Leaving Hollywood for her starry-eyed megastar, she finds that love is all you need

Barbara Bach, famously known for her role as Bond girl Triple X, wasn’t waiting for James Bond to come to her rescue; instead, she was on a quest for her own prince charming—rock legend Ringo Starr, also known as Sir Richard Starkey.

Now at the age of 77, Bach reached the zenith of her career when she starred in the 1977 film The Spy Who Loved Me, where she portrayed Anya Amasova, a complex character who was both the love interest and a rival to the charming yet womanizing 007, played by Roger Moore.

In a candid 1983 interview with People, Bach didn’t hold back her opinion about her character’s relationship with Bond, referring to him as “a chauvinist pig who uses girls to shield him against bullets”. Moore himself agreed, stating in a 1973 People interview: “Bond, like myself, is a male chauvinist pig. All my life I’ve been trying to get women out of brassieres and pants”.

Before landing her iconic role in the Bond franchise, Bach had appeared in several Italian films, including Black Belly of the Tarantula, where she shared the screen with fellow Bond actresses Claudine Auger and Barbara Bouchet.

Bach’s portrayal of the KGB agent Anya Amasova not only solidified her status as a beloved Bond girl but also opened doors to numerous opportunities in her acting career. Following her Bond debut, she starred in Mad Magazine Presents Up the Academy (1980) and Caveman (1981), where she worked alongside Ringo Starr, who played a Neanderthal vying for her affections. Interestingly, the movie’s script contrasted sharply with their actual relationship, as they only became romantically involved towards the end of filming.

In a revealing Playboy feature from 1981, Bach noted: “A lot of garbage has been written about us, none of it interesting. The truth is, we weren’t together until the very end of Caveman. Working, we got along fine, but we each had other people, our respective friends. Then, all of a sudden, within a week—the last week of shooting—it just happened. We changed from friendly love to being in love”.

In a 2021 interview with the Irish Examiner, Starr reminisced about their first encounter at Los Angeles International Airport in 1980. “I love the woman. I loved her from when I first saw her at LAX”, he shared. “I’m blessed she’s in my life, that’s all I can ever say.”

Starr, renowned as the drummer for the legendary band The Beatles, was once part of a performance at New York’s Shea Stadium in 1965, where Bach was present. However, she revealed that she wasn’t an ardent Beatles fan, attending the concert with her sister Marjorie, a passionate follower of the band. “I liked [Bob] Dylan, Ray Charles, and the Rolling Stones”, Bach remarked in a People interview from 1981.

Bach’s sister eventually married Joe Walsh, the Eagles guitarist, who later performed with Starr in the All-Starr Band. Just months after John Lennon’s tragic death, Bach and Starr tied the knot on April 27, 1981, with notable guests including Paul McCartney and George Harrison.

Their journey together hasn’t been without challenges. Just before their wedding, the couple survived a near-fatal car accident, which prompted them to vow to stay together. Starr remarked: “We decided we wouldn’t spend any time apart. So far the longest break was five days, and that was too long. I want to live every minute with Barbara”.

The couple also took a significant step together in 1988 by entering rehab, emerging sober since then. Celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary in 2021, Starr shared a nostalgic wedding photo with the caption:, “It was 40 years ago today The love of my life said yes yes yes”.

Starr and Bach’s love extends beyond their personal lives; they also have a blended family, with Starr having three children from his late wife Maureen Cox and Bach two from her former marriage to Augusto Gregorini. Together, they run the Lotus Foundation, which supports various causes, including animal welfare, substance abuse, homelessness, and cancer research. Starr donates all proceeds from his art sales to the foundation.

There’s no denying the deep affection shared between Barbara Bach and Ringo Starr, a bond that remains as strong as ever. As Bach expressed: “I love the man, and that’s it”. Starr echoed her sentiments, saying: “There’s no escape… I think I love Barbara as much (today) as I did (when we met), and I’m beyond blessed that she loves me and we’re still together”. Their inspiring love story continues to resonate, and fans eagerly anticipate what they will accomplish together in their charitable endeavors and personal lives.

My Parents Made Me Pay for My Dinner While Covering Everyone Else’s – Their Reason Was Ridiculous

Jennifer’s parents caught her off guard during a family dinner by unexpectedly asking her to cover the cost of her meal, while they paid for everyone else. Jennifer’s resentment brews as the sting of unfairness deepens, setting the stage for a confrontation the family won’t forget.

The night I got the text from Mom about a “special family dinner,” I nearly choked on my microwaved ramen. It had been ages since we’d all gotten together, and even longer since it felt like my parents actually wanted me there.

A woman reading a text on her phone | Source: Midjourney

A woman reading a text on her phone | Source: Midjourney

I love my family, but being the middle child is like being the bologna in a sandwich where everyone’s fighting over the bread.

