Selena Marie Gomez (born July 22, 1992)[1] is an American actress and singer-songwriter best known for her portrayal of Alex Russo on the Emmy Award winning 迪士尼 Channel Original Series, Wizards of Waverly Place. She has starred in the 电视 movies, Another 灰姑娘 Story and Princess Protection Program.
Before Disney, she had one of the kid roles on Barney & Friends. In 2008, she signed a record deal with Hollywood Records and contributed to the Tinker Bell, Another 灰姑娘 Story and Wizards of Waverly Place soundtracks. Her band, Selena Gomez & the Scene, released their debut studio album 吻乐队(Kiss) & Tell on September 29, 2009,[2] which was certified 金牌 由 RIAA on March 5, 2010.[3]
Early life and education
Gomez was born in Grand Prairie, Texas[1] to Ricardo Gomez and Mandy Teefey (née Cornett), a former stage actress.[4][5] Her father is Mexican American and her mother is of half Italian descent.[6][7] Her birth parents divorced when she was five years old, and she was raised as an only child 由 her working mother.[4][8] In 2006, her mother remarried Brian Teefey.[9] She is named after Tejano singer Selena.[10]
In a 2009 interview, Gomez 说 she developed an early interest in 表演 from watching her mother perform in theater productions. "My mom [Mandy] did a lot of theater, and I would watch her rehearse. When she got ready for the 显示 and put on her makeup, I would sit behind her and color. She said, 'You have my lines memorized better than I do!' [...] One 日 I 说 [to her], 'I want to be like you!'"[8] She earned a high school diploma through homeschooling in May 2010.[11]
Gomez began her 表演 career at age seven, playing Gianna on Barney & Friends. She 说 that she learned "everything" about how to act while on the show. Season 7 of Barney & Friends, when Selena Gomez was on the show, was held up for some time. Because of this, the episodes featuring Gomez did not air until she was in 5th grade. This resulted in some mild controversy/confusion as to whether she was on Barney in the 5th grade 或者 the 1st grade.[12] She later had minor roles in Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over and the TV film Walker, Texas Ranger: Trial 由 Fire. In 2004, Gomez was discovered 由 the 迪士尼 Channel in a nation wide scouting.[13] Gomez appeared as a guest 星, 星级 on The Suite Life of Zack & Cody and had a guest appearance – that later turned into a recurring role – on Hannah Montana from season's two to three. In early 2007 Gomez was cast in the 迪士尼 Channel series Wizards of Waverly Place as one of the three main characters, Alex Russo.
In 2008, Gomez appeared in Another 灰姑娘 Story, the direct-to-DVD sequel to the 2004 Hilary Duff film, opposite Drew Seeley. She also had a minor voiceover role as one the Mayor's ninety-six daughters in Horton Hears a Who! which released in March of that year. In April, Lacey Rose, of Forbes ranked Gomez as being fifth on their "Eight Hot Kid Stars To Watch" list; and Rose described Gomez as having been "a multitalented teen".[14] In June, 2009, Gomez appeared in the made-for-television 迪士尼 Channel movie, Princess Protection Program with her then best friend Demi Lovato.[15] On August 28, one 月 after appearing in Princess Protection Program, Gomez appeared in Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie, a made-for-television film based on the show.[16]
n 2009, Gomez did a guest appearance as herself in one episode, of Lovato's 迪士尼 Channel 电视 显示 Sonny With a Chance, entitled "Battle of The Network Stars". Gomez, along with two cast members of Wizards of Waverly Place appeared in a 电视 three-way cross-over episode with Hannah Montana and The Suite Life on Deck, entitled Wizards on Deck with Hannah Montana. In February 2009, Gomez signed on to 星, 星级 as one of the two female leads in Ramona and Beezus a film adaption of the children's novel series 由 Beverly Cleary.[17][18] In March, 2010, Variety reported that Gomez was set to 星, 星级 as one of the three lead roles in Monte Carlo.[19]
音乐 career
