Madonna was born on August 16, 1958, Bay City, Michigan, United States
Birth name: Madonna Louise Ciccone
Education:University of Michigan (majored in Dance; dropped out)
Adams High School, Rochester, Michigan
West Junior High School
Parents: Madonna Louise and Silvio "Tony" P. Ciccone
Occupation: American pop singer-songwriter, musician, dancer, record producer, film producer, actress, film director and author.
Nationality: American
Height: 5' 4½" (1.64 m)
Hair color: Dark Brown
Eye color: Blue/Green
Measurements: 36(c)-24-34
Weight: 120 lbs or 54.4 kg
Shoe size: 8
Fansites:
1, 2, 3, 4, 5,Official website:
HerePictures:
1, 2, 3,Wallpapers:
1, 2, 3, 4,Studio albumsMadonna (1983)
Like a Virgin (1984)
True Blue (1986)
Like a Prayer (1989)
Erotica (1992)
Bedtime Stories (1994)
Ray of Light (1998)
Music (2000)
American Life (2003)
Confessions on a Dance Floor (2005)
Madonna's forthcoming studio album (2008)
CompilationsYou Can Dance (1987)
The Immaculate Collection (1990)
Something to Remember (1995)
GHV2 (2001)
Remixed & Revisited (2003)
Soundtracks
Who's That Girl (1987)
I'm Breathless - Music from and Inspired by the film Dick Tracy (1990)
Evita (1996)
FilmographyA Certain Sacrifice (1985)Vision Quest (1985)Desperately Seeking Susan (1985)Shanghai Surprise (1986)Who's That Girl (1987)Bloodhounds of Broadway (1989)Dick Tracy (1990)Shadows and Fog (1992)Saturday Night Live (1975)TV series 1975-????A League of Their Own (1992)Body of Evidence (1993)Dangerous Game (1993)Blue in the Face (1995)Four Rooms (1995)Girl 6 (1996)Evita (1996)The Next Best Thing (2000)Star (2001)Swept Away (2002)Die Another Day (2002)Will & Grace (1998)TV series 1998-2006 played 1 episode as Liz
Arthur et les Minimoys (2006) voice Princess Selenia
Biography:
Pop singer. Born August 16, 1958 in Rochester, Michigan. She trained as a dancer at University of Michigan before moving to New York City, where she began her professional career as a back-up singer to a number of New York groups. She hired Michael Jackson's manager prior to releasing Madonna (1983), an album which included five US hit singles. Subsequent albums have included Like a Virgin (1984), True Blue (1986), Ray of of Light (1998), Music (2000), American Life (2003), and Confessions on a Dancefloor (2005).
Madonna has also acted in films, including Desperately Seeking Susan (1985), Shanghai Surprise (1986) and Body of Evidence (1993). In 1996 she starred in the critically acclaimed film adaptation of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Evita (1996). She won a Golden Globe for her performance and her song, "You Must Love Me," earned an Academy Award.
Her defiant and raunchy stage appearances became an important role model for teenagers in the 1980s and 1990s, and her international success has been secured by clever promotion and image-making. This was reinforced in several media in the early 1990s, with the publication of a controversial collection of erotic photographs of herself in Sex (1992), alongside an album, Erotica.
Madonna made her London West End stage debut in 2002 in Up for Grabs. In a new departure, her first children's book, The English Roses, was published in 2003. She was inducted into the inaugural UK Music Hall of Fame in 2004.
Madonna was married to actor Sean Penn from 1984 to 1988. In 1996, she gave birth to Lourdes Maria (Lola) Ciccone Leon, whom she had with her lover and personal trainer, Carlos Leon. She married British director Guy Ritchie in 2000; they have a son, Rocco John Ritchie. In October 2006, during a trip to an orphanage in Malawi, Madonna adopted a baby boy named David Banda.
Trivia:
Tops the first-ever Forbes magazine Cash Queens of Music list - banking a massive $72 million between June 2006 and June 2007. (January 2008)
Has turned the $12 million house next door to her home in Marylebone into a state of the art personal fitness center. (January 25, 2008)
Fuelled reports she has gone under the knife after she was snapped hiding dark bruises around her eyes with a pair of sunglasses. (JAnuary 23, 2008)
Toured a slum in Mumbai, India, during a family vacation in the country. (January 8, 2008)
Sang karaoke for an Indian Maharaja during her holidays in the country. (January 5, 2008)
Madonna and her family celebrated the New Year 2008 in a remote Indian village.
