Charles Barkley might have switched teams throughout his career. However, Maureen Blumhardt, his wife of over 30 years, has always been a staple in his life.
Blumhardt is a former model and TV personality. After marrying Barkley and having a daughter, she opted to stay home, holding down the fort.
That said, Maureen Blumhradt is a pretty exceptional woman. Please keep reading to learn about her early life, education, and family. Let’s dive in!
Maureen Blumhardt Biography
Maureen Blumhardt was born in Scottsdale, Arizona, on January 15, 1960. Her mother is Ellen T. Blumhardt, and her father is Richard R. Blumhardt.
Maureen grew up Catholic and upheld her beliefs well into her adult life. After graduating high school, she attended Villanova Catholic University.
Blumhardt has always dreamt of becoming a media personality and changing the world. For this reason, she earned a degree from Columbia Journalism School, hoping to become a TV personality.
Maureen Blumhardt Career
Due to Maureen Blumhardt’s dedication, charming personality, and attractive looks, she quickly became a model. However, her career didn’t take off as she met Charles Barkley soon after and focused on starting a family.
Despite never making it to TV, Maureen made the world better. The housewife is incredibly active within her community, focusing on numerous philanthropic endeavors.
Most notably, Blumhardt is an honorary Fresh Start Women’s Foundation member. This organization empowers women in various ways, helping them become economically independent.
Maureen Blumhardt’s Personal Life
Maureen Blumhardt has kept her personal life under wraps since she entered the spotlight. Other than a small interview with PEOPLE in 1987, she hasn’t shared any aspect of her life with the public.
Charles Barkley, nicknamed “Chuck,” is still one of the most famous NBA players. Naturally, the media has been able to learn about the couple’s family life.
When Maureen started as a model in the 80s, she met Charles Barkley. The pair fell in love immediately and tied the knot in 1989.
Blumhardt’s family was initially skeptical of the relationship. Maureen was a simple gal, while Barkley was one of the most famous NBA players. As an American citizen of white ethnicity, she faced public criticism for their racial differences. Consequently, they dated in secret for several years.
They believed he could get any woman he wanted with all his money and fame, and they didn’t want Maureen to get hurt. However, Barkley proved that the only woman he desired was Maureen!
Marriage has its ups and downs, but Barkley and Blumhardt have gone through it all. Over 30 years later, the couple is still going strong. They currently reside in Scottsdale, Arizona.
In a 2022 interview, Barkley revealed that acceptance is the secret to their long, successful marriage. The pair accept each other’s flaws before appreciating their strengths. They vowed to never judge each other in case of any mistakes or misunderstanding.
Christiana Barkley
The same year as Maureen Blumhardt and Charles Barkley’s wedding, the couple were blessed with a baby girl named Christiana. Barkley chose his daughter’s name, citing the Christiana Mall in Delaware as inspiration!
Like her mother, Christiana was raised Catholic. She also attended Villanova University, graduating in 2011.
As an only child, Christiana is her father’s pride and joy. The former NBA player seizes every opportunity to talk about his daughter.
Most recently, Christiana got married to her long-time fiance, Ilya Hoffman. Barkley was excited about the event and even picked the father-daughter dance song himself!
Final Thoughts
Maureen Blumhardt and Charles Barkley have been married for 35 years. The pair met in the 80s when Blumhardt was launching her modeling career.
Blumhardt’s choice to model was to make an impact in the world. She managed to do just that, even though she quit modeling and stayed away from the spotlight.
Instead, Maureen poured all her energy into philanthropy. She’s actively helping women gain and maintain financial independence, regardless of their backgrounds.
