Selena Gomez: Overview
Birth and Background
Selena Gomez was born on July 22, 1992, in Grand Prairie, Texas, USA. She is the daughter of Mandy Teefey and Ricardo Gomez. Selena has a mixed heritage, with her father being of Mexican descent and her mother having Italian ancestry. She has a younger sister named Gracie and a step-sister named Victoria.
Early Life
Selena was raised by her mother, who worked multiple jobs to support the family. She developed an interest in performing arts at a young age, inspired by her mother’s work in theatre. Selena’s early exposure to the entertainment industry fueled her passion for acting and music.
Career
Acting
Early Career
Selena Gomez began her acting career in the early 2000s with small roles in children’s television series. She gained prominence as a cast member of the Disney Channel show Barney & Friends, where she worked alongside a young Demi Lovato.
Breakthrough Role
Her breakout role came with the lead character Alex Russo in the Disney Channel series Wizards of Waverly Place (2007-2012). The show was a massive success and earned Selena several awards, including an Emmy Award for Outstanding Children’s Program.
Film Appearances
In addition to her television work, Selena has starred in several films, including:
- Ramona and Beezus (2010) – based on the beloved children’s book series.
- Spring Breakers (2012) – a darker, more mature role that showcased her versatility as an actress.
- Hotel Transylvania series (2012, 2015, 2018) – where she voiced the character Mavis, a vampire daughter.
Music Career
Formation of Selena Gomez & the Scene
In 2009, Selena formed the band Selena Gomez & the Scene, releasing their debut album Kiss & Tell, which included hit singles like “Naturally” and “Round & Round.” The band achieved commercial success, paving the way for her music career.
Solo Career
After the band’s disbandment, Selena launched a successful solo career. Some of her notable albums include:
- Stars Dance (2013) – featuring the chart-topping single “Come & Get It.”
- Revival (2015) – showcasing a more mature sound, including hits like “Good for You” and “Same Old Love.”
- Rare (2020) – with the hit single “Lose You to Love Me,” which topped the Billboard Hot 100 and became her first number-one single.
Personal Life
Relationships
Selena Gomez has been in high-profile relationships, including a well-publicized on-again, off-again romance with Justin Bieber. She has also been linked to other celebrities like The Weeknd and Nick Jonas.
Health Issues
In 2015, Selena revealed that she was Echo Agenda diagnosed with lupus, an autoimmune disease. She has been open about her health struggles, including undergoing a kidney transplant in 2017, which she received from her friend Francia Raisa.
Advocacy and Philanthropy
Selena is actively involved in various charitable causes, particularly those focused on mental health awareness, lupus research, and youth empowerment. She has also worked with organizations like UNICEF, serving as a goodwill ambassador.
Awards and Recognition
Selena Gomez has received numerous awards throughout her career, including:
- American Music Awards for Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist and Favorite Pop/Rock Album.
- Billboard Women in Music award for Woman of the Year.
- Kids’ Choice Awards for Favorite Female Artist and Favorite TV Actress.
Physical Stats: Selena Gomez
- Height: 5’5″ (165 cm)
- Weight: Approximately 55 kg (121 lbs)
- Eye Color: Dark Brown
- Hair Color: Naturally Dark Brown
Controversies: Selena Gomez
- Criticized for lip-syncing during live performances.
- Legal issues with her fragrance line, resulting in lawsuits.
- Public scrutiny of her relationships and personal life, particularly with Justin Bieber.
- Faced backlash for her HBO Max cooking show due to alleged food waste.
- Criticism regarding her connection to 13 Reasons Why due to its depiction of sensitive topics.
Family: Selena Gomez
- Mother: Mandy Teefey
- Father: Ricardo Joel Gomez
- Half-Siblings: Gracie Elliot Teefey (maternal half-sister) and Victoria Gomez (paternal half-sister)
Religion and Ethnicity
- Religion: Raised Catholic, has expressed openness towards various spiritual beliefs.
- Ethnicity: Mexican-American (father’s side), Italian-American (mother’s side)
Hobbies
- Cooking (featured on her cooking show, Selena + Chef)
- Photography
- Dancing
- Watching horror movies
- Spending time with her family and friends
Favorite Things
- Food: Pizza, pickles, and hot Cheetos
- Colors: Green, Black, Blue
- Movies: The Wizard of Oz, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
- Actors: Jennifer Aniston, Rachel McAdams, Johnny Depp
- Vacation Spot: Italy
Relationship Status
- Previous Relationships: Justin Bieber, The Weeknd
- Current Status: Single (as of last public updates)
Financials
- Estimated Net Worth: $95 million (includes income from music, acting, endorsements, and business ventures)
- Business Ventures: Rare Beauty (cosmetics line)
Lesser Known Facts About Selena Gomez
- Diagnosed with lupus in 2014, underwent a kidney transplant in 2017.
- Co-founded the mental health platform Wondermind.
- Became a UNICEF Ambassador at age 17, one of the youngest ambassadors at the time.
- Known for her philanthropy and advocacy for mental health awareness.
- Named her beauty brand “Rare” as an homage to self-acceptance and individuality.