Her debut movie as a director, Filth and Wisdom, will have its world premiere at the Berlin Film Festival in February. (December 27, 2007)
Was announced as a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee. (December 13, 2007)
Has dismissed reports her final Warner Bros studio album will be called Licorice. (December 9, 2007)
Sued the co-op board of her New York City apartment building because it won't allow her to buy her neighbor's flat. (December 8, 2007)
Her 11-year-old daughter Lourdes has been offered a role in HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE, but Madonna has refused so that Lourdes can have a normal childhood. (November 2007)
Is joining forces with luxury goods-maker Gucci to raise funds for orphans in Malawi, the impoverished southern African nation where she has been trying to adopt a child since last year. (November 2007)
Has confirmed that she has signed with concert promoter Live Nation that will earn her $120 million in the next 10 years. (October 16, 2007)
Will reportedly sever her ties to Warner Bros. and sign a landmark 120-million-dollar 10-year deal with concert promoters Live Nation. (October 10, 2007)
Is nominated for induction into the 2008 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. (September 2007)
Toasted the Jewish new year with Israeli President Shimon Peres and declared herself an ambassador for Judaism. (September 16, 2007)
A Malawian child welfare officer, Penston Kilembe, has been taken off the Madonna adoption case after it emerged he asked for money from the singer. (September 4, 2007)
Has reportedly been injecting vitamins into the butts of the cast on her husband Guy Ritchie's new film ROCKNROLLA. (August 2007)
An official appointed by a Malawi court to assess whether Madonna and her husband would be suitable parents for the child they are seeking to adopt said he will visit the couple in Britain next month. (August 27, 2007)
Reportedly plans to leave her longtime label Maverick Records and sign a $100 million deal with Live Nation. (August 22, 2007)
Reportedly injected herself with vitamins and didn't eat and only drank bottled water during the seven-hour flight from Britain to the US. (August 15, 2007)
Is reportedly considering plans to celebrate her 50th birthday in 2008 with a big concert in New York. (August 13, 2007)
Her plans to adopt Malawian David Banda, who has been her son for 18 months, hits a snag. Malawian authorities have been preventing a social worker from visiting the pop star’s London home for an assessment due to lack of money. (August 5, 2007)
Madonna and her husband Guy Ritchie were voted best-dressed celeb couple, in a survey conducted by InStyle magazine. (August 3, 2007)
Her controversial advertisement for clothing giant H&M, which sees Madonna watching a young girl getting whipped and stripped by two men but was accused By UK audiences of encouraging paeodophilia, has been given the green light by British television censors, who claim the commercial was “artistic.” (July 29, 2007)
Is reportedly in talks to produce a new film about the life of her former boyfriend, Chris Paciello, an ex-convict and alleged mafia gangster. (July 22, 2007)
Was so moved by her visit to the African country, the birthplace of her newly adopted son David Banda, she decided to make a short film about the problems Malawians face. (July 2007)
Madonna, who headlined London's Live Earth concert, has been accused of double standards after it was revealed she has financial links to some of the world's biggest polluters. (July 7, 2007)
Has been chased by the creator of hit TV series The Simpsons, Matt Groening, to appear in a cameo role as herself in an upcoming episode. (July 2007)
Has reportedly splashed out $12 million on the house next door to her London home. (June 26, 2007)
Live Earth organizers said Madonna has written a new song for the July 7 Live Earth concerts around the world and the first million downloads will result in a donation to the climate protection group. (May 18, 2007)
Is launching Big Shot, a new talent initiative in a bid to find the next cyberspace superstars. The project will launch in September. (May 9, 2007)
Jetted out of Malawi after a six-day visit to the impoverished homeland of the toddler she wants to adopt. (April 22, 2007)
Trade at Hennes & Mauritz surged by 29% in March as designs by Madonna lured shoppers to its stores in London and Berlin. (April 18, 2007)
Has come under fire for failing to properly restrain her 17-month-old child David in her vehicle.(March 9, 2007)
Instructed her daughter Lourdes, 10, to wear a belt with her low-rise jeans, so as not to display her rear to the world when she bends or sits down.
Named the most stylish star by British magazine Elle. (2007)
Will not face prosecution for blasphemy in the Netherlands over imagery she used in two concerts in Amsterdam in 2006. (January 31, 2007)
Publicly defends Rosie O’Donnell on the Donald vs. Rosie feud on Today Show. (January 11, 2007)
A Malawian official says the government is satisfied with the way she is caring for a one-year-old Malawian boy she adopted last October. (January 8, 2007)
Yohane Banda, a Malawi man and father to David, Madonna's newly adopted son, says he is desperate to contact Madonna to see how the boy is doing - because he doesn't have her phone and mailing addresses. (January 4, 2007)
Has been criticized by PETA for wearing what it said was a real chinchilla fur coat as she left a London restaurant. (December 9, 2006)
Said she accepts the recent ruling that a judicial review can take place of her interim adoption order of a 14-month-old Malawian boy. (December 4, 2006)
The High Court in Malawi postponed a ruling on whether rights groups can challenge Madonna's adoption of one-year-old David Banda. (November 21, 2006)
A coalition of Malawian rights groups has said it would challenge in court an interim order granted for Madonna to adopt a 13-month-old boy. (October 16, 2006)
Malawi authorities granted Madonna an interim order to adopt a one-year-old boy from the impoverished African country. (October 13, 2006)
