Rumors were circulating about Rick Astley’s sexual orientation when an episode of “Family Guy” jokingly suggested that the song “Never Gonna Give You Up” was performed by a gay individual. Although intended as a humorous remark, some individuals began to speculate about its validity.
So, is he gay? Read the article to find out!
Key Takeaways:
Rick identifies as a straight man. |
He is married to his wife, Lene Bausager. |
The couple had a daughter together before their wedding. |
Their daughter gave them the idea of getting married and the pair agreed. |
Astley has been a huge supporter of the gay community. |
Profile Summary
Full name | Richard Paul Astley |
Date of birth | 6th February 1966 |
Place of birth | Newton-le-Willows, Lancashire, England |
Age | 57 |
Profession | Singer, songwriter, radio personality |
Sexual Orientation | Straight |
Spouse | Lene Bausager |
Children | 1 Daughter (Lene Bausager) |
Is Rick Astley gay?
Contrary to the rumors, Rick Astley is not gay. He is enjoying a happy heterosexual married life with his wife, and they have a child together. These personal aspects of his life indicate his straight orientation.

Nonetheless, Astley is a strong advocate for the gay community. He actively supports and promotes gay rights, using his fame and platform to raise awareness and speak out on behalf of LGBTQ+ individuals.
How Did The Gay Rumors Start?
Speculation about Rick’s sexual orientation started to circulate following an episode of “Family Guy” where one of the characters, Brian, humorously mentioned that the song “Never Gonna Give You Up” was composed by a gay individual.

Although this statement was made in jest, it led some people to question whether there was any truth behind it.
Additionally, he has been an outspoken supporter and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community which adds to the rumors.
Rick Is An Advocate For The LGBTQ+ Community
Astley has not only shown his support for the LGBTQ+ community through his words but also his actions on social media platforms. In 2021, during Pride Month, he shared a picture on Instagram to express his solidarity:
View this post on Instagram
Furthermore, Rick has vocalized his support for the LGBTQ+ community by stating:
“I am proud to support the LGBTQ+ community and all underrepresented communities. We must all make a real commitment to be active allies to all those for whom equality and safety are not yet guaranteed.”
Who is his Wife?
Astley has been in a long-term relationship with his wife, Lene Bausager, who works as a film producer. The couple has known each other for over 30 years.
Moreover, in an interview, Rick revealed that they tied the knot after being engaged for 15 years. Their wedding was a casual affair, as both of them had been extremely busy and struggled to find a suitable time for the ceremony.

Interestingly, Bausager’s relationship with Rick began when she met him during the peak of his career in 1987. Over time, she transitioned from being his wife to becoming his manager. Adding onto that, Astley highly values his wife’s contributions and attributes his success to her support.
In an interview with the BBC, he expressed:
“She(Lene) produces movies, and she can see a path from a script to actually getting a movie on a screen— and she’s done that with the music. The success I’m having is due to her; there’s no doubt about that. She’s a massive part of the whole thing.”
The Couple Has A Daughter
Rick and Lene have a daughter together, who graduated from the Royal College of Art in Copenhagen.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that their daughter was born before Rick and Bausager officially tied the knot.
Rick Married His Wife After More Than A Decade Of Their Engagement
Rick and his wife, Lene Bausager got married 15 years after their engagement in 2003. Interestingly, their daughter played a significant role in promoting the idea of marriage during a spontaneous visit home from college.

Inspired by their commitment and love for each other, their daughter suggested the idea, which the couple agreed to.
Nonetheless, following this heartfelt suggestion, the family of three decided to have a low-key wedding. They went to the register office and exchanged their vows in an intimate ceremony.
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