Who is Julianne Phillips? All About Bruce Springsteen’s First Wife

Julianne Phillips is the ex-wife of Bruce Springsteen, the world-famous American singer and songwriter. The couple was married for only three years before they parted ways when the love they shared died. 

Julianne, a 64-year-old American woman, is also a former model and actress who gained some ground at the peak of her career and starred in some high-profile projects, including the series Sisters. It is believed that she has remained unmarried since her divorce from Springsteen.

Julianne Phillips was Born 64 Years Ago in Illinois

Julianne Phillips was born on the 6th of May, 1960. This means she is currently 64 years old, and her star sign is Taurus. The actress was born in Evanston, a vibrant city located in Cook County, Illinois, USA. However, her early years were not spent in this bustling metropolis.

According to our findings, her family made the decision to move to a different part of the country shortly after her birth. They set their sights on Lake Oswego, a picturesque city within the scenic landscapes of Oregon. This was where Julianne would eventually spend her formative years.

Lake Oswego, known for its natural beauty and serene atmosphere, provided a nurturing backdrop for Julianne’s upbringing. Some reports say Julianne loved exploring the woods while growing up. Also, the city’s strong sense of community and its emphasis on family values played a significant role in shaping her character.

She was Raised in a Catholic Home

Our findings show that Julianne Phillips grew up in a loving Catholic household, deeply influenced by her parents’ strong devotion to the Catholic faith. Her father was a man called William Phillips, and he was an insurance broker and executive. On the other hand, her mother was called Ann Phillips. Both of them played a pivotal role in instilling religious values in Julianne and her siblings.

Within her family, Julianne shared a profound connection with her parents. The actress has often reminisced about her father’s significant impact on her career, as he played a crucial role in nurturing her talent. According to her, his encouragement and belief in her abilities served as a driving force for Julianne when she first embarked on her journey into the world of acting. Alongside her father’s guidance, her mother also played an integral role in her life, offering unconditional love and support.

Julianne is not the only child in her family; she has five siblings, consisting of four older brothers and one older sister. She is the last child of the family, and while growing up, she was well-protected and doted on by her older siblings. Not much is known about what her siblings are up to at the moment. Julianne remains the most well-known figure in her family due to her success in the entertainment industry.

The Actress is a College Graduate

In addition to her successful acting career, Julianne Phillips is also an academically accomplished individual. During her formative years, she pursued her education with dedication and attended Lake Oswego High School, where she laid the groundwork for her future endeavors.

Following her high school graduation, Julianne’s pursuit of knowledge led her to Brooks College, a prestigious for-profit institution situated in Long Beach, California. The specifics of Julianne’s area of study at Brooks College remain elusive. Some reports say she studied the arts, but this has not been independently verified. What is clear is that she is a college graduate.

How Julianne Phillips Met Her Husband, Bruce Springsteen

As we have already explained, Julianne Phillips and Bruce Springsteen were once married before parting ways. According to our findings, their paths first crossed in October 1984, marking the beginning of a fateful love story that would capture the public’s attention.

Their first encounter took place backstage in Los Angeles during one of Springsteen’s electrifying performances. The meeting was meticulously arranged by both their agents, who saw the potential for a special connection between them.

The meeting proved to be serendipitous, as Julianne and Springsteen were immediately drawn to one another when they set eyes on each other. Their chemistry was palpable, and their connection quickly blossomed into a deeply passionate and whirlwind romance. The intensity of their relationship was so impossible to ignore that the media swarmed them almost all the tie to get photos to sell to an intrigued public that was hungry for details about their love story.

Reports from that time indicate that Julianne and Springsteen dated for approximately six months before their relationship took a momentous turn, and they got engaged. During a romantic outing, Springsteen got on one knee and proposed to Julianne, and she joyously accepted.

The news of their engagement ignited widespread curiosity and excitement, with fans and media outlets eagerly following their journey. The public’s fascination with the union of Springsteen, a renowned musician, and Julianne, who was a rising star in the entertainment industry at the time, only grew stronger as details of their impending nuptials and their lives as a couple began to emerge.

She Became Bruce Springsteen’s Wife on May 13, 1985

In the wake of their engagement, Julianne Phillips and Bruce Springsteen wasted no time in embarking on their journey as a married couple. However, the intense media attention surrounding their impending nuptials posed a unique challenge. Determined to maintain their privacy amidst the frenzy, the couple devised a distinctive plan for their wedding.

Julianne and Springsteen chose to exchange vows in her hometown of Lake Oswego, Oregon, in a ceremony held shortly after midnight on Monday, May 13, 1985. The secretive nature of the event aimed to minimize the intrusive presence of the media. Surrounded by their closest friends and family members, they celebrated their union in an intimate setting, away from the prying eyes of the paparazzi.