Her short new platinum blonde haircut, which caused a stir at a Tokyo photography exhibition, is in actual fact a wig. (September 25, 2006)
Has defended the most controversial part of her Confessions world tour, saying that getting up on the cross is a plea for people to help one another. (September 23, 2006)
Her Confessions tour has made $193.7 million over 60 shows, making it the highest-grossing tour ever by a female artist, surpassing Cher’s $192.5 million Farewell tour, which ran for over 273 shows. (2006)
Her guitar technician is selling off one of the two guitars made especially for her ‘Drowned World’ tour in a bid to help him recover from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. (September 20, 2006)
Was protected by 10,000 soldiers and riot police at her Moscow concert after the Russian Orthodox Church staged protests against her self-crucifixion stunt, which has become an infamous part of her Confessions tour. (September 15, 2006)
The Russian Government has voted against a motion to send Madonna into space, after 252 parliament members refused to back the idea. (September 14, 2006)
A 63-year-old priest has confessed to phoning in a fake bomb threat to a Madonna concert in the Dutch capital city. (September 9, 2006)
Is selling her wedding tiara, worth $323,000, on eBay to raise money for the Rebuild The Soul Of America charity. (September 6, 2006)
Angered animal rights campaigners by importing baby pheasants from France for the shooting season. (September 4, 2006)
Says her husband Guy Ritchie is not a fan of her music. (August 24, 2006)
Has been invited to a private dinner with Russian President Vladimir Putin when her Confessions tours hits Moscow on September 11. (August 23, 2006)
Has reportedly lobbied the British government and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) with the idea to use a special Kabbalah water to treat the radioactive by-products of nuclear power. (August 22, 2006)
Ending months of speculation surrounding the state of her marriage, Madonna delivered an emotional tribute to husband Guy Ritchie at her 48th birthday party, describing him as the love of my life. (August 18, 2006)
Prosecutors plan to keep an eye on Madonna's weekend concert in Duesseldorf, Germany to see if the pop diva repeats the mock crucifixion scene that has drawn fire from religious leaders in Italy. (August 16, 2006)
Has reportedly admitted that her movie career is over as she is convinced the media wants to ensure her films fail. (August 14, 2006)
An ad for Hennes & Mauritz featuring Madonna in Duomo, one of the best-known cathedrals in the Roman Catholic Church, will remain there despite some requests to remove it. (August 10, 2006)
Donates at least $3 million to help orphans in Malawi. (August 4, 2006)
Is said to be so paranoid about germs she has requested that her dressing room toilets are fitted with a fresh seat for every night of her Confessions world tour. (July 26, 2006)
Her Like A Prayer video was voted the most groundbreaking of all time in a survey by MTV. (2006)
Apologized to her Australian fans after she dropped the country from her Confession tour so she can take her children to school instead. (July 19, 2006)
Reportedly laughed ''hysterically'' after being told her pop rival Mariah Carey had to cancel several tour dates due to poor ticket sales. (June 23, 2006)
Was on her best behavior during a recent concert Chicago - because her father was in the audience. (June 22, 2006)
Her rep has denied claims that the singer is too old to model for H&M after ad guru Jerry Della Femina said that many kids don't know Madonna. (June 19, 2006)
Has signed a deal to wear designs by Swedish inexpensive clothing retailer Hennes & Mauritz off stage. (June 9, 2006)
Has defended her crucifixion stage stunt, saying Jesus would not mind because her performance - which outraged Christian groups worldwide - was an appeal to her fans to help Aids charities. (May 26, 2006)
The Church of England hit out at Madonna for her offending appearance on a cross wearing a crown of thorns on the opening night of her 'Confession' world tour. (May 23, 2006)
Admitted she only married husband Guy Ritchie to make her ''look good'' because he is so successful and, of course, he's gorgeous, sexy and handsome. (May 19, 2006)
Says she is terrified her pop career is harming her relationship with her children, but admits she can't imagine a life without music. (May 9, 2006)
Takes a trip down memory lane in the June edition of W magazine in a provocative photo spread (58 pages) featuring the singer dressed as some of her personas during the years. (May 4, 2006)
Thrilled thousands of fans at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, even as she brought a mainstream feel to the traditionally edgy event. (April 30, 2006)
Is having a massive disco-fied (with glittering disco-ball) crucifix made as one of the centerpieces for her upcoming Confession On A Dance Floor tour. (April 18, 2006)
Is reportedly fed up with Guy Ritchie's martial arts obsession. (April 15, 2006)
Tickets for her 'Confession' world tour at New York's Madison Square Garden sold out in just ten minutes. (April 14, 2006)
Scenes of Madonna making obscene gestures were cut from her Sorry video for being too vulgar. (March 17, 2006)
Is recently found out she is related to Camilla, the wife of Prince Charles, as well as Canadian singer Celine Dion. (March 15, 2006)
Has vowed never to star in another movie, because she fears her terrible acting reputation will condemn any film. (March 10, 2006)
Says she had some explaining to do when her daughter, Lourdes, asked about that kiss with Britney Spears at the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards. She told the young girl, “I am the mommy pop star and she is the baby pop star. And I am kissing her to pass my energy on to her. (March 7, 2006)
Had oxygen machines installed at both of her British homes - to give her energy. (February 21, 2006)
Forgot to thank her husband Guy Ritchie in her Brit awards' speech, fuelling rumors that her marriage is in trouble. (February 18, 2006)
Had hernia surgery after her vigorous performance at the Grammy awards on February 9, 2006.
