Jennifer Lopez Biography

Jennifer Lopez, Singer/Actress

Birthdate: July 24, 1969

Birthplace: The Bronx, New York

Sign: Leo

Jennifer Lynn Lopez was born on July 24, 1969 in South Bronx, New York to Puerto Rican parents, Guadalupe Rodriguez and David Lopez. She has two sisters, Lynda and Leslie. Lopez has always been interested in dancing and even financed her singing and dancing lessons herself at age 19. She divided her time between her work, dance classes, and dance performances in nightclubs.

She was selected as a dancer for different rap music videos and a backup dancer for the popular boy band New Kids On the Block for their performance at the American Music Awards in 1991. She got her first regular high-profile job in the television comedy program "In Living Color" in 1991 as a "Fly Girl." She also became a backup dancer for Janet Jackson in her 1993 video "That's The Way Love Goes."

Lopez appeared on several short-lived TV programs after that. Her first movie film was in the 1995 drama "My Family" and then in "Money Train" opposite Wesley Snipes. She played Robin Williams' fourth grade teacher in the 1996 comedy drama "Jack," and got a role in the 1997 thriller "Blood and Wine" opposite Jack Nicholson.

It was in the 1997 film "Selena" that Lopez was nominated for a Golden Globe. She played the late Selena Perez, who was a famous and accomplished singer before her fan club president killed her. Lopez became the first Latin actress to be paid $1 million for a film role.

Her other critically-acclaimed films include "Out Of Sight" and "The Cell." She had also starred in some light romantic comedy films including "The Wedding Planner," "Maid In Manhattan," and "Monster-In-Law." Her two independent films that she produced were well received, "El Cantante" was praised at the Toronto International Film Festival and "Bordertown" at the Brussels Film Festival.

Lopez's debut album, "On The 6," was released on June 1, 1999. It reached the top ten of the Billboard 200. The album's single "Let's Get Loud" earned Lopez a Grammy Award nomination in the Best Dance Recording category. "Waiting For Tonight" was also nominated for the same category in 2000. "No Me Ames," a recording she sang with her would-be husband Marc Anthony received two nominations at the 2000 Latin Grammy Awards. The album sold more than 8 million copies.

Her "J. Lo" album in 2001 debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, while her film "The Wedding Planner" also reached number one. She then became the first actress-singer to have a film and album at number one at the same time. This album also signified her using of the name J. Lo. after which, Lopez had released several more successful albums, both in the Spanish and English language.

Aside from being an actress and singer, Lopez is also a businesswoman. She ventured in the clothing business in 2003 when she launched her label JLO. The line included various types of clothes and accessories for young women. In 2007, Lopez gave up JLO and launched a new line called "JustSweet."

In 2002, she opened a Cuban restaurant in California named Madre's. Lopez also ventured in the perfume business. Her first perfume named "Glow by J.Lo" had been widely successful. She followed that up with "Still" and "Miami Glow by J.Lo." She also came up with a "Glow" body line, which includes body lotions and bronzers. She has then released a few more perfumes.

Lopez's first marriage was to waiter Ojani Noa on February 22, 1997. They divorced in 1998. Lopez sued Noa to prevent him from publishing a tell-all book about their marriage. The court sided with Lopez in August 2007 and was awarded $545,000 in compensatory damages.

Lopez married second husband, her former backup dancer, Chris Judd, on September 29, 2001. They divorced in January 2003. Her third marriage is with Marc Anthony on June 5, 2004. They are currently expecting their first children, which are confirmed twins.

Her other high profile relationships include Sean Combs and Ben Affleck.