Hey there, music lovers and curious souls! If you’ve ever found yourself humming along to “In the Air Tonight” or tapping your feet to “Against All Odds,” you know Phil Collins isn’t just a voice—he’s a storyteller. And like many great artists, his life off the stage has been as dramatic and emotional as his lyrics. Today, we’re diving into the world of Phil Collins Wife (or should we say wives?), exploring the three incredible women who shared his journey through fame, heartbreak, and everything in between.
Phil Collins, the Genesis drummer-turned-solo superstar, has been married three times, each chapter filled with love, challenges, and lessons learned. We’ll chat about his first love, Andrea Bertorelli; the glamorous Jill Tavelman; and the fiery Orianne Cevey. These aren’t just tabloid tales—they’re stories of real people navigating the spotlight’s glare. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering Phil’s magic, this easy read will feel like a cozy chat over coffee. Let’s turn the page on his romantic history, shall we?
Who Is Phil Collins? A Quick Intro to the Man with the Golden Voice
Before we get into the heart stuff, let’s set the scene. Born on January 30, 1951, in London, England, Phil David Charles Collins grew up in a creative family. His mom was a theater agent, and his dad worked in insurance—talk about a mix of showbiz and stability! By age five, Phil was acting in bit parts, but music called him louder. He joined Genesis in 1970 as their drummer and later stepped up as lead singer when Peter Gabriel left in 1975.
Fast forward to the ’80s: Phil’s solo albums like No Jacket Required (1985) exploded, selling millions and earning him Grammys galore. Hits like “Easy Lover” and “Sussudio” made him a household name. But behind the drum kit and mic, life wasn’t always a drum solo. Phil’s marriages overlapped with his skyrocketing career, and the pressures of touring, recording, and raising kids took a toll. In his 2016 memoir Not Dead Yet, he opens up: “I’m disappointed I’ve been married three times… I’m even more disappointed that I’ve been divorced three times.” Ouch, right? It’s raw, honest, and oh-so-human. Now, let’s meet the women who walked beside him.
First Love: Andrea Bertorelli – The Childhood Sweetheart Who Started It All
Picture this: Two kids, just 11 years old, meeting at a school in London. That’s how Phil Collins and Andrea Bertorelli’s story began in the swinging ’60s. Andrea, a Canadian-born aspiring actress with Italian roots (her full name is Andrea Viola Davenport Bertorelli), caught Phil’s eye early. They dated as teens, but life pulled them apart when Andrea’s family moved to Canada. Heartbroken but hopeful, they reconnected years later.
By 1975, at age 24, they tied the knot in a simple ceremony. It was a whirlwind romance—Phil was fresh off joining Genesis full-time, and Andrea was pursuing her acting dreams. They welcomed their son, Simon Collins, in 1976. A year later, Andrea gave birth to daughter Joely, whom Phil adopted lovingly, making their little family complete.
But fame doesn’t play nice with family time. As Genesis toured the world and Phil’s solo career brewed, the couple spent months apart. Andrea later shared in interviews that Phil’s “short fuse” and love for arguing over discussing issues wore her down. She felt bullied at times, and the distance only amplified the cracks. Rumors swirled about infidelity—Phil once quipped in jest that Andrea left him for the painter and decorator (remember that iconic Face Value album cover with the paint-splattered drums?). But Andrea set the record straight in 2015, telling the Daily Mail: “No, Phil didn’t run away… I divorced him for adultery.” Turns out, Phil had strayed first, multiple times, and their marriage was already fraying before any side affairs.
They split in 1980, after five years together. The divorce was amicable on the surface, but Andrea felt the sting of public scrutiny. Phil poured his pain into Face Value (1981), with tracks like “In the Air Tonight” screaming heartbreak. Andrea stayed out of the spotlight, raising Joely and Simon with grace. Today, Joely’s an award-winning film producer (she worked on Emily in Paris—more on that family tie later), and Simon’s a talented musician in the band Sound of Contact. Phil’s reflected on his regrets: “I felt guilty for not spending enough time with my eldest children.” It’s a reminder that even rock stars are just dads trying their best.
Andrea’s story teaches us about young love’s fragility under pressure. She remarried and built a quiet life, occasionally speaking out to correct the narrative. No gold-digger here—just a woman who loved deeply and moved on stronger. If you’re searching for Phil Collins first wife details, Andrea’s the original chapter, full of innocence and inevitable growing pains.
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Second Chapter: Jill Tavelman – Glamour, Grit, and a Star Daughter
Enter Jill Tavelman, stage left. After his split from Andrea, Phil needed a fresh start. He met Jill, an American actress and budding talent agent, at a party in Los Angeles in the mid-’80s. Jill, born in 1957, had that Hollywood sparkle—petite, poised, and passionate about the arts. She was the former president of the Beverly Hills Women’s Club, rubbing shoulders with Tinseltown’s elite. Phil, riding high on Genesis tours and his breakout solo success, saw in her a partner who understood the biz.
They married in 1984 at Westminster Abbey—no, wait, that was a dream wedding fit for a king! Actually, it was a low-key ceremony in Los Angeles, but their life together screamed romance. In 1989, their daughter Lily Collins arrived, a bundle of joy who would one day steal scenes in films like The Mortal Instruments and Emily in Paris. Phil doted on his “little princess,” often sharing how fatherhood grounded him amid the chaos.