Denies reports she forces her director husband Guy Ritchie to study the Kabbalah. (February 13, 2006)
Denied reports that her close relationship with producer Stuart Price is causing trouble in her five-year old marriage to Guy Ritchie. (February 6, 2006)
Spent $1,590,400 on a new home next door to her existing London mansion for her staff. (January 28, 2006)
Voted number one in a poll of ‘favorite celebrity mothers’ by British parents. (January 23, 2006)
Encouraged fans to upload their personal Madonna photographs onto her official website in a bid to create the biggest photo archive ever devoted to a single subject. (January 23, 2006)
Her friends are worried that she’s jeopardizing her health with her intense fitness regime, but her publicist insists she looked tired in some recent photos because she has been rehearsing for her new video. (January 20, 2006)
Plans to build a three-day horse jumping course at her country estate in Wiltshire, England. (January 17, 2006)
Is a fan of MTV show Pimp My Ride.
Elton John called her a miserable cow after she snubbed his star-studded bachelor party. In response, her spokeswoman says, “Madonna wishes Elton all the best, and hopes married life will make him a happier person. (December 24, 2005)
Lourdes, Madonna's 9-year-old daughter, told her to stop flashing the flesh and to wear more normal clothes. (December 16, 2005)
Says her love of shooting ended when a dying pheasant she had shot fell at her feet. (December 7, 2005)
Says she wants to be a director. (November 28, 2005)
A little-known Belgian songwriter won a plagiarism case against Madonna, leading a local court to ban her song Frozen from sale or broadcast in the country. (November 19, 2005)
Wows audience when she launched her new album, Confessions On A Dance Floor, at London's Koko Club, where Madonna first performed in London as an unknown singer back in 1983. (November 17, 2005)
Went to extraordinary lengths to protect her Confessions On A Dance Floor at a top secret media preview - by making sure the CD was destroyed after it was played. (November 12, 2005)
At one point she was so poor she could barely afford to feed herself.
Admitted she fell for director husband Guy Ritchie when she saw him bare-chested and discovered his sense of humor and movie talent. (November 11, 2005)
Said she had to give up her social fife and her friends in order to spend some time with her family and take care of her music career. (November 9, 2005)
Slams Paris Hilton for using Kabbalah as a fashion accessory. (November 9, 2005)
Says that Gwen Stefani has copied her appearance and taste in husbands, she doesn't mind, saying Dwen is sweet and talented. (November 1, 2005)
Made a surprise guest DJ appearance at a New York club to debut songs from her new album 'Confessions On A Dancefloor.' (October 25, 2005)
Revealed she was close to divorcing Guy Ritchie when he failed to meet her high expectations. (October 24, 2005)
Rode two horses with David Letterman along 53rd Street in Manhattan on the Late Show, her first ride since being thrown from a horse in England two months ago. (October 22, 2005)
Wrote a begging letter to Swedish supergroup ABBA asking for permission to sample their hit Gimme Gimme Gimme on a new track Hung Up. (October 20, 2005)
Says she is a disciplinarian with her children and has banned TV. In fact, she says she runs the home more like a drill sergeant.
Has struck a landmark deal with MTV Networks to promote her upcoming studio set, Confessions on a Dancefloor, on its cable networks, its Websites, its broadband service and mobile phone affiliates. (October 14, 2005)
The song entitled Isaac on her album Confessions on a Dance Floor dedicated to a Kabbalist rabbi named Isaac Luria is drawing criticism from other rabbis, who accused her of using the name of the holy rabbi for profit. (October 10, 2005)
Is having gallons of her favorite beer shipped to her front door, after finding out that it's not available near her home in Wiltshire. (October 5, 2005)
His husband director Guy Ritchie was unable to answer when asked Madonna's real name on a French chat show. (September 27, 2005)
Her recent hospital visit has caused controversy after it was claimed she was given special treatment after falling from her horse in August. (September 23, 2005)
Madonna and Guy Ritchie were booed at the London premiere of his movie REVOLVER because they refused to sign autographs for expectant fans. (September 22, 2005)
Was touted by London theatre bosses to reprise her film role of Argentina's first lady Eva Peron in a new production of EVITA. (August 27, 2005)
Her husband Guy Ritchie was furious she was so determined to get straight back into riding a horse again after she was injured in a riding accident. (August 19, 2005)
Cracked three ribs and broke her collarbone and hand when she tumbled off a horse at her country home outside London while celebrating her 47th birthday. (August 18, 2005)
Has teamed up with OutKast star Andre 3000 on a track titled Mixdown of her new album Confessions of a Dancefloor. (August 12, 2005)
Adores her simple life with director husband Guy Ritchie and children Lourdes and Rocco at Ashcombe - a swanky 1000-acre estate in idyllic Wiltshire – so much she insists that England is now her home. (July 22, 2005)
A source has alleged that Madonna did not write her Kabbalah-inspired children's books by herself, but they were mainly written by the Kabbalah Centre's official ghost-writer. (July 12, 2005)
Birhan Woldu, the famine survivor who joined Bob Geldof on stage at London Live 8 concert, was intimidated by the worldwide audience watching her until Madonna held her hand. (July 5, 2005)
The BBC has apologized to outraged viewers after stars including Madonna and Snoop Dogg peppered their performances with swear words at UK Live 8 gig. (July 5, 2005)
Reportedly vetoed Guy Ritchie's plan to hire 80s singer Rick Astley to sing at the wrap bash for his latest film, REVOLVER. (June 21, 2005)
Announces that has written a sequel to her first children’s book, the English Roses. (June 18, 2005)
