Ozzy Osbourne Biography: Life, Career, Death & Legacy of the Prince of Darkness
Ozzy Osbourne Biography Quick Facts
Attribute | Details |
Full Name | John Michael Osbourne |
Stage Name | Ozzy Osbourne |
Date of Birth | December 3, 1948 |
Date of Death | July 22, 2025 |
Birthplace | Birmingham, England |
Nationality | British |
Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
Nickname | Prince of Darkness |
Genres | Heavy Metal, Hard Rock |
Notable Bands | Black Sabbath, Solo Career |
Spouses | Thelma Riley, Sharon Osbourne |
Children | 6 (including Kelly & Jack) |
Net Worth (2025) | Estimated $220 million |
Ozzy Osbourne Early Life & Background
Ozzy Osbourne Born in Marston Green, raised in Aston, Birmingham.
Ozzy Osbourne Grew up in a working-class family with five siblings.
Ozzy Osbourne Struggled with dyslexia and left school at 15.
Ozzy Osbourne Worked various jobs including slaughterhouse worker and plumber’s apprentice.
Ozzy Osbourne Spent six weeks in prison for burglary at age 17.
Ozzy Osbourne Inspired by The Beatles’ “She Loves You” to pursue music.
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Ozzy Osbourne Rise to Fame: Black Sabbath Era (1969–1979)
Ozzy Osbourne was Co-founded Black Sabbath in 1969 with Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward.
Ozzy Osbourne Released groundbreaking albums:
Black Sabbath (1970)
Paranoid (1970)
Master of Reality (1971)
Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (1973)
Defined the heavy metal genre with dark themes and heavy riffs.
Fired in 1979 due to substance abuse issues.
Ozzy Osbourne Solo Career & Iconic Albums (1980–2025)
Ozzy Osbourne Debut solo album: Blizzard of Ozz (1980) featuring “Crazy Train” and “Mr. Crowley”.
Follow-up hits:
Diary of a Madman (1981)
Bark at the Moon (1983)
No More Tears (1991)
Ordinary Man (2020)
Patient Number 9 (2022) – Grammy-winning
Sold over 100 million albums worldwide.
Founded Ozzfest in 1996, a major metal festival.
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Ozzy Osbourne Reality TV & Pop Culture Fame
Ozzy Osbourne Starred in The Osbournes (2002–2005) with wife Sharon and kids Kelly & Jack.
Ozzy Osbourne Became a household name beyond music.
Ozzy Osbourne Appeared in films like Austin Powers in Goldmember and voiced characters in Gnomeo & Juliet and Trolls World Tour.
Ozzy Osbourne Personal Life & Relationships
Ozzy Osbourne First marriage: Thelma Riley (1971–1982); had three children.
Ozzy Osbourne Second marriage: Sharon Osbourne (1982–2025); three children.
Ozzy Osbourne Battled drug and alcohol addiction for decades.
Ozzy Osbourne Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2020.
Ozzy Osbourne Known for outrageous antics, including biting the head off a bat on stage.
Ozzy Osbourne Awards & Honors
Ozzy Osbourne Grammy Awards: Best Metal Performance (multiple wins)
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame:
With Black Sabbath (2006)
Solo artist (2024)
Global Icon Award – MTV Europe Music Awards (2014)
Ivor Novello Lifetime Achievement Award (2015)
Stars on Hollywood Walk of Fame & Birmingham Walk of Stars
Ozzy Osbourne Final Years & Death
Ozzy Osbourne Ozzy Osbourne Performed final concert in Birmingham on July 5, 2025, seated due to health issues.
Passed away on July 22, 2025, aged 76, surrounded by family2.
Tributes poured in from fans and artists worldwide, honoring his legacy.
Ozzy Osbourne Age Details
Date of Birth: December 3, 1948
Date of Death: July 22, 2025
Age at Death: 76 years, 7 months, and 19 days
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
Age in Months: Approximately 919 months
Age in Days: Roughly 27,990 days
Fun Fact
Ozzy was born just three years after World War II ended and lived through eight decades, witnessing the rise of rock ‘n’ roll, the birth of heavy metal, and the digital revolution—all while becoming one of music’s most iconic figures.
Ozzy Osbourne Formal Education & School Life
Ozzy Osbourne Schooling Location: Ozzy attended school in Aston, Birmingham, England, where he grew up in a working-class neighborhood.
Ozzy Osbourne Learning Challenges: He struggled with dyslexia, which made reading and writing difficult. This led to feelings of isolation and frustration in the classroom.