But, despite their efforts, the couple could not completely elude the attention of the press. The following day, helicopters filled the sky above their reception brunch, carrying tabloid photographers eager to capture any glimpse of the newlyweds. But they managed to carry on with their brunch. For the record, there was a huge age gap between Julianne and Springsteen, In fact, Springsteen was said to be 11 years older than Julianne. However, they did not let this stop their romance.

After their marriage, Julianne Phillips and Bruce Springsteen embarked on a life together, with Julianne often accompanying her husband to his concerts. Their early days as a married couple were filled with hope and the promise of a shared future. However, as time went on, cracks began to appear in their once blissful relationship.

Why Julianne Phillips and Bruce Springsteen Got Divorced

Following their wedding, Julianne Phillips and Bruce Springsteen enjoyed a blissful marriage. However, Springsteen’s inner doubts and insecurities began to haunt him, casting a shadow over his marriage to Julianne.

In his autobiography, Springsteen confessed to experiencing irrational paranoia about Julianne’s motives for marrying him, entertaining unfounded thoughts that she might have been using him for personal gain or career advancement. Despite the illogical nature of these fears, they plagued Springsteen, leaving him emotionally unavailable and unable to connect with his wife fully.

Springsteen acknowledged in his memoir that his own emotional unavailability and the lack of shared interests between him and Julianne contributed to the unraveling of their marriage. As time went on, Springsteen found himself increasingly drawn to Patti Scialfa, a fellow bandmate who shared a closer age and a deeper connection with him. This growing attraction forces Springsteen to confront the reality of his feelings and confess to Julianne about his budding relationship with Scialfa.

The revelation of Springsteen’s emotional infidelity ultimately shattered their marriage. In his book, “Born to Run,” Springsteen admitted that he handled the aftermath of their split poorly, insisting on keeping their divorce quiet, which only fueled speculation and gossip. He acknowledged his own emotional immaturity and unavailability for love, recognizing that his actions had contributed to the demise of their relationship.

In August 1988, Julianne Phillips, who felt completely unloved and disconnected from Springsteen, filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. The divorce was finalized the following March, bringing an official end to their union. Since then, both parties have chosen to remain silent about their relationship and subsequent divorce, refraining from public comment.

It is noteworthy that during their short-lived marriage, the couple had no children together.

Did Julianne Phillips Remarry?

Following her divorce from Bruce Springsteen, Julianne Phillips has chosen to remain unmarried, and according to various reports, she has also remained single. It is not clear why she made this decision to remain unmarried. Also, one notable aspect of Julianne’s post-divorce life is her decision not to have children. There are no reports that she has welcomed any children with anyone.

In contrast to Julianne’s journey, Bruce Springsteen remarried. He tied the knot with Patti Scialfa, his bandmate with whom he had an affair while married to Julianne. Together, Bruce and Patti have been blessed with three children, namely Evan, Jessica, and Samuel. Their family has grown, and they have embraced the joys and challenges of parenthood, nurturing a close-knit household.

Julianne Phillips Started Her Career as a Model

Julianne Phillips embarked on her remarkable career in the entertainment industry as a model, and this served as the launching pad for her subsequent success in the industry. According to our findings, in the early 1980s, Julianne made her way to the vibrant fashion scene of Manhattan, where her journey in the modeling world began.

Endowed with striking beauty, intelligence, and impressive height, Julianne quickly captivated the attention of industry insiders and swiftly made a name for herself. Her unique combination of attributes made her an in-demand model, and it wasn’t long before she graced the pages of prestigious publications and strutted down renowned runways.

The year 1982 marked a significant milestone in Julianne’s modeling career as she inked a contract with the esteemed Elite Modeling Agency. Recognized as one of the world’s most prestigious modeling agency networks, Elite saw great potential in Julianne and was quick to label her a “perfect-ten package.” This endorsement from the agency further solidified her status as a rising star in the fashion industry.

As her career progressed, Julianne moved to Los Angeles, where she continued to flourish as a model. In 1983, her talents caught the attention of the music industry, leading to a memorable appearance in the music video for .38 Special’s hit song “If I’d Been the One.” This crossover into the world of music further heightened her visibility and solidified her position as a sought-after and recognizable face in Los Angeles.

At the peak of her modeling career, Julianne Phillips enjoyed a whirlwind of success, with numerous bookings and accolades to her name. Her presence and influence extended beyond the runway, as she became synonymous with the glamour and allure of the Los Angeles modeling scene.

