.
During that time, Ozzy was a regular patron at the club and was in the early stages of his career as the lead vocalist of Black Sabbath, while Thelma worked as a waitress. The two immediately fell in love and dated for a few months before deciding to get married that same year.
Thelma Riley and Ozzy Osbourne’s Marriage and Children
After getting married in 1971, Thelma and Ozzy welcomed their daughter, Jessica Starshine Osbourne, on January 20, 1972, in Grimsby, England. They also had a second child, Louis Osbourne, born in Birmingham in 1975.
Ozzy also adopted Elliot Kingsley, Thelma’s 5-year-old son from a previous relationship, who was born in 1966. Thelma and Ozzy’s three children have since grown into successful adults with their own careers.
Elliot became a theater actor, while Jessica is an established actress who’s starred in hit films and series, such as Yellowville, Hall of Mirrors, and Better Call Saul. Meanwhile, Louis has been involved in the music industry and works as a singer.
Alcoholism and substance addiction took a toll on Ozzy’s marriage and professional life. The band’s constant traveling also caused him to be away from home and absent from his kids’ lives most of the time. He was also accused of infidelity, which he later confirmed.
Ozzy was eventually fired from Black Sabbath in 1979, but he had a successful solo career afterward.
Divorce of Thelma Riley and Ozzy Osbourne
Thelma and Ozzy finalized their divorce in 1982 after 11 years of marriage. Ozzy admitted that his struggle with alcohol and substance abuse was the main reason behind their separation.
In his 2009 autobiography, “I am Ozzy,” he admitted to not treating Thelma as he should have and being unfaithful to her during their time together. Ozzy described his marriage to Thelma as a “terrible mistake.”
Ozzy’s 2011 documentary, “God Bless Ozzy Osbourne,” includes him saying he wasn’t a good father to his kids. He shared that he didn’t remember when Jessica and Louis were born. Ozzy’s children also commented about him being a physically and emotionally absent father.
The same year as his divorce, Ozzy married his manager, Sharon Arden, on July 4, 1982. The pair has been married for over 40 years and have three children. Aimee was born on September 2, 1983, Kelly was born on October 27, 1984, and Jack was born on November 8, 1985.
Thelma Riley’s Life After Her Divorce With Ozzy Osbourne
Thelma decided to avoid the spotlight after her divorce from Ozzy Osbourne. She also chose not to appear on his popular reality TV series, “The Osbournes,” aired on MTV from 2002 to 2005. Instead, Thelma focused on raising her kids independently as a single mom.
At present, Thelma has five grandchildren. Harry Hobbs, Kitty Hobbs, and Isabella Hobbs are the children of her daughter, Jessica Osbourne, who married Ben Hobb.
Meanwhile, Elijah Osbourne and Maia Osbourne are the children of Thelma’s son, Louis Osbourne, and his wife, Louise, who works as a writer, producer, and actress. The pair have been married since December of 2003.
Although Thelma has mostly kept her life away from the public eye, sources claim it mostly includes fulfilling her duties as an educator and keeping in touch with family and friends, as well as organizing parties in her home in Leicestershire, England.
What Is Thelma Riley’s Career and Net Worth?
Thelma Riley currently works as an English teacher at a local school in Leicestershire, England. Her role involves taking students on educational tours in various cities in the United Kingdom.
Thelma’s estimated net worth is $600,000, with her main source of income being her teaching vocation. Meanwhile, Thelma’s ex-husband, Ozzy Osbourne, has an estimated net worth of $220 million from his career as a solo artist, musician, and TV personality.
Wrapping Up
Despite Thelma Riley’s decision to keep a low profile after her divorce from Ozzy Osbourne, she has undoubtedly played a significant role in her ex-husband’s life and success as a rock legend.
In choosing to support Ozzy all throughout their tumultuous marriage and single-handedly raising their children when it ended, Thelma showed the world that the woman behind one of the biggest rockstars of all time also had the biggest heart for her family and loved ones.
