Angie Best (born Angela MacDonald Janes on 26 July 1952[1] in Southend on Sea, Essex) is an English model and former former Playboy Bunny, probably best known as the first ex-wife of footballer George Best.
Born in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, Best is the eldest daughter of Marion (née MacDonald) and Robert William Brough Janes, Best has one younger sister, Lynne, and two half-brothers, Michael, from her father's first marriage, and Noel Robert Janus (1949–2009), from a previous relationship of her father's, who was a singer-songwriter and auntie to actress Samantha Womack.[2] Best became a model, and then bunny hostess at the Playboy club in London.[3] She was then invited to New York to model, before travelling to Los Angeles as a model and personal trainer.
She met George Best at a dinner party in Los Angeles in 1975 when he was signing to play for the Los Angeles Aztecs, and it was "love at first sight". They moved back to London in 1976. When Angie Best later returned to Los Angeles, George followed and persuaded her to marry him which she did on 24 January 1978. The marriage produced one son Calum in 1981. The couple's marriage was annulled in 1986.[4]
After relocating to Los Angeles, Best went back full-time to her fitness career, producing and starring in her own workout videos, and starring on television in shows and series for amongst others Sky TV. She also coached and trained celebrity clients, including pop star Cher and actresses Sharon Stone and Daryl Hannah. Latterly she has written a series of books for over 40s women, including one for the menopause called "A Change For the Best."
In 2000, writer/director Mary McGuckian produced the poorly reviewed George Best biopic film Best, with Best played by Patsy Kensit. Best made the most of the publicity for her causes, but said of the film: "I haven't been consulted at all, even though it shows my life." In response, in 2002, Best wrote her autobiography George and Me: My Autobiography, the hook line for which was: "I didn't realise that six years of marriage would last a lifetime." She not only detailed the marriage, but life afterwards where she tried to remain in contact with George, offering support and advice to help him conquer his alcohol addiction. Despite everything George put her through, Angie admitted: "I remain good friends with George. He is the only man I ever loved."[5] When George Best died in November 2005, she attended the funeral with a single red rose, and was the only woman at his graveside - second wife Alex Best was isolated by Best's family. Angie lived in a tiny hillside house in Malibu with her on again off again boyfriend Mark, and cared for her rescued animals including six dogs and various horses.