Jennifer Lopez biography, net worth, age, husband, kids, height and weight 2025

Jennifer Lopez's biography

Jennifer Lopez proves how a Puerto Rican girl from the Bronx became one of the world's most captivating stars through sheer persistence, incredible work ethic, and unshakeable confidence. She's got the Midas touch: her films become box office hits, her concert tours sell out stadiums worldwide, and her J.Lo brand of clothes and perfume reaches every corner of the globe. Her net worth is over $400 million.

Childhood and adolescence

Jennifer was born and raised in the Bronx, a rough neighborhood back then that was home to many Latin American immigrants. Jennifer's father, David López, worked at an insurance company before becoming a computer technician at a small firm. Jennifer's mother, Guadalupe Rodríguez, was a homemaker who raised three daughters (Jennifer has an older sister, Leslie, and a younger one, Lynda).

Jennifer's fiery Puerto Rican spirit and natural artistic talent showed up early: she could never sit still, constantly hummed to herself, danced around, loved trying on her mother's outfits, and craved being the center of attention. To channel all that energy, her parents enrolled Jen in dance school when she was five. She also took singing lessons and appeared in various children's plays, and when she enrolled in an all-girls Catholic school, Jennifer became a choir soloist.

Jennifer Lopez was a choir soloist in an all-girls Catholic school

As she grew older, she decided to add gymnastics, track and field, and tennis to her resume. Jennifer hit the podium on numerous occasions and was also a member of the school's softball team. However, Jen still put singing and dancing above everything else, including school, and when the teenage aspiring actress landed a tiny role in the drama film My Little Girl (1986), she became even more convinced she'd be a movie star soon.

Jennifer's parents had very different plans for their daughter's future – they envisioned her as a successful lawyer and pushed her to attend Baruch College. She predictably dropped out after the first semester and declared that she could only see herself as an actress and had no intention of giving up on her dream. After a huge blowout, Jen had to move out of the family home and rent a tiny Manhattan apartment.

Acting career

Living on her own, Jennifer started making the rounds at acting agencies, hunting for decent work. To pay the bills, Jen danced at nightclubs and appeared in low-budget music videos and commercials. She even spent six months touring Europe with the Golden Musicals of Broadway choir and traveled to Japan with the Synchronicity dance troupe.

In the early '90s, Lopez appeared on the sketch comedy series In Living Color and landed roles in various TV shows. She made her debut on the big screen in an independent drama film My Family (1995), followed by low-profile roles in an action film Money Train (1995), a comedy-drama Jack and a neo-noir thriller Blood and Wine (1996). Despite numerous setbacks, 1997 was a truly successful year for the rising star. Jennifer was cast in leading roles in two films – adventure horror film Anaconda and biographical musical drama Selena, both of which connected with audiences and performed well at the box office. Jennifer Lopez was even nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of a famous Latin-American diva. Preparing for Selena inspired Jennifer to pursue singing professionally.

From that point forward, Jennifer's acting career took off. Just a year later, her role as U.S. Marshal Karen in the crime comedy Out of Sight (1998) earned her another prestigious award nomination and a groundbreaking $1 million salary—unprecedented for a Latina actress at the time.

Soon Jennifer's name became synonymous with success, and even her most mediocre films generated huge public interest. Her memorable on-screen partnerships with Richard Gere, Matthew McConaughey, Ben Affleck and Jane Fonda earned their place in cinema history and brought Jennifer the recognition and fan devotion she'd been seeking.

Despite earning a few Golden Raspberry nominations, Jennifer slowed down only briefly to refocus her energy on other projects—but she never stopped acting and making movies that audiences loved.

According to Zoomboola.com, at the end of 2018, a romantic comedy Second Act, starring Jennifer Lopez premiered worldwide.

Singing career

While Jennifer's acting career has been impressive, she's achieved even greater fame as a world-class singer and entertainer, commanding salaries well into the six-figure range. It all began with her debut single If You Had My Love, which unexpectedly became a massive hit just days after its release, topping multiple American charts.

Jennifer Lopez - If You Had My Love

Whether it was the single's quality or Jennifer's existing popularity that sparked public interest in her solo music career is hard to say, but either way, the stars aligned perfectly – Lopez was showered with admiration and smashing success. Her live performances helped her connect with fans in ways her movies alone never could.

Her debut album On the 6 (1999) became a game-changer in the music industry, surprising critics everywhere. Jennifer released several music videos that were immediately picked up by leading music channels, and by the end of 2000, her hits were in heavy rotation, racking up prestigious music awards.

Jennifer Lopez - Feelin So Good

Inspired by this unexpected success, Jennifer began working on her second album, J.Lo, which dropped in 2001. It received an even bigger response and became an instant commercial success – topping Billboard charts, going four-times platinum in the US, selling over 12 million copies worldwide to date, and earning numerous prestigious music award nominations.