n 2008, Gomez recorded a cover of "Cruella de Vil" -which included a 音乐 video for – for the compilation album DisneyMania 6. Gomez recorded three songs for the Another 灰姑娘 Story soundtrack, which Gomez appears in. Gomez also recorded "Fly to Your Heart" for the 2008 animated film Tinker Bell. In July 2008 – before Gomez' sixteenth birthday, she signed a recording deal with Hollywood Records, a 音乐 label owned 由 Disney.[20] In 2009, Gomez recorded "One and the Same" for Princess Protection Program as a duet with Lovato – they both appear in the film.[21] Gomez recorded four songs, one of which was a cover, for the Wizards of Waverly Place soundtrack, only one single (Magic) from the album was released. In May, of the same year, Gomez was featured – with Forever the Sickest Kids, on a duet version of the non-album song "Whoa Oh!".[22]
Selena Gomez & the Scene
Main article: Selena Gomez & the Scene
Formed in 2009, Selena Gomez & the Scene (aka Selena & The Scene) is a pop rock band which consists of Selena Gomez on vocals, Ethan Roberts on guitar, Joey Clement on bass, Greg Garman on drums, and Dane Forrest on keyboards. 吻乐队(Kiss) & Tell is the band's debut studio album and was released on September 29, 2009 由 Hollywood Records. On March 5, 2010, the album was certified 金牌 由 RIAA.[3] The band's sophomore album A 年 Without Rain is set to be released on September 28, 2010.[citation needed]
Philanthropy
Gomez was involved in the UR 得票数 Count campaign which helped encourage teenagers to learn 更多 about 2008 Presidential candidates (Barack Obama and John McCain).[23] In October 2008, Gomez participated in St. Jude's Children's Hospital "Runway For Life" benefit.[24] Gomez is a spokesperson for Borden Milk; she is featured in the campaign's print and 电视 ads.[25] She is the ambassador of DoSomething.org after being involved with the charity Island Dog, which help 狗 in Puerto Rico.[26] She got involved while filming Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie in Puerto Rico.[27] Gomez is a spokesperson for State Farm Insurance, and is featured in their TV commercials; which air on the 迪士尼 Channel, to raise awareness of being a 安全 driver.[28] Gomez is also involved with the charity RAISE Hope For Congo, the charity helps raise awareness about the violence against Congolese women, in the Congo.[29]
Gomez is involved in Disney's 老友记 for Change, an organization which promotes "environmently-friendly behavior", and appears in its public service announcements to raise awareness for the cause on the 迪士尼 Channel.[30] Gomez, Demi Lovato, Miley Cyrus, and the Jonas Brothers recorded "Send It On", a charity single which serves as the theme song for Disney's 老友记 for Change in 2009. The song debuted on the Hot 100 at number twenty.[31][32] Disney's 老友记 For Change will direct all of its proceeds from "Send it On" to environmental charities to the 迪士尼 Worldwide Conservation Fund.[31] On October 6, 2009, Gomez made a surprise visit to a Los Angeles elementary school as part of the "A 日 Made Better" program that was sponsored 由 OfficeMax.[33] During her visit, Gomez gave the school an award, and gave them $1,000 worth of school supplies. Gomez spent the 日 with the students and talked about the importance of giving back to the community.[33][34]
UNICEF
In October 2008, Gomez was named UNICEF's spokesperson for the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign, which encouraged children to raise money on 万圣节前夕 to help children around the world.[35] She 说 that she was "extremely excited" to "encourage other kids to make a difference in the world."[35]
In August 2009, a 17-year-old Gomez became the youngest UNICEF ambassador ever, passing fellow songstress Hayley Westenra, who had been 18. In her first official field mission, Gomez traveled to Ghana on September 4, 2009 for a week to witness first-hand the stark conditions of vulnerable children that lack vital necessities including clean water, nourishment, education and healthcare.[36][37] Gomez explained during a interview with Associated Press that she wanted to use her 星, 星级 power to bring awareness to Ghana: “That’s why I feel very honored to have a voice that kids listen to and take into consideration [...] I had people on my tour asking me where IS Ghana, and they Googled it […] and because I went there, they now know where Ghana is. So it’s pretty incredible.”[37][38] Gomez 说 of her role as ambassador that: "Every 日 25,000 children die from preventable causes. I stand with UNICEF in the belief that we can change that number from 25,000 to zero. I know we can achieve this because every moment, UNICEF is on the ground providing children with the lifesaving assistance needed to ensure zero becomes a reality."[36]