Ozzy Osbourne Creative Outlet: Despite academic struggles, he participated in school plays, including The Mikado and H.M.S. Pinafore, showing early signs of performance talent.
Ozzy Osbourne Bullying & Trauma: Ozzy was sexually abused by school bullies at age 11, a traumatic experience that deeply affected him.
Ozzy Osbourne Dropout Age: He left school at 15, never completing formal education or attending college2.
Ozzy Osbourne Post-School Life & Odd Jobs
After dropping out, Ozzy worked a series of low-paying jobs to support himself:
Construction site laborer
Trainee plumber
Car factory horn tuner
Slaughterhouse worker
Apprentice toolmaker4
These jobs were short-lived and often unpleasant, but they gave him grit and life experience that later fueled his music.
Ozzy Osbourne Musical Awakening
At age 14, Ozzy heard The Beatles’ “She Loves You”, which inspired him to become a musician.
He later said in a documentary that the Beatles made him realize he was “going to be a rock star the rest of [his] life”.
Ozzy Osbourne Legal Trouble & Turning Point
At age 17, Ozzy was arrested for burglary after stealing clothes from a shop.
Ozzy Osbourne Unable to pay the fine, and with his father refusing to bail him out, Ozzy spent six weeks in Winson Green Prison4.
This experience pushed him toward music as a serious pursuit.
Ozzy’s lack of formal education didn’t stop him from becoming one of the most iconic figures in music history. His story is a testament to raw talent, resilience, and the power of self-belief.
Ozzy Osbourne Net Worth Overview
Ozzy Osbourne Estimated Net Worth (2025): $220 million2
Shared With: Wife Sharon Osbourne, his longtime manager and business partner
Career Span: Over five decades in music, television, and business
Ozzy Osbourne Primary Sources of Wealth
Music Career
Sold over 100 million albums worldwide (solo + Black Sabbath)
Released 13 solo studio albums, many multi-platinum
Earned royalties from streaming, licensing, and reissues
Ozzy Osbourne Live Performances
Founded Ozzfest in 1996
Over 5 million attendees
Grossed $100+ million
Ozzy Osbourne Final concert in 2025 raised $190 million for charity
Ozzy Osbourne Reality Television
Starred in The Osbournes (2002–2005)
Earned $20,000 per episode in Season 1
Later seasons: $5 million per family member
Appeared in Ozzy & Jack’s World Detour (2016–2018)
Ozzy Osbourne Merchandise & Licensing
First metal artist to earn $50 million from merchandise
Featured in Guitar Hero, World of Warcraft, and Metal Casino
Published memoir I Am Ozzy (2009)
Ozzy Osbourne Endorsements & Commercials
Appeared in ads for I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!, Workday, and Liquid Death
Partnered with Metal Casino as brand ambassador and part-owner
Ozzy Osbourne Real Estate Portfolio
Hidden Hills Mansion: Sold for $11.5 million
Malibu Beachfront Home: Sold for ~$8 million
Sierra Towers Condos: Valued at $6.3 million
Hancock Park Mansion: Listed for $18 million
Welders House (Buckinghamshire, UK): Historic estate
Ozzy Osbourne Estate & Inheritance
Survived by wife Sharon and six children: Aimee, Kelly, Jack, Jessica, Louis, Elliot
Sharon confirmed Ozzy’s will ensures his legacy and likeness remain within the Osbourne family
Ozzy Osbourne Family Overview
Relation | Name | Notes |
First Wife | Thelma Riley | Married in 1971, divorced in 1982 |
Second Wife | Sharon Osbourne | Married in 1982, remained together until his death in 2025 |
Children (with Thelma) | Jessica, Louis, Elliot (adopted) | Jessica & Louis are biological; Elliot is Thelma’s son from a previous relationship |
Children (with Sharon) | Aimee, Kelly, Jack | All three became public figures in various ways |
Ozzy Osbourne Marriages & Spouses
Thelma Riley
Met Ozzy in the late 1960s at a Birmingham nightclub.
Married in 1971 and had two children: Jessica and Louis.
Ozzy also adopted Elliot Kingsley, Thelma’s son from a previous relationship.
Their marriage was troubled due to Ozzy’s substance abuse and absence2.
Sharon Osbourne
Married Ozzy in 1982 after managing his solo career.
Together for 43 years, through highs and lows including Ozzy’s health battles and addiction recovery.
Starred together in the reality show The Osbournes (2002–2005).
Sharon was by his side at his death in July 2025.
