Selena Gomez began her career when she was very young. She made her debut on the iconic "Barney & Friends" when she was only 10 years old, one of the most memorable and adorable child star appearances. But her big break came years later, with the Disney series "Wizards of Waverly Place," where she played Alex Russo. The role made her into a teen star and launched a singing and acting career that continues to this day. Beyond her fame, Gomez is also an outspoken person for various communities, among them, Latinos and people who struggle with their mental and physical health. It's a distinction that has made her one of the most beloved celebrities in the world.
© Getty Images"I'm a proud third-generation American-Mexican, and my family's journey and their sacrifices helped me get me to where I am today."
Alongside her success on television, Gomez was also the leader of one of the eras favorite bands, "Selena Gomez & The Scene," releasing beloved hits like "Love You Like a Love Song," "Who Says," and more.
Some time later, Gomez entered the solo era of her music career, releasing successful records like "Stars Dance," "Revival," and "Rare," where she explored personal topics like her relationships and her health fluctuations. Gomez describes her music as a hobby that got out of control, yet it's still something that she pursues, becoming a staple of her identity as an artist.
© Getty ImagesIn September of 2020, Gomez launched the brand Rare Beauty, hoping to redefine beauty standards in the cosmetic industry, all the while promoting self-love, inclusion, and mental health. This stance is one of the differences between Gomez's beauty brand and the many other celebrity-supported beauty efforts that have popped up during the past decade.
The name of the brand comes from her album "Rare," sending a shout-out to each person's individual and unique beauty, worthy of celebration, no matter people's race, shape, or more. From the start, the brand steered clear of unnecessary touch-ups, hiring models that showcased different ages, skin tones, and products.
"The song meant a lot to me during a time in my life where I was saying, 'I don't have everything, I'm not perfect, but I know that I deserve to be treated special.' And that was the overall message. I thought it would be really fun to name it Rare Beauty."
© CBS via Getty ImagesIn 2024, Gomez starred in "Emilia Perez," her first film shot entirely in Spanish. She played Jessi, a role that showed a different side of herself to the world and that gave her acclaim across the entertainment industry for her fearless performance.
The film was ultimately nominated for 13 Oscars. Gomez was also the recipient of a Palm d'Or alongside her female co-stars in Cannes, while also receiving nominations for the BAFTA and Golden Globes. Despite some criticism regarding the Spanish that she spoke in the film, Gomez has responded with humility, recognizing the tough challenge that she faced when taking on the role and hoping to improve her skills as she embraces her heritage. "I did the best I could with the time I had. That doesn't take away from the work and the passion that I put into this film," she commented on social media.
When it comes to her personal life, Gomez is going through an incredibly special time. This year, she released a record with her partner, Benny Blanco, titled "I Said I Love You First." The couple also celebrated their wedding in late September, in Santa Barbara, California, alongside their closest friends and family, including Taylor Swift, Steve Martin, and more.