Gomez was named spokesperson for UNICEF's 2009 Trick-or-Treat campaign, for the 秒 年 in a row.[39] Gomez, who raised over $700,000 for the charity in 2008, stated that she hopes to be able to raise 1 million dollars in 2009.[37] Gomez participated in a celebrity auction[40] and hosted a live web cast series on 脸谱 in support of the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign.[41] Gomez will return as the UNICEF spokesperson for the 60th anniversary of Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign in 2010.[42]
Entrepreneurship
As of September, 2009, Gomez currently is the new face of Sears back-to-school fashion ad campaign.[43] As part of the endorsement deal Gomez is featured in their 电视 commercials and recorded "I'm Gonna Arrive (Don't Just Go Back)". In August, 2009, Gomez also hosted the "Sears Arrive Air Band Casting Call" – to select five people for the first-ever "Sears Air Band", which performed at the 2009 音乐电视 Video 音乐 Awards on September 13, 2009.[44]
In October 2008, Gomez launched her own production company, July Moon Productions, and partnered with XYZ Films to create 星, 星级 vehicles for Gomez. As part of the agreement Gomez will have the opportunity to be able option articles, hire writers and create talent packages to 商店 to studios.[45][46] Also, as part of the deal, "XYZ Films will allow Gomez to 星, 星级 in and produce at least two films.[33] Variety reported that: "In August, XYZ [Films] inked a similar deal with Time Inc. and management-production company the Collective to finance the development of the print media giant's content for the bigscreen [...] As part of the July Moon-XYZ deal, [Selena] Gomez will have the ability to cherry-pick projects from the vast Time Inc. library, which includes Time, Sports Illustrated, Fortune and Life."[46]
In October, 2009, Gomez announced her plan to launch her own fashion line, called "Dream Out Loud 由 Selena Gomez", which is set to launch in fall 2010.[47][48] The clothing line will consist of and feature bohemian dresses, floral tops, jeans, skirts, jackets, scarves and hats, all made from recycled 或者 eco-friendly materials.[49][50] Gomez 说 that the line will reflect her own personal style[51] and described the clothing as being "pretty, feminine, and bohemian," and: "With my line, I really want to give the customer options on how they can put their own looks together [...] I want the pieces that can be easy to dress up 或者 down, and the fabrics being eco-friendly and organic is super important [...] Also, the 标签 will all have some of my inspirational 语录 on them. I'm just looking to send a good message."[47][50] Gomez, who has no background in fashion, teamed up with designers Tony Melillo and Sandra Campos, both who have worked with big-name fashion houses.[48] Gomez 说 of the partnering: "When I met Tony and Sandra, I was instantly comfortable with them and now they are just like family to me [...] They are so creative and I 爱情 how I can just call them up whenever and talk to them about everything, even if it's just about changing a button [...] They've been so cool about everything."[47][48][49][50] The brand will be manufactured by, Melillo and Campos teamed with New York-based Adjmi Apparel and formed 由 Adjmi CH Brands LLC; which is the holding company for the brand.[52]
Personal life
Gomez began wearing a purity ring when she was 12 years old.[53] She is the owner of five rescue 狗 and describes herself as a "huge animal lover".[54] After Gomez and Lovato, whom she first met at the Barney & 老友记 auditions, 发布 a video blog on YouTube in March 2008, Miley Cyrus and her friend Mandy Jiroux uploaded a parody of that video, which caught the interest of entertainment media. Reports included the theory that Gomez and Lovato might replace Cyrus.[55] Gomez clarified there was no feud,[56] saying: "I'm not interested in being anybody but myself, and I'm not here to replace anyone. I think that she's a wonderful performer, and of course it's a compliment. But I would like to take a different route."[57] In answering a 问题 on Hispanic heritage, to stationary provider Scholastic's news service for kids and teens, Gomez said: "My family does have Quinceañeras, and we go to the communion church. We do everything that's Catholic, but we don't really have anything traditional except go to the park and have barbeques on Sundays after church."[58]
