Uncommon Facts About Kim Wilde That No One Knows About

Uncommon Facts About Kim Wilde That No One Knows About 

Kim Wilde, best known for her 1981 hit "Kids in America," has had a fascinating and varied career that extends beyond the music industry. Here are some uncommon facts about Kim Wilde that highlight the diversity of her talents and interests:

1. **Horticultural Passion**: Kim Wilde is an accomplished gardener and landscape designer. After her music career slowed down, she pursued her passion for gardening, studying horticulture at Capel Manor College in London. She has written several gardening books and even won a gold medal at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2005 for her courtyard garden design.

2. **Chart-Topping Family**: Kim Wilde comes from a musical family. Her father, Marty Wilde, was a successful rock and roll singer in the 1950s and 1960s. Her brother, Ricky Wilde, is also a musician and producer who co-wrote and produced many of her early hits, including "Kids in America."

3. **Christmas Fame**: In 2012, Kim Wilde became an unexpected viral sensation when she was filmed singing "Kids in America" and "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" on a late-night train in London, slightly tipsy after attending a Christmas party. The video quickly went viral, showcasing her down-to-earth personality and sense of humor.

4. **Recording with Michael Jackson**: Kim Wilde was once considered for a duet with Michael Jackson. Although the collaboration never materialized, she was approached by Jackson’s team in the early 1980s to work with him, highlighting her international popularity during that period.

5. **Touring with David Bowie**: In 1990, Kim Wilde had the opportunity to open for David Bowie during his "Sound+Vision Tour." This experience was a significant moment in her career, as she toured with one of her musical idols, further cementing her place in the pop and rock music scene.

6. **Acting Debut**: Kim Wilde made her acting debut in a 1983 episode of the British TV show "The Comic Strip Presents." The episode, titled "Summer School," was a comedy in which Wilde played a character named Carol, showcasing her versatility beyond music.

7. **Environmental Activism**: Beyond her horticultural work, Wilde is also an environmental activist. She has been involved in several campaigns promoting sustainable living and green issues, including working with organizations like the Woodland Trust to promote tree planting and conservation efforts.

8. **Comeback in Germany**: Kim Wilde experienced a significant career resurgence in Germany during the 2000s, where she continued to release albums that performed well on the German charts. She remains particularly popular in Europe, where she has a dedicated fan base.

9. **Record-Breaking Single**: Her 1988 single "You Came" was a major hit, and it remains one of her most successful songs, reaching the top 10 in several European countries. The song was inspired by the birth of her brother Ricky's first child, showing how her personal life often influenced her music.

10. **Family Life**: Despite her fame, Kim Wilde has maintained a relatively private personal life. She is married to actor Hal Fowler, whom she met while starring in the West End musical "Tommy." The couple has two children, and Wilde has often spoken about the importance of family and balancing her career with motherhood.