Selena Gomez

Selena Marie Gomez, born on July 22, 1992, in Grand Prairie, Texas, initiated her career in the entertainment industry at a tender age. Her first significant role was on the children's television show "Barney & Friends," where she acted from 2002 to 2004. However, it was her portrayal of Alex Russo on Disney Channel's "Wizards of Waverly Place," airing from 2007 to 2012, that catapulted her into the limelight. The show was a commercial success, winning an Emmy for Outstanding Children's Program among other accolades.

In 2008, Gomez, at 16, signed a recording contract with Hollywood Records, leading to the formation of her band, Selena Gomez & the Scene. The band released three studio albums: "Kiss & Tell" in 2009, "A Year Without Rain" in 2010, and "When the Sun Goes Down" in 2011. Each album charted on the Billboard 200 and received various certifications, marking moderate commercial success.

2012 was a pivotal year for Gomez as she transitioned into more mature roles with her participation in the film "Spring Breakers," alongside James Franco and Vanessa Hudgens. The film was a departure from her Disney image and was noted for its darker themes. That same year, she dissolved her band to focus on a solo music career. Her debut solo album, "Stars Dance," was released in 2013 and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, featuring the hit single "Come & Get It."

In 2015, Gomez released her second solo album, "Revival," which included hits like "Good for You" and "Same Old Love." The album was both critically acclaimed and commercially successful. Concurrently, she ventured into producing and served as an executive producer for the Netflix series "13 Reasons Why," which premiered in 2017. The show was both critically acclaimed and controversial for its portrayal of sensitive issues like mental health and bullying.

Despite her soaring career, Gomez faced personal challenges, including struggles with physical and mental health. She was diagnosed with lupus and underwent a kidney transplant in 2017. In 2020, she revealed her diagnosis of bipolar disorder. These experiences made her an advocate for mental health, and she has been open about her struggles, actively participating in campaigns to raise awareness and funds for mental health organizations.

In 2020, Gomez returned to acting with a role in the Hulu series "Only Murders in the Building," starring alongside Steve Martin and Martin Short. Her performance was well-received, and she also served as an executive producer on the show. In 2023, she received an Emmy nomination for her role, making her one of the few Latinas to be recognized in the comedy category.

Gomez's influence extends beyond her professional endeavors. She is one of the most followed individuals on Instagram, boasting over 400 million followers. She has used this platform to advocate for various social causes, including mental health and social justice. However, her decision to take a break from social media in 2023 was met with mixed reactions. She cited the "horror, hate, violence, and terror" in the world as her reason for stepping back.

Her philanthropic efforts are noteworthy. She has been involved in various UNICEF campaigns and launched her makeup brand, Rare Beauty, in 2020. The brand aims to challenge conventional beauty standards and promote self-expression. On October 15, 2023, she hosted the first annual Rare Impact Fund Benefit, aimed at raising money for youth mental health organizations.

The most recent event that drew significant attention was Gomez's stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in October 2023. She posted on Instagram Stories explaining her decision to remain neutral on the issue. Her statement read, "People being tortured and killed or any act of hate towards any group is horrific. We need to protect all people, especially children, and stop the violence for good." While some followers appreciated her stance for its humanity, others criticized her for not using her massive platform to take a definitive position on such a critical issue. Critics argued that with her following, a post from Gomez could indeed "change the world," countering her claim that "a post won't."