Before Disney, she had one of the kid roles on Barney & Friends. In 2008, she signed a record deal with Hollywood Records and contributed to the Tinker Bell, Another 灰姑娘 Story and Wizards of Waverly Place soundtracks. Her band, Selena Gomez & the Scene, released their debut studio album 吻乐队(Kiss) & Tell on September 29, 2009,[2] which was certified 金牌 由 RIAA on March 5, 2010.[3]
Early life and education
Gomez was born in Grand Prairie, Texas[1] to Ricardo Gomez and Mandy Teefey (née Cornett), a former stage actress.[4][5] Her father is Mexican American and her mother is of half Italian descent.[6][7] Her birth parents divorced when she was five years old, and she was raised as an only child 由 her working mother.[4][8] In 2006, her mother remarried Brian Teefey.[9] She is named after Tejano singer Selena.[10]
In a 2009 interview, Gomez 说 she developed an early interest in 表演 from watching her mother perform in theater productions. "My mom [Mandy] did a lot of theater, and I would watch her rehearse. When she got ready for the 显示 and put on her makeup, I would sit behind her and color. She said, 'You have my lines memorized better than I do!' [...] One 日 I 说 [to her], 'I want to be like you!'"[8] She earned a high school diploma through homeschooling in May 2010.[11]
Gomez began her 表演 career at age seven, playing Gianna on Barney & Friends. She 说 that she learned "everything" about how to act while on the show. Season 7 of Barney & Friends, when Selena Gomez was on the show, was held up for some time. Because of this, the episodes featuring Gomez did not air until she was in 5th grade. This resulted in some mild controversy/confusion as to whether she was on Barney in the 5th grade 或者 the 1st grade.[12] She later had minor roles in Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over and the TV film Walker, Texas Ranger: Trial 由 Fire. In 2004, Gomez was discovered 由 the 迪士尼 Channel in a nation wide scouting.[13] Gomez appeared as a guest 星, 星级 on The Suite Life of Zack & Cody and had a guest appearance – that later turned into a recurring role – on Hannah Montana from season's two to three. In early 2007 Gomez was cast in the 迪士尼 Channel series Wizards of Waverly Place as one of the three main characters, Alex Russo.
In 2008, Gomez appeared in Another 灰姑娘 Story, the direct-to-DVD sequel to the 2004 Hilary Duff film, opposite Drew Seeley. She also had a minor voiceover role as one the Mayor's ninety-six daughters in Horton Hears a Who! which released in March of that year. In April, Lacey Rose, of Forbes ranked Gomez as being fifth on their "Eight Hot Kid Stars To Watch" list; and Rose described Gomez as having been "a multitalented teen".[14] In June, 2009, Gomez appeared in the made-for-television 迪士尼 Channel movie, Princess Protection Program with her then best friend Demi Lovato.[15] On August 28, one 月 after appearing in Princess Protection Program, Gomez appeared in Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie, a made-for-television film based on the show.[16]
n 2009, Gomez did a guest appearance as herself in one episode, of Lovato's 迪士尼 Channel 电视 显示 Sonny With a Chance, entitled "Battle of The Network Stars". Gomez, along with two cast members of Wizards of Waverly Place appeared in a 电视 three-way cross-over episode with Hannah Montana and The Suite Life on Deck, entitled Wizards on Deck with Hannah Montana. In February 2009, Gomez signed on to 星, 星级 as one of the two female leads in Ramona and Beezus a film adaption of the children's novel series 由 Beverly Cleary.[17][18] In March, 2010, Variety reported that Gomez was set to 星, 星级 as one of the three lead roles in Monte Carlo.[19]
音乐 career
n 2008, Gomez recorded a cover of "Cruella de Vil" -which included a 音乐 video for – for the compilation album DisneyMania 6. Gomez recorded three songs for the Another 灰姑娘 Story soundtrack, which Gomez appears in. Gomez also recorded "Fly to Your Heart" for the 2008 animated film Tinker Bell. In July 2008 – before Gomez' sixteenth birthday, she signed a recording deal with Hollywood Records, a 音乐 label owned 由 Disney.[20] In 2009, Gomez recorded "One and the Same" for Princess Protection Program as a duet with Lovato – they both appear in the film.[21] Gomez recorded four songs, one of which was a cover, for the Wizards of Waverly Place soundtrack, only one single (Magic) from the album was released. In May, of the same year, Gomez was featured – with Forever the Sickest Kids, on a duet version of the non-album song "Whoa Oh!".[22]