Says she regrets letting her ego get the better of her during the 1980s and early 1990s because she now wishes she hadn't been so raunchy. (June 14, 2005)
Says the key to a happy marriage is putting her husband first. (June 13, 2005)
Has bought a five-story Georgian house in London’s Regent Park for $14 million and plans to turn it into a Kabbalah hotel and drop-in spiritual center. (June 11, 2005)
The panties she worn in 1993 film BODY OF EVIDENCE has been sold for $1,800 in an auction. (June 10, 2005)
Described as “a whimsical updating of the age-old truth that money can’t buy happiness,” the fifth and final installment in Madonna’s series of children’s books, Lotsa de Casha, has been released. (June 9, 2005)
Left Brittany Murphy star-struck when she appeared as a surprise guest at the British premiere of SIN CITY. (May 25, 2005)
Was sued by a Belgian composer, who accused her of stealing the melody from his song ‘My Life's Getting Nowhere for her 1998 hit Frozen. (May 21, 2005)
Was offered a role on the Cannes Film Festival jury, but turned it down because didn't want to miss her Kabbalah meetings in London. (May 14, 2005)
Has reportedly refused to be the godmother of Britney Spears’ baby, citing she's too busy. (May 7, 2005)
Was cut out of husband Guy Ritchie's REVOLVER after shooting a cameo role as a female crime boss, apparently because Guy wanted to play it safe after enduring scathing reviews for their collaboration in 2002's SWEPT AWAY. (2005)
Infuriated religious chiefs following their decision to celebrate the Jewish holiday a party dressed as a nun and the Pope respectively. (March 30, 2005)
Denies she would make a cameo in Desperate Housewives – her publicist even insists she is actually totally unaware of the hit show's existence. (March 26, 2005)
Faced a legal battle with a former employee of her Maverick Films company, who claimed she was sexually harassed by the firm's chief executive officer and wrongfully terminated. (March 12, 2005)
Sued her longtime art consultant Darlene Lutz, claiming she was owed $265,000 for a painting that the adviser sold. (February 19, 2005)
Has turned down an offer from British comic Ricky Gervais to appear in his new TV comedy Extras. (January 28, 2005)
Signed up to become the new face of Versace fashion house. (January 8, 2005)
Renewed her wedding vows with film-maker husband Guy Ritchie at a secret Kabbalah ceremony four years after they tied the knot. (January 5, 2005)
Her controversial 'Re-Invention Tour' was named the most lucrative tour in 2004 after taking a staggering $125 million in ticket sales.
Fired her long-term manager Caresse Henry, after discovering Henry was having an affair with a bodyguard. (2004)
Has launched her fourth book The Adventures of Abdi, which centres on Italian greyhound Lotsa de Casha, a wealthy dog who is still unhappy. (November 12, 2004)
Elton John accused her of cheating fans by miming on stage. (2004)
Is banned from entry into Egypt following her visit to Israel. (2004)
Banned Jewish photographers from covering her pilgrimage to Israel, because it would break laws forbidding Jews from working during religious holidays. (September 17, 2004)
Announced the launch of the first artist-driven Web-based store to sell ringtones, images and other mobile content. (August 25, 2004)
Spent $21.6 million dollars to build a Kabbalah School in Manhattan. (August 7, 2004)
Wears a red thread on her wrist, a common Jewish charm to ward off the evil eye. (June 25, 2004)
Her precarious relationship with the Vatican is under scrutiny following their concern over her support of the controversial Kabbalah faith. (June 22, 2004)
Has won a partial victory in her battle to prevent ramblers from walking across large areas of her $16 million estate in Wiltshire. (June 19, 2004)
Has changed her name to Esther as part of her study of Jewish mysticism, known as Kabbalah. (June 18, 2004)
Warner Music Group has agreed to buy Madonna out of Maverick Records, the label she co-founded 12 years ago, to end the legal battle that pitted the music conglomerate against their biggest star. (June 15, 2004)
Has to pay $638,000 after copying ideas from a well-known artist, without permission, in the video for her song Hollywood.
Her Re-Invention tour has been slammed by American critics for overloading the show with naive political statements. (May 29, 2004)
Cancelled a series of concerts scheduled to be held in Israel as a result of death threats made against her and her children. (May 25, 2004)
Has launched a bid to contest the rights of ramblers to walk across her country estate at a public planning meeting. (May 6, 2004)
Madonna’s Maverick Records label has lost $66 million according to recently unsealed court documents filed by its adversary and partner, Warner Music Group. (April 22, 2004)
Has dumped her best friend Debi Mazar because she isn’t a follower of the teachings of Kabbalah. (April 21, 2004)
Will play no Friday night gigs on her upcoming world tour because the teaching of the Kabbalah forbids it. (April 13, 2004)
Came under fire from Christians in Ireland on Friday after it was confirmed she would play her first ever Irish concert on a Sunday. (April 10, 2004)
Her Maverick Records label sued Warner Music Group and Time Warner Inc. for breach of contract, accusing the record company and its former parent, of mismanagement and improper accounting which cost the singer and her partners millions of dollars. (March 26, 2004)
Surprises fans with her new look at this year's Grammy Awards, sparking off rumors of her undergoing cosmetic surgery. (February 24, 2004)
Has been tapped to be one of the presenters at the ‘host-less’ Grammy Awards ceremony on Sunday. (February 5, 2004)
Posted a letter Wednesday on her website urging people to endorse Wesley Clark for president of the United States. (January 8, 2004)
Madonna's second children's book, Mr. Peabody's Apples, was released worldwide on November 10, 2003 -- The book, which Madonna dedicates to teachers everywhere, is a story about the power of words and the importance of teachers.
