Ozzy Osbourne, known to the world as the “Prince of Darkness,” was a legendary English singer, songwriter, and reality TV star who defined the heavy metal genre. As the lead vocalist of Black Sabbath and a hugely successful solo artist, he sold over 100 million albums worldwide. Beyond music, he became a pop culture icon through the reality show The Osbournes. Ozzy passed away in July 2025, leaving behind a massive legacy in rock history.
Who is Ozzy Osbourne?
John Michael “Ozzy” Osbourne was a Grammy-winning musician and the original frontman of the heavy metal band Black Sabbath. Famous for his unique voice, wild stage antics, and dark charisma, he later reinvented himself as a reality television star. Despite battling addiction and health issues, including Parkinson’s disease, he remained a beloved figure in entertainment until his death at age 76.
Age & Biography Table
| Feature | Details |
| Full Name | John Michael Osbourne |
| Nickname | The Prince of Darkness, Ozzy |
| Date of Birth | December 3, 1948 |
| Date of Death | July 22, 2025 |
| Age at Death | 76 Years Old |
| Birthplace | Aston, Birmingham, England |
| Profession | Singer, Songwriter, TV Personality |
| Active Years | 1967 – 2025 |
| Zodiac Sign | Sagittarius |
Early Life & Education
Ozzy was born into a working-class family in Aston, Birmingham. His father, John “Jack” Osbourne, was a toolmaker, and his mother, Lilian, worked in a car component factory.9 He grew up with five siblings in a small two-bedroom home.
School was difficult for Ozzy because he suffered from undiagnosed dyslexia. He struggled with learning and left school at age 15. After dropping out, he worked various low-paying jobs, including as a plumber’s apprentice, toolmaker, and slaughterhouse worker.
His early life was rough. As a teenager, he turned to petty crime and spent six weeks in Winson Green Prison for burglary. It was during this time that he tattooed “OZZY” across his knuckles, a nickname he had used since primary school.
Career Journey
Rise with Black Sabbath (1968–1979)
- Formation: In 1968, Ozzy teamed up with guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward to form a band that eventually became Black Sabbath.
- Heavy Metal Pioneers: Their self-titled debut album and Paranoid (1970) are credited with inventing heavy metal.
- Departure: After massive success but increasing substance abuse issues, Ozzy was fired from the band in 1979.
Solo Stardom (1980–2025)
- Comeback: With the help of his future wife Sharon, Ozzy launched a solo career. His debut album, Blizzard of Ozz (1980), featured the hit “Crazy Train.”
- Controversy: He became infamous for wild antics, such as biting the head off a bat on stage in 1982 (thinking it was rubber).
- Grammy Success: He won multiple Grammy Awards and continued releasing hit albums like No More Tears.
Reality TV & Later Years
- The Osbournes: In 2002, he opened his home to MTV cameras. The reality show became a global phenomenon, introducing a new generation to his family.
- Final Farewell: Despite health struggles with Parkinson’s, Ozzy reunited with Black Sabbath for a historic final performance in Birmingham in July 2025, just weeks before his passing.
Height & Appearance
Ozzy was known for his distinct gothic style. He stood 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m) tall.
His signature look included long dark hair, round colored sunglasses (often purple or blue), and black clothing. He frequently wore cross jewelry and had several tattoos, including the famous smiley faces on his knees.
Relationship With Sharon Osbourne
Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne had one of the most enduring and famous partnerships in music history.
- How They Met: They first met in 1970 when Sharon was just 18.27 Her father, Don Arden, was managing Black Sabbath at the time.
- Romance & Management: They began dating in 1979 after Sharon took over managing Ozzy’s career following his exit from Black Sabbath. She is credited with saving his life and career during his darkest struggles with addiction.
- Marriage: The couple married on July 4, 1982, in Hawaii. They chose Independence Day so Ozzy would never forget their anniversary.
- Dynamic: Their relationship was known for being volatile but deeply loving, surviving public scandals and health battles together for over 40 years.
Family Table & Net Worth
Ozzy was a dedicated family man. Below is a breakdown of his immediate family members.
| Relation | Name |
| Wife | Sharon Osbourne |
| Father | John “Jack” Osbourne |
| Mother | Lilian Osbourne |
| Children (with Sharon) | Aimee, Kelly, Jack |
| Children (from 1st marriage) | Jessica, Louis, Elliot |
| Siblings | Jean, Iris, Gillian, Paul, Tony |
Net Worth
At the time of his passing in 2025, Ozzy Osbourne’s estimated net worth was approximately $220 million.
This wealth came from decades of music royalties, touring revenue, the Ozzfest festival brand, and his lucrative television career. He and Sharon also invested heavily in real estate, owning luxury homes in Los Angeles and Buckinghamshire, UK.