Selena Gomez & the Scene
Main article: Selena Gomez & the Scene
Formed in 2009, Selena Gomez & the Scene (aka Selena & The Scene) is a pop rock band which consists of Selena Gomez on vocals, Ethan Roberts on guitar, Joey Clement on bass, Greg Garman on drums, and Dane Forrest on keyboards. 吻乐队(Kiss) & Tell is the band's debut studio album and was released on September 29, 2009 由 Hollywood Records. On March 5, 2010, the album was certified 金牌 由 RIAA.[3] The band's sophomore album A 年 Without Rain is set to be released on September 28, 2010.[citation needed]
Philanthropy
Gomez was involved in the UR 得票数 Count campaign which helped encourage teenagers to learn 更多 about 2008 Presidential candidates (Barack Obama and John McCain).[23] In October 2008, Gomez participated in St. Jude's Children's Hospital "Runway For Life" benefit.[24] Gomez is a spokesperson for Borden Milk; she is featured in the campaign's print and 电视 ads.[25] She is the ambassador of DoSomething.org after being involved with the charity Island Dog, which help 狗 in Puerto Rico.[26] She got involved while filming Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie in Puerto Rico.[27] Gomez is a spokesperson for State Farm Insurance, and is featured in their TV commercials; which air on the 迪士尼 Channel, to raise awareness of being a 安全 driver.[28] Gomez is also involved with the charity RAISE Hope For Congo, the charity helps raise awareness about the violence against Congolese women, in the Congo.[29]
Gomez is involved in Disney's 老友记 for Change, an organization which promotes "environmently-friendly behavior", and appears in its public service announcements to raise awareness for the cause on the 迪士尼 Channel.[30] Gomez, Demi Lovato, Miley Cyrus, and the Jonas Brothers recorded "Send It On", a charity single which serves as the theme song for Disney's 老友记 for Change in 2009. The song debuted on the Hot 100 at number twenty.[31][32] Disney's 老友记 For Change will direct all of its proceeds from "Send it On" to environmental charities to the 迪士尼 Worldwide Conservation Fund.[31] On October 6, 2009, Gomez made a surprise visit to a Los Angeles elementary school as part of the "A 日 Made Better" program that was sponsored 由 OfficeMax.[33] During her visit, Gomez gave the school an award, and gave them $1,000 worth of school supplies. Gomez spent the 日 with the students and talked about the importance of giving back to the community.[33][34]
UNICEF
In October 2008, Gomez was named UNICEF's spokesperson for the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign, which encouraged children to raise money on 万圣节前夕 to help children around the world.[35] She 说 that she was "extremely excited" to "encourage other kids to make a difference in the world."[35]
In August 2009, a 17-year-old Gomez became the youngest UNICEF ambassador ever, passing fellow songstress Hayley Westenra, who had been 18. In her first official field mission, Gomez traveled to Ghana on September 4, 2009 for a week to witness first-hand the stark conditions of vulnerable children that lack vital necessities including clean water, nourishment, education and healthcare.[36][37] Gomez explained during a interview with Associated Press that she wanted to use her 星, 星级 power to bring awareness to Ghana: “That’s why I feel very honored to have a voice that kids listen to and take into consideration [...] I had people on my tour asking me where IS Ghana, and they Googled it […] and because I went there, they now know where Ghana is. So it’s pretty incredible.”[37][38] Gomez 说 of her role as ambassador that: "Every 日 25,000 children die from preventable causes. I stand with UNICEF in the belief that we can change that number from 25,000 to zero. I know we can achieve this because every moment, UNICEF is on the ground providing children with the lifesaving assistance needed to ensure zero becomes a reality."[36]