Is seeking to end her 11-year-old relationship with Warner Music -- Her Maverick Records is supported by Warners, but Madonna and her business partners Ronnie Dashev and Guy Oseary, are reportedly concerned that the parent company Time Warner, is considering selling off their Music Group. (November 4, 2003)
Said Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are responsible for the media furor that ruined their planned wedding last month – She concedes it can be difficult to maintain a personal relationship when you are in the public eye, but blames the celebrity pair for encouraging the press attention which led them to call off their planned nuptials. (November 3, 2003)
Reportedly lost her temper on the film set of Britney Spears' new music video, Me Against The Music. Madonna provides guest vocals, but became angered when discovering her costume didn't fit. (October 15, 2003)
The son of late fashion photographer Guy Bourdin, has filed a lawsuit against Madonna, claiming she copied his dad's racy images in a set of videos for her track Hollywood. (October 1, 2003)
Said that producing her new children's book, The English Rose, was a liberating experience - She stated, I never felt the pressure of having to impress anybody. (September 30, 2003)
Fleetwood Mac legend Stevie Nicks has lambasted Madonna for kissing Britney Spears at the MTV VMA Awards, deeming she is too old to kiss youngsters. (September 24, 2003)
Madonna has laughed off claims that she went too far with her MTV Video Music Awards smooch with Britney Spears, saying, In all the rehearsals it was pecking. If Britney looks like she was kissing me in an aggressive manner, it was a surprise to me. I swear to God. (September 17, 2003)
Says writing children's books is more fulfilling than being a pop chart queen or a movie star. (September 16, 2003)
Madonna threw a tea party Sunday for the launch of her first children's book – She played the demure 45-year-old mother of two to publicize The English Roses, her first dip into the highly lucrative world of children's publishing. (September 15, 2003)
Madonna's new children's book, The English Roses, is on track to be a global smash hit thanks to advances in digital technology -- Publisher Nicholas Callaway said, This is a publishing first with regard to numbers of languages and territories. We have languages as varied as Chinese and Czech, Thai and Turkish, Hebrew and Hungarian. This would not have been technically possible 18 months ago. We send so many digital files through the Internet. (September 11, 2003)
An American newspaper has apologized to its readers after printing a picture of Britney Spears and Madonna kissing at the MTV Video Music Awards on its front page. (September 8, 2003)
Madonna has recorded a message for fans, telling them how she hopes to inspire with her forthcoming children's book, The English Roses - In the message she says, The English Roses is the first of five stories I have written. It deals with the subject of envy and jealousy and how these emotions cause so much unnecessary suffering in our lives. I hope these children's books inspire kids of all ages, even grown-up ones. I wish I had read about some of these subjects when I was little kid. (September 4, 2003)
Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera gave a writhing tribute to Madonna at the 20th annual MTV Awards, by performing Like A Virgin. (August 29, 2003)
The racy wedding dress Madonna wore to the inaugural MTV Video Music Awards ceremony, now in its 20th year, marked the marriage of music and fashion moments. (August 28, 2003)
Madonna celebrated her 45th birthday on the weekend by inviting Jennifer Lopez over for lunch -- Also in attendance was Britney Spears. Both had been invited for a 'girls' lunch' held on Saturday. (August 21, 2003)
Her song “American Life” is featured in Estee Lauder’s commercial for its new fragrance, Beyond Paradise. (August 15, 2003)
Madonna's 30-second TV commercial for the clothing giant Gap, has earned her a reported $10 million, as well as the deal to sell her children's book at the chain's stores. (July 24, 2003)
Madonna has successfully put her foot down to prevent walkers from using land near her country mansion -- Madonna and her film director husband, Guy Ritchie, wrote to Prime Minister Tony Blair, expressing concern that the planned walkway would encourage curious sightseers and paparazzi. (July 2, 2003)
Madonna is reportedly furious with eyebrow specialist Damone Roberts who is accused of constantly declaring the singer as his regular client even though her lawyer has reportedly told him to stop -- A magazine even states some action will have to be taken if Roberts keeps saying he does her brows. (June 24, 2003)
In the music video for Madonna's new single Hollywood, the singer pays tribute to legendary screen sirens from decades past, according to VH1 -- The singer is draped in $20 million worth of vintage jewels and gorgeous gowns as she goes through several stunning transformations during the clip. (June 24, 2003)
Madonna's fiction debut, a children's book entitled The English Roses, hit bookstores in more than 100 countries, in 42 different languages, on September 15, 2003.