Ozzy Osbourne Children in Detail
Jessica Osbourne
Born in 1972.
Lives a private life in England.
Works in film and TV as an actress, makeup artist, and costume designer4.
Mother of three: Isabella, Harry, and Kitty.
Louis Osbourne
Born in 1975.
DJ, producer, and label owner based in Birmingham.
Married to Louise, with two children: Elijah and Maia.
Attended Ozzy’s final concert in July 2025 and shared emotional tributes5.
Elliot Kingsley (Adopted)
Born in 1966, adopted by Ozzy after marrying Thelma.
Actor in UK theater, including performances with the National Theatre5.
Maintains a low public profile.
Aimee Osbourne
Born in 1983.
Chose not to appear on The Osbournes.
Lead singer of synth-pop band ARO.
Values privacy and has a distant relationship with siblings4.
Kelly Osbourne
Born in 1984.
TV personality, singer, and fashion icon.
Starred in The Osbournes, Fashion Police, and Dancing with the Stars.
Engaged to Sid Wilson (Slipknot); mother to Sidney, born in 20225.
Jack Osbourne
Born in 1985.
TV producer and paranormal investigator.
Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2012.
Father of four: Pearl, Andy, Minnie, and Maple.
Engaged to Aree Gearhart5.
Ozzy Osbourne Extended Family & Legacy
Ozzy had 10 grandchildren at the time of his death.
Maintained close ties with Sharon and his children despite past struggles.
His family was present at his final concert and deathbed, honoring his legacy as both a rock icon and devoted father.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ozzy Osbourne
Who was Ozzy Osbourne?
Ozzy Osbourne (born John Michael Osbourne) was a legendary British singer and songwriter, best known as the frontman of Black Sabbath and for his successful solo career. He was nicknamed the Prince of Darkness for his theatrical stage persona and dark lyrical themes.
When was Ozzy Osbourne born and when did he die?
Born: December 3, 1948, in Birmingham, England
Died: July 22, 2025, at age 76
What bands was he part of?
Black Sabbath (1969–1979, reunions in later years)
Solo Career (1980–2025)
Also collaborated with artists like Randy Rhoads, Zakk Wylde, and Post Malone
What are Ozzy Osbourne most famous songs?
“Crazy Train”
“Mr. Crowley”
“Bark at the Moon”
“No More Tears”
“Iron Man” (with Black Sabbath)
“Paranoid” (with Black Sabbath)
Did Ozzy Osbourne really bite the head off a bat?
Yes! During a 1982 concert in Des Moines, Iowa, Ozzy bit the head off a bat thrown on stage, thinking it was a rubber toy. He was rushed to the hospital for rabies shots afterward.
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Was Ozzy married?
Yes, twice:
Thelma Riley (1971–1982): Two children, plus one adopted
Sharon Osbourne (1982–2025): Three children—Aimee, Kelly, and Jack
Did Ozzy have health issues?
Yes. He battled:
Parkinson’s disease (diagnosed in 2019)
Substance abuse for decades
Injuries from falls and accidents Despite these, he continued performing until his final concert in July 2025.
What was his net worth?
At the time of his death, Ozzy’s net worth was estimated at $220 million, earned through music, TV, merchandise, and endorsements.
Was Ozzy on TV?
Yes! He starred in:
The Osbournes (MTV reality show, 2002–2005)
Ozzy & Jack’s World Detour
The Osbournes Want to Believe
What is Ozzy Osbourne’s legacy?
Ozzy is remembered as:
A pioneer of heavy metal
A cultural icon who bridged generations
A survivor who turned chaos into creativity His music and persona continue to influence artists across genres.
Conclusion: Ozzy Osbourne – A Loud Legacy That Echoes Forever
Ozzy Osbourne was a once-in-a-generation artist who transformed rock music—and culture—with raw emotion, unfiltered rebellion, and electrifying presence. From the bleak streets of Birmingham to global superstardom, his journey was marked by hardship, controversy, resilience, and relentless creativity.
As the frontman of Black Sabbath, he pioneered a genre. As a solo artist, he reinvented it. Through reality television, he reintroduced himself to a new generation. And in the face of illness and aging, he never lost the fire that made him an icon.
Behind the theatrics and chaos was a man who battled his demons publicly, loved deeply, and built a family as unforgettable as his music. His voice may have gone silent in 2025, but his impact continues to roar through every guitar riff, stage light, and rebel heart he ever inspired.
Ozzy didn’t just perform metal. He was metal.