Her Acting Career Began in 1984

As her modeling caught more success, more doors opened for Julianne Phillips, and she eventually embarked on her acting career in 1984. Her acting journey commenced with a role in the TV movie Summer Fantasy in 1984, where she portrayed Joanna Brannigan, captivating viewers with her performance. Julianne’s abilities were further highlighted that same year when she took on the character of Anne Davis in the TV movie His Mistress.

In 1986, Julianne continued her Hollywood adventure and ventured into the realm of comedy, starring as Sally in the comedy film Odd Jobs. This role allowed her to display her comedic timing and charm, something she didn’t really know she had before. The year 1987 proved to be pivotal for Julianne’s growing career as she secured the role of Dixie in the romantic comedy Sweet Lies. Her portrayal of the character showcased her range and charisma, garnering attention from audiences and industry insiders alike.

Building on her success, Julianne expanded her repertoire by delving into the world of suspense and thriller films. In 1988, she captivated viewers with her performance as Lisa Eden in the intense courtroom drama Seven Hours to Judgment.”

Later, in 1989, Julianne further demonstrated her versatility by taking on roles in both comedy and romance genres. She portrayed Molly in the comedy film Skin Deep and then portrayed Becky Culpepper in the comedy-mystery movie Fletch Lives, showcasing her ability to navigate the intricacies of the genre and deliver engaging performances.

She Got Her Big Break With ‘Sisters’

Julianne Phillips’s career reached new heights in 1991 when she secured a breakthrough role that would leave an indelible mark on both her career and the television landscape. She was cast as one of the central characters in the beloved American family drama series Sisters. Julianne played the main role of Francesca “Frankie” Reed Margolis in the series

The show gained massive popularity when it began airing, and as this happened, so did Julianne’s star power soar as well. Sisters captivated audiences across the United States and beyond, amassing a loyal following of millions. The series resonated with viewers, touching on themes of sisterhood, family dynamics, and the challenges of modern life. Julianne’s portrayal of Frankie, a driven and ambitious businesswoman, captivated audiences and solidified her status as a talented actress.

The success of Sisters was not limited to critical acclaim and viewer adoration; it also garnered significant recognition within the industry. Throughout its run, the series received an impressive eight Emmy Award nominations, ultimately winning the prestigious accolade in 1994 for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, awarded to Sela Ward. The widespread acclaim and recognition further catapulted Julianne’s popularity, solidifying her as a prominent figure in the television landscape.

Following her memorable role in Sisters, Julianne Phillips continued to showcase her acting prowess through various projects. In 1993, she starred as Susannah in the TV movie The Only Way Out. In 1995, she took on the role of Rachel Waring in the TV movie A Vow to Call, further establishing her versatility as an actress. That same year, she portrayed Becka Sharp in the TV movie Original Sins.

In 1996, Julianne portrayed Victoria in the film Big Bully, showcasing her ability to transition between the small and big screens seamlessly. She continued to captivate audiences with her performance as Jessica Weaver in the TV movie Tidal Wave: No Escape in 1997. Throughout her career, Julianne Phillips demonstrated a knack for selecting diverse and compelling roles that showcased her range and versatility.

She Stopped Acting in 1997

For reasons best known to her, Julianne Phillips suddenly stopped acting in 1997. The actress has never explained why she stopped acting, leaving many people with questions. After her acting career came to a halt in 1997, Julianne Phillips opted for a more private life and largely retreated from the public eye.

However, in 2001, she made a rare appearance when she was interviewed for an episode of the biographical documentary series Intimate Portrait, which focused on her Sisters co-star, Sela Ward. This interview provided a glimpse into Julianne’s life and offered fans a chance to reconnect with the talented actress.

Also, in a heartwarming reunion, Julianne Phillips joined forces with her Sisters co-stars, including Sela Ward, Swoosie Kurtz, and Patricia Kalember, in 2014. The highly anticipated reunion captured the attention of fans and media alike, showcasing the enduring bond between the cast members. The joyful gathering was documented by Entertainment Weekly and captured the essence of the beloved series that had captivated audiences for years.

So far, Julianne has not returned to Hollywood. Perhaps in the future, this might change. Time will tell.

Frequently Asked Questions Aout Julianne Phillips

What is Julianne Phillips’ Net Worth?

Julianne Phillips is said to be worth about $30 million at the moment. This is not surprising considering the work she has put into her acting and modeling career over the years. It is believed that she raked in a lot of money from her acting, especially with her work in Sisters as well as other popular films.

Also, according to reports, the former model and actress received a $20 million divorce settlement from Bruce Springsteen at the time of her divorce. This has certainly continued to be net worth.

Where is Julianne Phillips Now?

According to various reports, Julianne Phillips currently resides in Los Angeles and is still single at the moment. She is said to be in touch with family members and meets with them occasionally. However, apart from that, nothing else is known about her life in retirement.