I stared at my phone, thumb hovering over the keyboard. Part of me wanted to make up some lame excuse, but then I thought about Tina and Cameron, my perfect older sister and my can-do-no-wrong little brother.

They’d be there, basking in Mom and Dad’s approval, like always. And I’d remain the perpetual afterthought if I didn’t show up.

A thoughtful woman | Source: Midjourney

A thoughtful woman | Source: Midjourney

“Count me in,” I typed, hitting send before I could change my mind.

Mom replied instantly. “Great! Le Petit Château, 7 p.m. next Friday. Don’t be late!”

Le Petit Château. Fancy. I whistled low, already mentally tallying up my savings. This wasn’t going to be cheap, but hey, maybe it was a sign things were changing. Maybe they actually wanted to spend time with me, Jennifer the Forgettable.

A woman smiling at her phone | Source: Midjourney

A woman smiling at her phone | Source: Midjourney

That Friday, I arrived at the restaurant ten minutes early, feeling nervous. Just as I was about to go in, Mom and Dad showed up. Mom was all smiles, while Dad wore his usual concerned expression.

Inside, we found a cozy table, and soon after, Tina and Robert joined us. Tina looked stunning, as always, making me feel like a potato by comparison. Finally, Cameron arrived, late as usual, and complaining about traffic.

Now we were all settled, Mom wasted no time in making me feel insignificant.

A table in a restaurant | Source: Pexels

A table in a restaurant | Source: Pexels

“So, Jennifer,” Mom said, peering at me over her menu, “how’s work going? Still at that little marketing firm?”

I nodded, trying not to bristle at the ‘little’ part. “Yeah, it’s good. We just landed a pretty big client, actually. I’m heading up the campaign.”

“Oh, that’s nice,” Mom said, her attention already drifting back to Tina, who was regaling Dad with tales of her son’s latest soccer game.

That stung, but the atmosphere improved while we ate. The food was great, and soon we were talking and laughing like we used to when I was a kid.

A woman enjoying her dinner | Source: Midjourney

A woman enjoying her dinner | Source: Midjourney

I was enjoying the meal and the rare feeling of being part of the family, but then the check came.

Dad reached for it and started going over the bill, like he always did. But then he frowned, looking directly at me.

“Jennifer,” he said, his voice oddly formal, “you’ll be covering your portion tonight.”

I blinked, sure I’d heard him wrong. “What?”

“You’re an adult now,” he continued, as if explaining something to a child. “It’s time you start paying your own way.”

A mature man in a restaurant | Source: Midjourney

A mature man in a restaurant | Source: Midjourney

“But…” I started, my voice small, “I thought this was a family dinner. You’re paying for everyone else.”

Dad’s frown deepened. “Your sister and brother have families to support. You’re single, so it’s only fair.”

Fair. The word echoed in my head, mocking me. I swallowed hard, fighting back the tears that threatened to spill over. Without a word, I pulled out my credit card and handed it to the waiter, praying it wouldn’t get declined.

The rest of the night was a blur. As I drove home, the hurt began to curdle into something else. Something harder, angrier.

An upset woman driving | Source: Midjourney

An upset woman driving | Source: Midjourney

The next morning, I woke up with a headache and a heart full of resentment. I spent the day alternating between moping on the couch and pacing my apartment like a caged animal. By evening, something inside me had shifted.

I wasn’t just going to let this go. Not this time.

An idea started to form. Crazy at first, but the more I thought about it, the more it made sense. I was going to give them a taste of their own medicine.

A decisive woman | Source: Midjourney

A decisive woman | Source: Midjourney

I invited Mom and Dad over for dinner and then spent days perfecting the menu. I cleaned my apartment until it sparkled, bought fancy candles, and even splurged on a tablecloth that didn’t come from the dollar store.

The night of the dinner arrived, and I was eerily calm. I had a plan, and I was sticking to it.

The doorbell rang at 7 p.m. sharp. I took a deep breath and opened the door with a smile plastered on my face.

“Mom, Dad! Come in!”

A mature couple | Source: Pexels

A mature couple | Source: Pexels

Dad handed me a bottle of wine. “Place looks nice, Jennifer.”

“Thanks,” I said, ushering them to the living room. “Dinner’s almost ready. Can I get you something to drink?”

As I poured their wine, Mom settled onto the couch, her eyes roaming over my bookshelf. “So, how have you been, dear? We haven’t heard much from you since… well, since our last dinner.”

I forced a light laugh. “Oh, you know how it is. Work’s been crazy busy.”

A woman having dinner with her parents | Source: Midjourney

A woman having dinner with her parents | Source: Midjourney

We made small talk for a while, the conversation stilted and full of long pauses. Finally, the oven timer beeped, saving us all.

“Dinner’s ready!” I announced, perhaps a bit too cheerfully.

I’d outdone myself with the meal: herb-crusted salmon, roasted vegetables, and a quinoa salad that had taken forever to get right. Mom and Dad made appropriate noises of appreciation as they ate.

