Who is Selena Gomez? Everything You Need to Know (2024)

Childhood & Early Life

Selena Marie Gomez was born to former actress Amanda Dawn Cornett, and her Mexican husband, Ricardo Joel, on July 22, 1992, in the Grand Prairie city of Texas.

When the young girl was only five years old, her parents separated, and her grandparents played an important role in her upbringing. Selena has two stepsisters, Gracie Elliot, her mother's child with Brian Teefey, and Victoria, born to her father and his second wife, Sara.

After her parents separated, the young girl and her twenty-one year old mother struggled to survive amidst dire poverty. Amanda's stage performances inspired Selena to choose a career in acting, and soon the little girl was attending try-outs.

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Career

Her first break came with the show, 'Barney and Friends', in 2002, when she was chosen to play a character named Gianna. It was during the auditions that she met fellow performer, Demi Lovato, who was also selected for the show in the same year.

During the show, 'Barney and Friends' and after quitting it in 2004, Gomez made guest appearances in films like 'Walker, Texas Ranger: Trial by Fire' and 'Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over'.

In 2006, the young actor featured on the 'Disney' show, 'The Suite Life of Zack & Cody', for one episode. The next year, she was cast in another 'Disney' programme, 'Hannah Montana', and also started shooting for 'Arwin!', and 'Suite Life', both belonging to the same production house.

Selena also bagged the role of the protagonist, Alex Russo, in the 'Disney' show, 'Wizards of Waverly Place', in 2007. She soon shifted to Hollywood, and began her full-fledged acting career, with colleague and friend, Demi Lovato.

The show was a success, and so was her theme song, 'Everything is Not What It Seems', shooting the talented actor to stardom, in the process getting compared to fellow performer, Miley Cyrus.

In 2008, she organized her own music group, naming it 'Selena Gomez & the Scene', and also founded a production house called, 'July Moon Productions'.

The same year, she starred in the film, 'Another Cinderella Story', and lent her voice to the movie, 'Horton Hears a Who!'. She also appeared in television shows like 'Jonas Brothers: Living the Dream' and 'Studio DC: Almost Live'.

In 2009, the impressive actor starred in shows and films such as 'Suite Life on Deck', 'Sonny with a Chance', 'Princess Protection Program'. For the latter, the soundtrack 'One and the Same' was sung by Lovato and Selena. The same year the actor also featured in the 'Disney' production, 'Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie'.

In 2009, apart from acting in movies, she lent her voice for a second time, to the character, Princess Selenia, for the film, 'Arthur and the Revenge of Maltazard'. Around the same time, the band 'Selena Gomez & the Scene' also released her debut music album, 'Kiss & Tell'.

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The following year, the young celebrity introduced an environment-friendly apparel brand titled, 'Dream Out Loud', which was then sold through the 'Kmart' departmental stores. After the success of her first album, Selena also released her second record, in 2010, 'A Year Without Rain'.

Even amidst all the adulation and busy schedule, Gomez ensured that she completed her higher education in 2010, with the help of a home-tutor. The same year, she reprised her role as Princess Selenia in the film, 'Arthur 3: The War of the Two Worlds', and also acted in the successful movie, 'Ramona and Beezus'.

In 2011, the bankable star featured in the commercially successful film, 'Monte Carlo', working hard to perfect her role. She also bagged cameos in the movie like 'The Muppets' as well as the TV shows, 'PrankStars' and 'So Random!'.

During the same period, Selena introduced her own brand of fragrance, which was to be distributed by 'Adrenalina', a famous sports label. Apart from her movie appearances, she also recorded another album, 'When the Sun Goes Down'.

In 2012, the talented actor voiced the character of Mavis in the animated movie, 'Hotel Transylvania', along with comic greats, Steve Buscemi and Adam Sandler. The same year, Gomez starred in 'Spring Breakers', along with James Franco, Vanessa Hudgens, Rachel Korine, and Ashley Benson.

From 2013-14, the 'Disney' star produced her first solo record, 'Stars Dance', and another album, 'For You'. Even her musical tour, also named 'Stars Dance', was quite successful with a significant increase in her fan base. She acted in films such as 'Getaway', 'Behaving Badly', 'Rudderless', and 'Aftershock'.

In 2015-16, Selena is expected to be seen in upcoming movies like 'Hotel Transylvania 2', 'In Dubious Battle', 'The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving', and 'The Big Short'.

Awards & Achievements

This young celebrity actor has been nominated on 125 occasions, and has won some of the most prestigious awards for her songs as well as acting performances.

This talented actress was honoured with the 'American Latino Media Arts Award', ('ALMA Award') in 2009 for the series 'Wizards of Waverly Place'. For the same show, she received the 'Gracie Awards', and the 'Imagen Awards'. She has also been the recipient of seven 'Nickelodeon's Kids Choice Awards' for 'Wizards of Waverley Place'.

From 2010-12, the German, 'Bravo Otto' awards have been presented to Gomez on six occasions. During the same time, she was also declared the 'Woman of the Year', by the 'Glamour Awards'.

For her philanthropic services, she received the 'Chris Greicius Celebrity Award' from the 'Make-A-Wish Foundation', and the 'Young Visionary Award' at the 'Unite4: Humanity' ceremony, both in 2013.

