Discover the legendary life of Ozzy Osbourne—frontman of Black Sabbath, solo superstar, reality TV icon. Learn about his $220 M empire, family, cause of death, career milestones, and enduring influence.
Introduction to the Ozzy Osbourne Biography
“I was in lockdown from the 1970s … that’s why I became Ozzy.” — Ozzy Osbourne
From the gritty streets of Birmingham to stages worldwide, John Michael “Ozzy” Osbourne—known as the “Prince of Darkness”—helped define heavy metal with Black Sabbath before forging a solo career that included hits like “Crazy Train” and “No More Tears.” His larger-than-life persona reached new heights via The Osbournes, the groundbreaking MTV reality show. Osbourne passed away on July 22, 2025, at age 76, leaving behind a staggering $220 million net worth and a roaring legacy.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | John Michael “Ozzy” Osbourne |
| Born | December 3, 1948 (Marston Green, England) |
| Died | July 22, 2025 (aged 76), surrounded by family |
| Net Worth | $220 million (combined with Sharon Osbourne) |
| Cause of Death | Not officially disclosed; had Parkinson’s, respiratory issues |
| Occupation | Singer, songwriter, reality television personality |
| Years Active | 1967–2025 |
| Spouses | Thelma Riley (m. 1971–1982), Sharon Osbourne (m. 1982–2025) |
| Children | Six: Jessica, Louis, Elliot (with Thelma); Aimee, Kelly, Jack (with Sharon) |
| Famous For | Lead singer of Black Sabbath; solo career; The Osbournes TV show |
Turning Point: Final Bow (July 2025)
On July 5, 2025, Ozzy delivered his “Back to the Beginning” farewell concert in Birmingham—his hometown—and performed with Black Sabbath one last time. Less than three weeks later, on July 22, he passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by loved ones.
Three Key Insights:
Curtailed by health but undeterred by time—Ozzy battled Parkinson’s since 2020 yet kept performing until months before his death.
Magnified legacy—his final concert amplified his cultural legend, cementing an iconic farewell.
Continued financial empire—his estate and investments reflect calculated business savvy alongside artistry.
Beyond the Spotlight: Lesser-Known Facets
Early life struggles & dyslexia: Raised in working-class Birmingham, he dropped out at 15, briefly jailed after a robbery conviction.
MTV fame: The Osbournes (2002–2005) transformed reality TV, making the family into household names.
Record-breaking touring and merchandising: Co-founded Ozzfest in 1996, grossed $100 million+, sold massive merchandise volumes.
Resilience through health crises: Survived near-fatal ATV accident in 2003, neck injuries, multiple surgeries, and addiction—often performing in spite of setbacks.
Family & Personal Life
“Ozzy died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family.” — Family Statement.
Spouses: First married Thelma Riley (1971–1982), then Sharon Osbourne (1982–2025), his manager and partner.
Children:
With Thelma: Jessica, Louis, Elliot.
With Sharon: Aimee, Kelly (TV personality), and Jack (reality star).
Legacy Heirloom: The $220 million fortune is set to be inherited by Sharon and the six children.
Career Achievements & Milestones
Black Sabbath (1967–1979; 1997–2017): Pioneers of heavy metal; iconic albums include Paranoid and Master of Reality.
Solo hits: Launched in 1980 with Blizzard of Ozz. Career featured 13 studio albums, many multi-platinum, including Diary of a Madman (1981) and No More Tears (1991).
Hall of Fame: Inducted twice—Black Sabbath in 2006 and solo in 2024.
Grammys & Awards: Winner of multiple Grammy awards and the 2014 MTV Europe Music Award for Global Icon.
Real Estate & Branding: Entrepreneur behind his own brand, with homes in Malibu and Hidden Hills, plus lucrative endorsement deals.
Net Worth
As of 2025, Ozzy Osbourne’s estimated net worth is $220 million. His wealth stems from a combination of record sales, global tours, merchandise, and TV ventures like The Osbournes and his numerous brand endorsements.
