Singer and actress Jennifer Lopez recently met with New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg to discuss her role as the honorary chairwoman of the New York City Latin Media and Entertainment Commission, which hopes to draw more Latino artists to the city.
Early years: Lopez was born July 24, 1970, in The Bronx, New York City, to Puerto Rican parents. She performed in several international musicals as a child. Lopez graduated from Preston High School in 1987 and enrolled at Baruch College in New York City, but she dropped out after one semester.
Career: Lopez landed a dancing role as one of the "Fly Girls" on Fox's skit comedy show "In Living Color." In 1994 she was cast as Lucy in the short-lived sitcom "South Central." She won a role in 1995's "Money Train," which led to her breakthrough role as Latina superstar Selena in the eponymous 1997 movie. In 1998's "Out of Sight," she secured her star status and became the first Latina actress to earn $1 million for a film. She has appeared in several box-office hits, including "The Cell" (2000), "The Wedding Planner" (2001) and "Maid in Manhattan" (2002).
Lopez released her debut album, "On the 6," in 1999 to instant commercial success. Her next album, "J. Lo," debuted at the top of the charts. Her latest album, "This Is Me... Then," has spawned two hit singles, "I'm Glad" and "Jenny From the Block."
Family: Lopez married Ojani Noa in 1997. They divorced less than a year later. She married Chris Judd, a back-up dancer for her tour, in 2001. They also divorced less than a year later. She recently has been involved with actor Ben Affleck.
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In her words: "Divorce means heartache or it means relief, freedom or joy."
Web link: www.jenniferlopez.com
Compiled by Heather Leinen
Sources: Celebritysun.com, Biography.com, Vh1.com