Around the same time, she was also given the 'MTV Video Music Awards' for the single, 'Come & Get It'.

In 2014-15, she received the Broadcast Music, Incorporated (BMI) Awards as a songwriter for the tracks, 'Come & Get It' and 'Slow Down'.

Gomez has won the 'Teen Choice Awards' five times, for films like 'Princess Protection Program', 'Another Cinderella Story', and ‘Wizards of Waverly Place'.

Personal Life & Legacy

In 2011, Selena Gomez and singer Justin Beiber began dating each other, but since then it has been an on-and-off relationship between the two celebrities.

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This star is known for her philanthropic activities, including her association with the 'Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF' movement. She became the youngest representative of the organization, breaking the record held earlier by New Zealand performer Hayley Westenra.

She has worked for the 'UNICEF' in Ghana, volunteering for the betterment of underprivileged children in the country.

She has also been involved with other organizations and campaigns like 'DoSomething.org', 'Island Dog', 'RAISE Hope for Congo', 'Friends for Change', 'Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund', and 'Hope for Haiti Now', amongst many others. Gomez has served various causes from child welfare to protection of animals to environmental concerns.

Who is Selena Gomez? Everything You Need to Know (2024)

FAQs

What is Selena Gomez known for? ›

What was Selena Gomez best known for? Selena Gomez was known for her starring role on the 2007–12 Disney television series Wizards of Waverly Place and as the singer of such pop hit songs as “Come & Get It” and “Same Old Love.”

What is a famous quote that Selena Gomez said? ›

Always be yourself, there's no one better! You have every right to a beautiful life. Everything happens for a reason and, something better will come along for me! Being yourself is all it takes.

Who is the guy in Selena Gomez video The Heart Wants What It Wants? ›

Music video

The video received over 9 million views in its first 24 hours. Actor Shiloh Fernandez appears in the music video as Gomez's love interest.

What lessons can we learn from Selena Gomez? ›

Here are some of the life lessons I have learned from Selena Gomez:
  • Love yourself first. ...
  • Kill people with kindness. ...
  • Stay strong. ...
  • Girl power. ...
  • You can get through heartbreak.

Who was Selena known for? ›

Sometimes called the "Queen of Tejano," Selena's music expanded the audience for Texan-Mexican music, and contributed to a rise in Latin music popularity across the United States.

What is Selena most remembered for? ›

Known as the “Queen of Tejano Music,” Selena Quintanilla was a beloved Latin singer who was killed by the president of her fan club at age 23.

What is Selena famous quotes? ›

If you have a dream, don't let anybody take it away.” “Always believe that the impossible is always possible.” “All I need to do is try and do the best that I can do.” “When you get hard work, you get success.”

What did Selena Gomez say about rare beauty? ›

Gomez says she gets more comments from strangers about Rare than anything else, and it means a lot that people enjoy the products for what they are, not because she made them. “That's what makes me most proud,” she says.

What Selena Gomez looks for in a guy? ›

In short, Selena Gomez reveals that the only thing she asks from a man is that he be "cool". "Not cool in the sense that people think you're cool, but only that you're someone nice, and as you're asking, please make me laugh," she continued. "And also of course be nice to my family and the people around you.

How rich is Selena Gomez? ›

Bloomberg determined a “vast bulk” of her net worth is attached to the success of her Rare Beauty makeup and cosmetics brand. Selena Gomez is officially a billionaire, according to a Bloomberg report. She is estimated to be worth $1.3 billion, making her one of the country's youngest women with a 10-figure fortune.

Who is Selena Gomez boy? ›

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco haven't been shy about showing off their love for each other since going public with their relationship late last year.

Why is Selena Gomez remembered? ›

Selena Gomez, a renowned recording artist, actress and designer, rose to fame in her role as Alex Russo in Disney Channel's sitcom Wizards of Waverly Place.

Why do I love Selena Gomez? ›

Instead of fuelling wars with celebrities, Gomez instead shines the spotlight on healthy bonds that she shares with friends. She has publicly shown love and support to her good friend, fellow pop star Taylor Swift (who we know have gone through a major media teardown with Kim K and Kanye).

Why did Selena Gomez become so famous? ›

She began her career as a child actress, starring on the children's television series Barney & Friends (2002–2004), and rose to prominence as a teen idol, leading as Alex Russo on the Disney Channel sitcom Wizards of Waverly Place (2007–2012).

Is Selena Gomez the most popular? ›

The multi-hyphenate, who regularly posts using the viral sounds du jour, leads the pack of musicians who made the top 10, joining Ice Spice, Natalie Jane, Lizzo, Ariana Grande and more. She also was the second-most popular artist worldwide, only second to Kim Loaiza and above Blackpink, Shakira and BTS.

What is Selena Gomez favorite thing? ›

Selena loves to surf and skateboard. Her favorite sport is basketball.

How many Grammys does Selena Gomez have? ›

List of awards and nominations received by Selena Gomez
Awards and nominations
Critics Choice Awards15
Emmy Awards07
Golden Globe Awards02
Grammy Awards02
8 more rows

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