Tim Rice

Early Life

Sir Timothy Miles Bindon Rice was born on November 10, 1944, at Shardeloes, a historic country house in Buckinghamshire, England, which served as a maternity hospital during World War II. His father, Hugh Gordon Rice, was a major in the Eighth Army during the war and later worked for the De Havilland Aircraft Company and the Diplomatic Service. His mother, Joan Odette, served in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force and became known as a writer in her later years. Rice's upbringing in a family with a rich history of service and creativity laid the foundation for his future artistic endeavors.

Career

Rice's career in music began after he studied at the Sorbonne in Paris, leading him to join EMI Records as a management trainee in 1966. He quickly made a name for himself in musical theatre through his collaborations with Andrew Lloyd Webber, producing iconic works such as "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," "Jesus Christ Superstar," and "Evita." His work with Disney on films like "Aladdin" and "The Lion King" earned him multiple prestigious awards, including an Academy Award for Best Original Song for "A Whole New World" in 1992. Rice's ability to blend rock and pop influences into musical theatre has left a lasting impact on the genre.

Personal Life

Tim Rice married Jane Artereta in 1974, but their marriage faced challenges due to his affair with singer Elaine Paige. Despite their separation, Jane retains the title of Lady Rice. The couple has two children, Eva and Donald, both of whom have pursued careers in the arts. Rice also has a daughter, Zoe, from a later relationship, and another daughter, Charlotte, from a subsequent relationship. A lifelong fan of Sunderland AFC, Rice's personal interests reflect his diverse passions beyond music.