“This is delicious, Jennifer,” Mom said, sounding genuinely impressed. “I didn’t know you could cook like this.”

A mature woman smiling | Source: Pexels

A mature woman smiling | Source: Pexels

I shrugged, tamping down the flare of resentment at her surprise. “I’ve picked up a few things over the years.”

The dinner progressed smoothly, almost pleasantly. I almost forgot why I’d invited them over in the first place. Then Dad started with one of his lectures about financial responsibility, and I knew it was time.

As I cleared the plates and brought out a fancy tiramisu for dessert, I steeled myself. This was it.

“So,” I said casually, setting down the dessert plates, “I hope you enjoyed the meal.”

Plates of dessert | Source: Pexels

Plates of dessert | Source: Pexels

They both nodded, smiling. “It was wonderful, dear,” Mom said.

I smiled back, but it didn’t reach my eyes. “Great. That’ll be $47.50 each, please.”

The silence that followed was deafening. Mom’s fork clattered against her plate, and Dad’s face went through a rapid series of emotions – confusion, disbelief, and then anger.

“I’m sorry, what?” he sputtered.

I kept my voice calm, channeling Dad’s tone from that night at the restaurant. “Well, you’re both adults. It’s time you started paying your own way.”

A woman having dinner with her parents | Source: Midjourney

A woman having dinner with her parents | Source: Midjourney

Mom’s mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water. “But… but this is your home. You invited us.”

“Yes,” I said, my voice hardening slightly. “Just like you invited me to Le Petit Château. And then made me pay for my meal while covering everyone else’s.”

Understanding dawned on their faces, quickly followed by shame.

“Jennifer,” Dad started, his voice gruff. “That’s not… we didn’t mean…”

“Didn’t mean what?” I interrupted, years of pent-up frustration finally boiling over.

A woman speaking to her parents over dinner | Source: Midjourney

A woman speaking to her parents over dinner | Source: Midjourney

“Didn’t mean to make me feel like I’m worth less than Tina or Cameron? Didn’t mean to constantly overlook me? Or did you just not mean to get called out on it?”

Mom reached out, trying to take my hand, but I pulled away. “Sweetie, we had no idea you felt this way.”

I laughed, but there was no humor in it. “Of course you didn’t. Do you have any idea what it’s like to always be the afterthought in your own family?”

Dad shifted uncomfortably in his seat.

A pensive man | Source: Pexels

A pensive man | Source: Pexels

“We love you just as much as your siblings, Jennifer.”

“Do you?” I challenged. “Because it doesn’t feel like it. I’m just as successful as Tina, just as hardworking as Cameron. But somehow, I’m always the one who’s expected to ‘act like an adult’ while they get a free pass.”

The room fell silent again, but this time it was heavy with unspoken words and long-ignored feelings.

Finally, Dad cleared his throat. “We… we owe you an apology, Jennifer. A big one.”

A woman speaking to her parents over dinner | Source: Midjourney

A woman speaking to her parents over dinner | Source: Midjourney

Mom nodded, tears in her eyes. “We never meant to make you feel less valued. You’re our daughter, and we love you so much. We’ve just… we’ve done a terrible job of showing it.”

I felt my own eyes welling up, but I blinked back the tears. “I don’t want your apologies. I want you to do better. To be better. To see me.”

Dad stood up, his movements stiff. For a moment, I thought he was going to leave.

A man rubbing his chin | Source: Pexels

A man rubbing his chin | Source: Pexels

Instead, he walked around the table and hugged me. It was awkward and a little too tight, but it was more genuine than any interaction we’d had in years.

“We see you, Jennifer,” he said, his voice rough with emotion. “And we’re so, so proud of you. We’ve been blind and stupid, and we’ve taken you for granted. But that ends now.”

Mom joined the hug, and for a minute, we just stood there, a tangle of arms and unshed tears and long-overdue honesty.

A woman hugging her parents | Source: Midjourney

A woman hugging her parents | Source: Midjourney

When we finally broke apart, Mom wiped her eyes and gave a watery chuckle. “So, about that bill…”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “Tell you what. This one’s on the house. But next time we go out? We’re splitting the check evenly. All of us.”

Dad nodded solemnly. “Deal.”

As they left that night, things weren’t magically fixed. Years of feeling overlooked and undervalued don’t disappear in one conversation. But it was a start. A crack in the wall I’d built around myself, letting in a glimmer of hope.

A hopeful woman | Source: Midjourney

A hopeful woman | Source: Midjourney

Here’s another story: When Carmen’s father-in-law, Jerry, invites her and Leo out to dinner, the couple is excited to spend time with the old man. But Jerry, known for his penny-pinching ways, makes the invitation sound like a rare gesture of generosity. Instead, he hands the bill over to Leo, claiming that he lost his wallet. When the couple realizes the truth, they teach him a lesson.

This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.

The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.

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