But here’s where the plot thickens: By the early ’90s, Phil’s schedule was insane. World tours with Genesis, acting gigs (remember Buster in 1988?), and producing for other artists left little room for home. Jill felt the loneliness creep in. Then came the bombshell—while on tour in 1992, Phil rekindled an old flame with Lavinia Lang, a drama school classmate and ex-fiancée. The affair made headlines, shattering trust. Jill filed for divorce in 1994, finalized in 1996.
The settlement? A cool £17 million (about $22 million USD at the time), one of the biggest celebrity payouts back then. Jill used it wisely, investing in real estate and living comfortably in LA. She kept a low profile post-divorce, focusing on Lily and her own ventures. But she didn’t hold back her feelings. In a 2015 Daily Mail interview, Jill said: “He’s made a lot of money singing about the break-up of our marriage and his heartbreak, and he’s never stopped to consider my feelings or those of our children.” Oof—that’s the kind of line that hits like a power ballad chorus.
Phil channeled the agony into Both Sides (1993) and Dance into the Light (1996), but he admits the toll it took. Lily, now 36 and a Golden Globe nominee, has spoken candidly about the impact. In her 2017 book Unfiltered, she wrote about the “pain” of her parents’ split, crediting it for building her resilience. Yet, she adores her dad: “Thank you for inspiring me… I love you to the moon and back.” Jill and Phil co-parented amicably, with Lily bridging their worlds.
Jill’s era with Phil highlights the ’80s glamour of Phil Collins second wife life—red carpets, sold-out arenas, and a baby girl destined for stardom. She’s a testament to quiet strength, proving you don’t need the mic to make your voice heard.
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Third Time’s the Charm? Orianne Cevey – Passion, Drama, and a Record-Breaking Split
Ready for some international flair? Phil’s third marriage took him across the pond to Orianne Cevey, a Swiss beauty with Thai roots, born in 1974 in Nyon, Switzerland. They met in 1994 when Orianne, then 20, worked as a translator for Phil during a Genesis tour stop in Geneva. Sparks flew instantly—Phil called it “love at first sight.” After dating long-distance, he proposed in 1998 with a diamond ring worth a fortune (fitting for a man with hits about lost love).
They wed on July 24, 1999, in a lavish ceremony at Phil’s Swiss chalet. Orianne, a budding jewelry designer, brought youth and energy to Phil’s world. Their sons arrived soon after: Nicholas in 2001 and Matthew in 2004. Family photos from the era show a blissful Phil, often seen cradling his boys lakeside or at home in Geneva. Orianne launched her own luxury jewelry line, Orielle, blending her heritage with high-end sparkle. Phil supported her dreams, and together they seemed picture-perfect.
But paradise has storms. By 2006, cracks showed—arguments over lifestyle, Phil’s health issues (he’d been battling back problems), and the move to Miami strained things. They separated in 2007, divorcing in 2008. The settlement? A jaw-dropping £25 million ($46 million USD), the largest in UK celebrity history at the time. Orianne walked away with the family home in Switzerland and custody of the boys, who split time between parents.
Just when you think it’s over… plot twist! In 2015, Phil and Orianne rekindled their flame. By 2016, they were living together in Miami, with Phil telling The Sun: “We’ve never really been apart.” Fans rejoiced—could this be the happy ending? Sons Nicholas and Matthew thrived, with Nicholas pursuing music like Dad and Matthew keeping a lower profile.
Alas, fairy tales fade. In 2020, it all imploded. Orianne moved into Phil’s Miami mansion with her new partner, 15-years-younger Thomas Bates, a former escort. Phil, then 69 and wheelchair-bound from health woes, was heartbroken. He sued to evict them, claiming invasion of privacy and emotional distress. Court docs revealed Orianne allegedly drained $3 million from Phil’s accounts. The battle dragged on, with Phil paying her $300,000 monthly support. Orianne countered, citing her own health struggles—a spinal injury from a 2008 martial arts demo gone wrong, worsened by botched surgery.
By 2021, they settled: Orianne got the Miami home (worth $33 million) but had to buy out Phil’s share. Fast-forward to 2024—Orianne’s now divorcing Thomas amid her own messy split, citing a “dire” medical condition needing urgent funds. Yet, amid the chaos, she posted a sweet Father’s Day tribute to Phil in June 2024: thanking him for being an amazing dad to their boys. Fans were torn—some called her out for “stealing everything,” others saw a complex woman fighting her battles.
Orianne’s story is the most turbulent of Phil Collins third wife tales: passion abroad, family joys, and tabloid-fueled drama. It’s a reminder that love can loop back, but healing takes time. Phil’s said of her: “She’s the love of my life,” even post-split. Their sons, now young men, keep the family bond alive—Nicholas jamming with Dad, Matthew cheering from the sidelines.
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The Lasting Echo: Family Bonds and Life Lessons from Phil’s Loves
Whew, what a rollercoaster! Phil Collins’ three wives—Andrea, Jill, and Orianne—each left an indelible mark. From childhood promises to Swiss chalets and Hollywood heartaches, they’ve shaped the man behind the music. Together, they’ve given him five amazing kids: Simon (48, musician), Joely (52, producer), Lily (36, actress), Nicholas (23, aspiring artist), and Matthew (20, sports fan). Phil’s health battles (he’s dropped his sticks due to nerve damage) haven’t dimmed his pride in them. Lily’s Emily in Paris role? A nod to her Beverly Hills roots with Mom Jill. Joely’s films? Echoes of adopted family love.