On May 14, a man who has reportedly stalked Madonna over the past few years, was thrown out of a London television studio where the singer had just taped a performance on the BBC's Top Of The Pops -- According to those at the scene, after the obsessed fan purchased a ticket from a scalper, he tried to smooth talk his way backstage. Fortunately, security guards recognized him and escorted him outside the studios. (May 20, 2003)
Madonna revealed that her director husband has turned her on to that most English of pastimes, drinking too much ale in the pub with her mates -- I didn't start drinking until I met Guy Ritchie. He's been a wonderful influence on me, joked Madonna. (May 3, 2003)
Madonna has attacked her fellow Americans for being obsessed with the wrong values, such as getting rich and looking good, saying that Americans had opportunities people in other countries did not have, but got caught up in superficial dreams. (April 25, 2003)
Bosses of hit sitcom WILL & GRACE, nabbed Madonna to guest star on their show, by bribing her with roses - She was the subject of a two-year pursuit on the part of the sitcom's co-executive producer Tim Kaiser, a mission that included a bribe she couldn't resist. (April 9, 2003)
Decided to withdraw the controversial music video for her new single, American Life, out of respect for the armed forces fighting in Iraq – She said it was filmed before the war started and added that the video has been the subject of rumors and misinformation. (April 3, 2003)
Madonna says she was totally hurt by the bashing of SWEPT AWAY, the movie she made with her husband, Guy Ritchie. - She also says she would work again with her husband in a heartbeat, even though SWEPT AWAY was named the worst movie of the year, and given a Golden Raspberry Award on March 22. (March 29, 2003)
Madonna has blasted manufactured pop acts and a stream of TV talent searches, saying they're homogenizing the music world -- In excerpts released Thursday from an interview with a British music magazine, the star accuses record chiefs of choosing new acts based on their marketing potential instead of their talent. (March 28, 2003)
Madonna has already conquered the music world and gained success in movies, but she also has talents fit for a circus – The entertainer can be seen twisting her body into a pretzel, in a photo shoot for an American magazine that also features more than 40 pages of photos showing Madonna in some bizarre, near- impossible positions and equally strange outfits. (March 12, 2003)
Madonna is blaming her black eye on an accidental crack from son's baseball bat, laughing off reports she and husband Guy Ritchie were involved in a violent fracas. (March 8, 2003)
Originally, BLIND DATE (1987) was scheduled for Madonna and Sean Penn. When Madonna heard that they had cast Bruce Willis in the male lead role, she pulled out.
Madonna granted dying teen's wish – She had been calling seventeen-year-old Kerri Yascheshyn from the Ontario border city of Windsor, who died of liver cancer on Sunday, chatting about everything from dancing to the afterlife; the first call was arranged by the Children's Wish Foundation, but Madonna chose to keep in touch after that. (February 13, 2003)
Madonna has ditched her close friendship with Gwyneth Paltrow because she's fed up with the actress copying everything she does. Madonna now prefers to associate herself with actress Demi Moore, and though they've been friends for years, Madonna and Moore have recently grown ever closer thanks to their following of the Kabbalah. (February 7, 2003)
Madonna is not amused that a British gossip magazine says she is pregnant just because she has dyed her hair and taken to wearing baggy clothes – her spokeswoman plans to file a complaint with Britain's press watchdog over inaccurate reports that she is pregnant with her third child. (February 5, 2003)
Madonna has hit back at speculation that Britain depresses her and that she is leaving the country for Los Angeles -- Press reports in the UK claim she is fed-up with the weather in Britain, and has decided to live permanently in sunny California with husband Guy Ritchie, and kids Lourdes and Rocco. Her spokeswoman says there's no truth in it at all. (January 31, 2003)
Madonna has been forced to return to her Los Angeles recording studio with producer pal Mirwais, after label Warners warned her the LP's electro-pop sound is too extreme - Warner said she uses far too many electronic synthesizers on her voice and morphed a lot of her vocals to sound like a robot. (January 16, 2003)
Is among the top U.K. singles artists in the 50-year history of the British chart, according to the latest edition of the Guinness Book Of Hit Singles. (January 3, 2003)
Musician Elton John frowned on Madonna's theme song to the latest Bond film -- he said that the Die Another Day theme is the worst Bond tune of all time, further arguing that the Material Girl's song hasn't got a tune. (November 28, 2002)
Contrary to rumor, Madonna did not demand a DIE ANOTHER DAY cameo when she recorded the film's title track -- while the pop singer's celluloid ambitions are no secret, she did not strong-arm her way into playing a corset-wearing fencing instructor in the 40-year anniversary Bond installment; the film producer Barbara Broccoli said they were looking for somebody to do the song and her name came up and she expressed an interest and they jumped at it. (November 23, 2002)
Madonna was offended by Brosnan’s singing her breakthrough pop hit Like A Virgin on the set of new Bond movie DIE ANOTHER DAY – she thought Brosnan was pulling her chain. (November 15, 2002)
SWEPT AWAY was not released at UK cinemas.
Leads the list when it comes to Britain's biggest music earners, according to a teaser of the latest Sunday Times Pay List, which ranks the 500 highest-paid people in the country -- the newspaper's third annual list, which will be fully revealed in the newspaper's forthcoming edition, estimated that the Material Girl beat rockers Sir Paul McCartney and Sir Mick Jagger to lead the list of music earners. (November 1, 2002)
Madonna has been told (by local council) that she can keep the huge iron gates she and her husband have erected outside their English country mansion. (October 11, 2002)
Madonna says she wants to shed her Material Girl image and start helping the world. (October 10, 2002)
A Los Angeles judge refused to halt the release of her film, SWEPT AWAY, despite last-minute claims by actor Vincent D'Onofrio that the project was his idea. (October 9, 2002)
Madonna is furious after learning her new James Bond theme for DIE ANOTHER DAY has been leaked to New York radio stations. (October 2, 2002)
Madonna is the outspoken Queen of Pop, a fiery loudmouth with no-holds-barred views, but behind closed doors, Madonna is shy and as meek as a mouse, according to her father-in-law, who said the superstar singer and actress is nothing like the woman she is on stage. (September 30, 2002)
Madonna is the most successful female chart act of all time and has enjoyed worldwide sales of 140 million records.
