Jennifer Lynn Lopez was born in the Castle Hill section of the South Bronx, New York, on July 24, 1969. Her father, David, is a computer specialist, her mother, Guadalupe, a kindergarten teacher. She is the middle of three musically inclined daughters, and her parents were born in Puerto Rico but did not meet until both came to America. Jennifer’s paternal grandparents were Europeans who settled on the island of Puerto Rico. Her parents infused a work ethic in all their children very early in their lives and Jennifer began taking singing and dancing lessons from the tender age of five. As a child, she enjoyed many musical genres, including Afro-Caribbean rhythms such as salsa and meringue, and mainstream music including Pop, Hip Hop and R & B. She demonstrated real talent as a gymnast and played softball and tennis throughout her years in an all-girl Catholic High school.
She left home after graduation at the age of 18, but continued to take dance classes at night. She worked briefly in a law office, but was soon determined to pursue a career in show business, which terrified her mother. She moved far away to Los Angeles and was cast in the television comedy “Living Color,” but she did not like LA until her boyfriend, David Cruz, moved in with her. Her career began with the television show, “Living Color,” and her first major film was in 1995 in “My Family”. She catapulted to stardom with her fine portrayal of slain Latino singer, “Selena” in 1997. She became, with this role, the first Latino actress to be paid $1 million dollars for a film.
Known as the “Supernova” in her old neighborhood in the Bronx, Jennifer has had her share of controversy and unsuccessful relationships. She continues to captivate her many adoring fans, however, which wait anxiously for the release of her next film.
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