The youngest child of three girls, Jennifer Lopez grew up in the Castle Hill section of the Bronx during a time when it was still a family-oriented neighborhood. Her father, a computer-operations manager, and her mother, a kindergarten teacher, encouraged their children to put on little shows in the family's living room. As a result, Jennifer set her heart on a dancing career, and at the age of five began taking dance classes. Two years later she went on her first tour around New York City with her dance class.
      Upon graduation in 1987 from Preston High School, Jennifer attended Baruch College in New York City but dropped out after one semester. Later when she read about a scholarship to a dance school in Manhattan, she jumped at the opportunity.
      By 1993 Jennifer had spent a couple of years on the TV series In Living Color as one of the Fly Girls, a multicultural dance troupe known as much for their aggressive hip-hop routines as for their sexy good looks. Even so, Jennifer was ready to move into new territory...acting.
      Soon enough, Jennifer was signed by CBS and got parts on Hotel Malibu and Second Chances, and within a year she had made the transition to feature films in Mi Familia. The action-drama Money Train followed, but it was her portrayal of Latin singer Selena that really got everyone's attention, and boosted her paycheck substantially, as well as aided in getting her a record contract. The mega hit Out Of Sight, co-starring George Clooney, followed, and with it came super stardom. Since then, there's been no looking back for this Latina sensation.
Photo © Premiere - Bio by ThespiannetCom © 2000 [please let us know of any errors]