Jennifer Lynn Lopez was born July 24, 1969, and is the most influential Hispanic entertainer in America according to People en Espanol magazine. Lopez, popularly known by her nickname J.Lo, is an American actress, singer, producer, dancer, and fashion designer. Lopez is the wealthiest Latin American entertainer in Hollywood.
As a young girl growing up in the Bronx, Lopez took singing and dancing lessons, financing them for herself from age 19. Lopez spent her early twenties auditioning for dance roles, and after many rejections she got her first high-profile dancing job in 1990 as a “Fly Girl” on the television sketch comedy show In Living Color. She went on to become a backup dancer for Janet Jackson, and soon after transitioned into several successful film and television roles.
In 1997 Lopez played the title role in the film Selena, which earned her a Golden Globe nomination and made her the first Latina actress to be paid $1 million for a film role. Other popular and critically acclaimed films include Jack (1996) opposite Robin Williams, Out of Sight, The Cell, An Unfinished Life, and Shall We Dance? In more recent years she has starred in the modestly successful films The Wedding Planner, Maid in Manhattan, and Monster-in-Law.
Lopez has released five English language studio albums since 1999, including two #1 albums on the Billboard 200 charts and four Billboard Hot 100 #1 singles. Jennifer has won several awards for her successful music career, including a 2003 American Music Award for Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist and a 2007 American Music Award for Favorite Latin Artist. She has since leveraged her star power to create a successful fashion, jewelry and perfume lines, all boasting her J.Lo name.
Lopez married singer Marc Anthony in 2004, and welcomed their first children, twins named Max and Emme, on February 22, 2008.