Rufus Wainwright may not be a household name like some other musicians, but his impressive resume speaks volumes. With a career spanning over 30 years, Wainwright has not only worked on personal projects but also composed music for various soundtracks, including Zoolander, Big Daddy, and Brokeback Mountain. A true creative genius, Rufus continues to captivate audiences with his recent album release. Here are 10 intriguing facts about Rufus Wainwright that you might not know.
1. Born into the Entertainment Industry
It seems almost inevitable that Rufus would become a singer, given his family background. Both of his parents enjoyed successful careers in the industry – his father, Loudon Wainwright III, is a singer and actor, while his mother, Kate McGarrigle, was also a singer.
2. A Devoted Husband and Father
Despite dedicating much of his time and effort to his career over the past three decades, Rufus has also managed to maintain a fulfilling private life. He has been happily married to Jörn Weisbrodt since 2012, and the couple has one child together. Rufus cherishes the time he spends with his family.
3. Saved by Betty Buckley
At just 3-years-old, Rufus had a near-death experience when he unexpectedly went underwater while playing in the shallow end of a pool. Fortunately, actress Betty Buckley was nearby and managed to pull him to safety. It wasn’t until years later that she discovered the identity of the child she had saved.
4. A Musical Prodigy
Growing up surrounded by music, Rufus began playing the piano at the tender age of six. His interest in music continued to flourish, and his mother worked closely with him to develop his skills as both a pianist and a singer.
5. Embracing His 40s
While many people dread the aging process, especially in the entertainment industry where youth is often prized, Rufus has a different perspective. He told the Independent that he’s enjoying his 40s, particularly since he’s taken good care of himself.
6. A Strict Upbringing
Despite being raised by creative parents, Rufus’ childhood was not without its restrictions. He was not allowed to play video games and could only watch 30 minutes of TV per day. While this may have been frustrating at the time, it likely contributed to his creative development.
7. A Complicated Relationship with His Father
Rufus Wainwright is no stranger to turbulent relationships with parents. He and his father have had their fair share of ups and downs, with tensions running high on several occasions. They eventually sought therapy to work on their relationship, and now that Rufus is a father himself, he has gained a better understanding of his father’s perspective.
8. Losing Friends to COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected countless lives, and Rufus is no exception. While he and his family have remained healthy, he has witnessed the devastating impact of the virus firsthand. He told The Current that he has lost a couple of friends to the disease.
9. Standing Against Racism
As a liberal and a member of the LGBT community, Rufus is no stranger to the struggles faced by marginalized groups. He has shown his support for the Black Lives Matter movement and the fight against racism by attending local protests and even bringing his daughter along.
10. A Bilingual Talent
Born in New York but raised in Montreal, Canada, Rufus is fluent in both English and French. He has expressed a desire to release a French album in the future, aiming for an “old and French” vibe.
