It had been years since the famous American musician Richard Carpenter lived away from the spotlight. But, his self-imposed exile ended in 2018, when he released a new album after more than three decades.
While his sister, Karen Carpenter, isn’t here anymore to complete the musical duo, Carpenters, Richard included his sister’s past works in the album. Today, let’s spare moments to take a look at the life and works of Richard Carpenter, along with his marriage to his wife, musical career, substance addiction, and family.
Moved To LA In Childhood
Richard Carpenter, who possesses an American nationality, was born as the first child and the only son of parents, Harold Bertram Carpenter and Agnes Reuwer Tatum, on 15 October 1946 in New Haven, Connecticut. Richard was raised alongside his sister Karen, who was born four years later.
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When his sister reached the age of 13, Richard, along with his family, moved to Los Angeles, California, where he joined the California State College. His sister attended Downey High School.
Both Richard and Karen had a passion for music and had even thought of becoming rockstars, which they soon achieved in their life.
Two-Member Band With Sister, Karen
After several attempts to get a breakthrough in their careers, the siblings formed a musical duo band named Carpenters in 1969. During their time together as a band, Richard and Karen recorded several hit singles, including Top of the World, Only Yesterday, Superstar, Ticket to Ride, and more, including ten studio albums.
The duo sold more than 100 million copies of their records over the years. But, the fame went so over their head that it caused the band to collapse after fourteen years in existence.
Addicted To Quaalude, Sister Dies Of Anorexia
Along with his newfound popularity, Richard – who stands at the height of six feet – began living a rockstar lifestyle and started indulging in drugs. He got addicted to hypnotic and sedative medicine, Quaalude, which caused turbulence in both his personal & professional life. He had to live in a rehabilitation center for six weeks to give up his addiction.
Meanwhile, his sister, Karen, struggled with anorexia she suffered from her teens. She started using a drug named Ipecac to stay thin, but it caused several side effects and finally her death.
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She died of heart failure due to an overdose of Ipecac on 4 February 1983 at the age of 32.
Richard Carpenter Wife, Mary Carpenter
A year following his sister’s death, Richard got married to his first cousin, Mary Rudolph (Carpenter), in 1984. However, the marriage between the two wasn’t considered incest as Mary was adopted, and they had no blood relations.
Richard and his wife Mary Carpenter had been dating since the late 1970s. Mary Carpenter, when she was young, even had a cameo in 1979 in the Carpenters promotional video of the song “I Need to Be Loved.”
Mary Carpenter had a brother named Mark Rudolph, who was the Carpenter’s road manager.
Richard Carpenter Children
Richard and Mary Carpenter have been married for almost 36 years now. This sounds like a fairy tale story, but it isn’t.
Richard Carpenter has five children from his marital relationship with his wife. He had his first daughter Kristin Lynn on 17 August 1987. She was brought up in Downey, California, United States. Kristi Lynn is 33 years old now.
Then, Richard’s other four children, Traci Tatum, was born on 25 July 1989, Mindi Karen was born on 7 July 1992, Collin Paul was born on 20 July 1994, and Taylor Marry was born on 5 December 2000.
Out of all Richard Carpenter’s children, Kristi Lynn seems to be following her father’s footsteps as she can be seen singing at various Carpenter’s events.
Is Richard Carpenter Still Alive?
Today, Richard – aged 74 – is still alive and going strong in his marital relationship with his wife, Mary Carpenter.
He is blessed to have Mary Carpenter by his side as he is seen spending quality time with her whenever he gets a chance.
Richard Carpenter Net Worth
Richard and sister Karen signed with A&M Records in April 1969. They recorded their first album, Offering, which didn’t garner the response as expected, so A&M’s people asked Herb Alpert to release the Carpenters. But Alpert had full faith in them.
Alpert suggested Their song (They Long to Be) Close to You that reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Their other notable work includes the conversion of a commercial theme song “We’ve Only Just Begun” into an RIAA-certified Gold Record that peaked #2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Further, Richard has collaborated with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra to release an album called Carpenters With The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in 2018. The album features 17 songs and also includes a few tracks recorded by Karen.
As of now, Richard Carpenter has a net worth of $10 million.
Quick Information
- Date of Birth=1946-10-15
- Age=74 Years 7 Month(s)
- Nationality=American
- Birth Place=New Haven, Connecticut, United States
- Profession=Musician
- Birth Name=Richard Lynn Carpenter
- Zodiac Sign=Libra
- Religion=N/A
- Ethnicity/Race=Mixed
- Father=Harold Carpenter
- Mother=Agnes Carpenter
- Sister/s=Karen Carpenter
- Son/s=Taylor Mary Carpenter, Collin Paul Carpenter
- Daughter/s=Kristi Lynn Carpenter, Tracy Tatum Carpenter, Mindi Karen Carpenter
- Relationship Status=Married
- Wife/Spouse=Mary Carpenter (m. 1984)
- Divorce/Split=Not Yet
- Gay=No
- Dating/Affair=No
- Net Worth=$10 Million
- Career=1969–present
- College=California State University Long Beach, California State University Long Beach
- Height/ How Tall?=1.83
- Weight=N/A
- Hair=Short
- Hair Color=Light Brown
- Eye Color=Dark Brow
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