Sources of Income:
Album and tour revenues
TV appearances and reality shows
Book sales (I Am Ozzy, his memoir, became a bestseller)
Ozzfest revenue and licensing deals
Controversies & Legal Troubles
Ozzy Osbourne’s career has not been without controversy. His public behavior has often sparked media frenzy and legal backlash.
Notable Controversies:
Bat Incident (1982): Famously bit the head off a bat on stage — an act he later regretted, claiming he thought it was a toy.
Alamo Incident (1982): Arrested for public intoxication and urinating on the Alamo Cenotaph in Texas. He was banned from San Antonio for a decade.
Animal Rights Protests: PETA and other organizations criticized his stage performances involving animals.
Substance Abuse: Years of drug and alcohol abuse led to arrests, canceled shows, and multiple rehab stints.
Despite these controversies, Ozzy’s candidness about his struggles has earned him a level of respect, even among critics.
Health Issues Over the Years
Ozzy’s life has been marred by numerous health battles, many stemming from decades of substance abuse and the physical demands of touring.
Key Health Struggles:
Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2020
Multiple surgeries following a 2019 fall
Long-standing neck and spinal issues
Battled pneumonia, infections, and flu complications
Reported mental health challenges, including depression and anxiety
Despite these issues, Ozzy has repeatedly made comebacks, returning to the stage and releasing new music. His resilience has inspired fans worldwide.
Timeline – A Legendary Journey
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1948 | Born Dec 3 in Birmingham, England |
| 1967 | Co-founded Black Sabbath |
| 1970 | Released debut album Black Sabbath |
| 1979 | Fired from Hall of Fame band due to substance issues |
| 1980 | Solo debut with Blizzard of Ozz |
| 1982 | Married Sharon Osbourne |
| 1996 | Founded Ozzfest |
| 2002–05 | Starred in MTV’s The Osbournes |
| 2003 | Near-fatal ATV accident |
| 2020 | Publicly revealed Parkinson’s diagnosis |
| 2024 | Inducted into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (solo) |
| Jul 5, 2025 | Final concert with Black Sabbath |
| Jul 22, 2025 | Passed away at age 76 |
Ozzy’s 2025 Influence
| Metric | Stat |
|---|---|
| Album Sales | 100+ million |
| Est. Net Worth | $220 million |
| Children | 6 |
| Grandchildren | 10 |
| Rock & Roll Hall Inductions | 2 |
| Grammy Awards | Multiple |
| Final Concert | Raised ~$190 million for charity |
Notable Quotes
“I did a livestream last week—and I couldn’t speak, the mask told me.”
— Reflecting on his health battles in 2020
“I didn’t think you would leave so soon … I will never forget you.”
— Yungblud at Ozzy’s farewell
“He was a dear friend … a true legend.”
— Elton John, on Ozzy’s legacy
FAQs About Ozzy Osbourne Biography
Q1: What was Ozzy Osbourne’s cause of death?
Not officially announced, but he battled Parkinson’s disease, respiratory, and spinal issues before passing peacefully at home.
Q2: How old was he when he died?
He was 76 years old—born Dec 3, 1948; died July 22, 2025.
Q3: How many children did he have?
Six—three with Thelma Riley (Jessica, Louis, Elliot) and three with Sharon (Aimee, Kelly, Jack).
Q4: What was his net worth?
Estimated at $220 million, from music, TV, real estate, merchandising, and endorsements.
Q5: Did he retire before his death?
He retired from touring in 2023 but performed both in studio and in the live farewell show in July 2025.
Q6: What were his greatest career achievements?
Co-founding Black Sabbath, launching a solo career with over 13 studio albums, winning Grammys, starring in The Osbournes, and founding Ozzfest.
Conclusion
Ozzy Osbourne’s life story is a testament to resilience, creativity, and cultural impact. From his roots in Birmingham to blazing stages worldwide, he helped define the sound, style, and spectacle of heavy metal. Beyond music, he connected with millions via TV, festivals, and public appearances.
At his passing in July 2025, Ozzy left behind both a financial empire worth $220 million and an indelible mark on music history. Though the “Prince of Darkness” has silenced his microphone, his voice continues to echo in every power chord, festival stage, and television screen he influenced. His legacy remains immortal—an icon of rebellion, authenticity, and rock ’n’ roll spirit.