Gomez was named spokesperson for UNICEF's 2009 Trick-or-Treat campaign, for the 秒 年 in a row.[39] Gomez, who raised over $700,000 for the charity in 2008, stated that she hopes to be able to raise 1 million dollars in 2009.[37] Gomez participated in a celebrity auction[40] and hosted a live web cast series on 脸谱 in support of the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign.[41] Gomez will return as the UNICEF spokesperson for the 60th anniversary of Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign in 2010.[42]
Entrepreneurship
As of September, 2009, Gomez currently is the new face of Sears back-to-school fashion ad campaign.[43] As part of the endorsement deal Gomez is featured in their 电视 commercials and recorded "I'm Gonna Arrive (Don't Just Go Back)". In August, 2009, Gomez also hosted the "Sears Arrive Air Band Casting Call" – to select five people for the first-ever "Sears Air Band", which performed at the 2009 音乐电视 Video 音乐 Awards on September 13, 2009.[44]
In October 2008, Gomez launched her own production company, July Moon Productions, and partnered with XYZ Films to create 星, 星级 vehicles for Gomez. As part of the agreement Gomez will have the opportunity to be able option articles, hire writers and create talent packages to 商店 to studios.[45][46] Also, as part of the deal, "XYZ Films will allow Gomez to 星, 星级 in and produce at least two films.[33] Variety reported that: "In August, XYZ [Films] inked a similar deal with Time Inc. and management-production company the Collective to finance the development of the print media giant's content for the bigscreen [...] As part of the July Moon-XYZ deal, [Selena] Gomez will have the ability to cherry-pick projects from the vast Time Inc. library, which includes Time, Sports Illustrated, Fortune and Life."[46]
In October, 2009, Gomez announced her plan to launch her own fashion line, called "Dream Out Loud 由 Selena Gomez", which is set to launch in fall 2010.[47][48] The clothing line will consist of and feature bohemian dresses, floral tops, jeans, skirts, jackets, scarves and hats, all made from recycled 或者 eco-friendly materials.[49][50] Gomez 说 that the line will reflect her own personal style[51] and described the clothing as being "pretty, feminine, and bohemian," and: "With my line, I really want to give the customer options on how they can put their own looks together [...] I want the pieces that can be easy to dress up 或者 down, and the fabrics being eco-friendly and organic is super important [...] Also, the 标签 will all have some of my inspirational 语录 on them. I'm just looking to send a good message."[47][50] Gomez, who has no background in fashion, teamed up with designers Tony Melillo and Sandra Campos, both who have worked with big-name fashion houses.[48] Gomez 说 of the partnering: "When I met Tony and Sandra, I was instantly comfortable with them and now they are just like family to me [...] They are so creative and I 爱情 how I can just call them up whenever and talk to them about everything, even if it's just about changing a button [...] They've been so cool about everything."[47][48][49][50] The brand will be manufactured by, Melillo and Campos teamed with New York-based Adjmi Apparel and formed 由 Adjmi CH Brands LLC; which is the holding company for the brand.[52]
Personal life
Gomez began wearing a purity ring when she was 12 years old.[53] She is the owner of five rescue 狗 and describes herself as a "huge animal lover".[54] After Gomez and Lovato, whom she first met at the Barney & 老友记 auditions, 发布 a video blog on YouTube in March 2008, Miley Cyrus and her friend Mandy Jiroux uploaded a parody of that video, which caught the interest of entertainment media. Reports included the theory that Gomez and Lovato might replace Cyrus.[55] Gomez clarified there was no feud,[56] saying: "I'm not interested in being anybody but myself, and I'm not here to replace anyone. I think that she's a wonderful performer, and of course it's a compliment. But I would like to take a different route."[57] In answering a 问题 on Hispanic heritage, to stationary provider Scholastic's news service for kids and teens, Gomez said: "My family does have Quinceañeras, and we go to the communion church. We do everything that's Catholic, but we don't really have anything traditional except go to the park and have barbeques on Sundays after church."[58]