Madonna is supplying a title track for James Bond movie, DIE ANOTHER DAY – in the video she’s featured in an upbeat dance track filled with electronic flourishes and the stealthy, suspenseful vibe essential to all Bond themes. (September 27, 2002)
In love with anything British.
The extras she wanted for her new car include a leather interior, 17in alloy wheels and a satellite navigation system to help her negotiate Britain’s roads.
Has demanded her character be made a lesbian in the new JAMES BOND film because she didn't even get to kiss the suave spy in the script.
Is living up to her reputation for being difficult on the set of the new JAMES BOND movie. She makes excessive demands while she films her brief cameo in DIE ANOTHER DAY.
She had her first rape encounter at 14.
As she is in rehearsals for a British musical, the Times of London is reporting that she's getting angry with people who are calling her Madge.
Has angered London's theatre bosses by pulling out of a much-hyped West End show.
Her movie co-stars in DIE ANOTHER DAY are singing her praises after realizing working with her was nowhere near as tough as they feared.
Her life has been deemed too dull by the pop queen's fans - the Material Girl's 1988 diary has failed to sell at auction.
Donates the proceeds of her concerts in Los Angeles, believed to be about $1.4 million (£1 million), to children orphaned in the wake of the disasters that have beset America.
Madonna and Sean Penn were approached to star together in BLIND DATE (1987), but producers wanted to cast Bruce Willis in the male lead, so Madonna backed out.
Before Madonna's date in A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN, Rosie's lines include, You think there are men in this country who haven't seen your breasts? - a possible stab at Madonna's real life, using their true friendship.
Co-wrote the theme song, This Used To Be My Playground, for the film A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN (1992), in which she was nominated for a Golden Globe Award.
Campaigned for the role of Mary Corleone in THE GODFATHER: PART III (1990), and had a meeting with Coppola and Robert De Niro to discuss how to adapt the role to their ages.
Was considered for the role of Ginger in CASINO (1995), but Sharon Stone convinced director Martin Scorsese to give her the role.
Tried unsuccessfully to ban the release of A CERTAIN SACRIFICE (1985) in 1985.
DESPERATELY SEEKING SUSAN (1985): She was trying to lose weight, or rather, not gain any, so when the script called for her to eat, she'd spit out the food at the end of the take.
Was cast in EVITA (1996) after she wrote a long and desperate letter to director Alan Parker convincing him she was perfect to play the role.
In EVITA (1996) she changed costumes 85 times, more than Elizabeth Taylor in CLEOPATRA (1963). Madonna wore 39 hats, 45 pair of shoes and 56 pairs of earrings.
EVITA (1996): In the original album and stage play, there is a line referring to Evita as the new world Madonna with the golden touch. In the film, it was changed to she's Our Lady of the new world with the golden touch. This was done since the actress playing Eva is Madonna.
Was originally approached for the role which was picked up by Michelle Pfeiffer in THE FABULOUS BAKER BOYS (1989). Madonna turned it down because the plot was too mushy.
Auditioned for a role in FAME (1980) but was turned down.
It was Madonna who first made America aware of Antonio Banderas. She gushed that he was the sexiest man she'd ever met and vowed to seduce him.
Her wedding strapless silk ivory gown was designed by Stella McCartney, daughter of ex-Beatle Paul McCartney.
Gwyneth Paltrow, Rupert Everett, Donatella Versace, and Sting, were among the celebrities who witnessed the union of Madonna and Guy Ritchie at Skibo Castle in Scotland.
Grew up in Pontiac, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. When the house got too small for the growing Ciccone family they moved to Rochester Hills, Michigan. Her father and stepmother still live in this house.
Nominated for Best Original Song - Motion Picture at Golden Globe Awards for DIE ANOTHER DAY (2003)
Nominated for Best Original Song - Motion Picture at Golden Globe Awards for AUSTIN POWERS: THE SPY WHO SHAGGED ME (2000)
Nominated for Best Female Performance at MTV Movie Awards for EVITA (1997)
Nominated for Best Movie Song at MTV Movie Awards for EVITA (1997)
Nominated for Best Movie Song at MTV Movie Awards for WITH HONORS (1995)
Nominated for Best Original Song - Motion Picture at Golden Globe Awards for WITH HONORS (1995)
Nominated for Best Song Written Specifically for a Motion Picture or for Television at Grammy Awards for WITH HONORS (1995)
Nominated for Most Desirable Female at MTV Movie Awards for BODY OF EVIDENCE (1993)
Nominated for Best Original Song - Motion Picture at Golden Globe Awards for WHO'S THAT GIRL? (1988)
Nominated for Best Song Written Specifically for a Motion Picture or for Television at Grammy Awards for WHO'S THAT GIRL? (1988)
Gemma Atkinson was born on 16 November 1984, Bury, Greater Manchester, England