A year later, Jennifer released a remix album entitled J to the L-O!: The Remixes, which debuted at number 1 on the Billboard 200 and even earned a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records. Lopez's third studio album This Is Me… Then (2002) featured her famous hit Jenny from the Block, which essentially became her signature song. Jennifer's fourth album Rebirth was dedicated to a terminally ill boy, who, unfortunately, could not be saved.

Jennifer Lopez - Jenny from the Block

By 2018, Jennifer Lopez had released eight studio albums, including one in Spanish. Many were recorded with help from her ex-husband Marc Anthony, who Jen says is the most important man in her life after her father. She's also announced that she's been working on new music, and her most devoted fans can't wait for her to drop a new studio album.

Jennifer Lopez's personal life

Jennifer Lopez's personal life is just as captivating as her career – it could easily be the plot of a steamy romantic drama. The fiery beauty met her first husband, Cuban waiter Ojani Noa, while filming Blood and Wine. The couple was so smitten they didn't waste any time – they got married soon after meeting. But a year later, when the passion fizzled out, Jennifer filed for divorce.

Jennifer and Ojani separated on good terms – Lopez even hired her ex as a manager in her restaurant – but Ojani soon showed his true colors. He blackmailed her, threatening to release their private honeymoon video unless she paid him $5 million. Luckily, J.Lo had him sign a prenup before they married, making his actions illegal – he never followed through.

Years later in 2010, Jen's ex tried to cash in on her fame again by publishing a tell-all about their marriage. Jennifer acted fast – she took him to court, won, and received $545,000 in damages.

In 1999, Jennifer became romantically involved with Puff Daddy, who helped her with her solo career. But Daddy's explosive behavior and knack for trouble quickly ended their romance. In fall 2001, Jennifer married former backup dancer Cris Judd, but that union was short-lived too. The singer met Ben Affleck and couldn't resist his charm. She divorced her husband and left him $15 million in the settlement.

The celebrity couple announced their engagement in November 2002. Fans went wild and dubbed the beloved couple 'Bennifer,' emphasizing that Jen and Ben were an inseparable unit. Jennifer embraced the nickname but maybe went overboard with her protectiveness and need for control. The couple postponed their wedding indefinitely just one day before the ceremony, offering no explanation.

Unlike her previous breakups, this one was relatively quiet – no scandals or financial drama. Lopez took comfort in her close longtime friend, Marc Anthony, while Ben Affleck married Jennifer Garner. Jen and Marc got married in 2004 and three years later, in February of 2007, Jennifer gave birth to their twins, Max and Emme. But even the kids couldn't keep the family together.

The divorce was finalized in 2014 when Jennifer was already in a new relationship with a dancer, Casper Smart, 18 years her junior. Their on-and-off relationship was an emotional rollercoaster that lasted five years before ending amid constant fights and scandals.

In 2017, the gorgeous Puerto Rican star began dating baseball player Alex Rodriguez, a notorious Hollywood heartbreaker. Despite Alex's questionable reputation, Jennifer introduced him to her mother and children, sparking rumors the couple would soon tie the knot. The couple dated for several years, with wedding plans seemingly on the horizon.

In 2020, the coronavirus pandemic threw a wrench into the actress's wedding plans, something she opened up about extensively in interviews. Jennifer was understandably stressed about the situation. That same year, the singer snagged a stunning Star Island mansion in Miami for $40 million.

February 2021 marked Jennifer and Alex's final public outing together. Rumors swirled that Alex had gotten cozy with colleague Madison Lecroy. She insisted she and Alex were just friends, but Jennifer apparently discovered compelling proof of her partner's cheating.

But here's the silver lining. Soon Jennifer was spotted hanging out with Ben Affleck, and neither tried to hide their rekindled romance. They pulled off what didn't work 18 years earlier. In July 2022, they had a low-key Las Vegas wedding - no lavish celebrations or multimillion-dollar price tag. Jennifer's grateful for their second chance and believes their relationship is now stronger and more mature.

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez are married now

Jennifer Lopez is partnered with Hers, a brand focused on women's health.

Jennifer Lopez Now

Jennifer isn't just a singer and actress - she's also got her own clothing and perfume brand, J.Lo., plus a Cuban restaurant in Pasadena with a menu lovingly crafted by her mom and grandmother.

In 2019, Jennifer's fans finally got the film premiere they'd been waiting for. The comedy "Hustlers" showcased Lopez in one of the lead roles as Ramona.

Hustlers: Trailer

Shirley Holt

My dream is to go to Jennifer`s concert. How much energy she gives to the audience, how much talent and attractiveness, that everything inside is shrinking with delight.

2021-04-20 22:45:41
Miguel Jose Alexander

Wow, Lopez had so many boyfriends.. But she also has kids and it`s wonderful. I wish her and her family happiness and, of course, more concerts, new songs and videos!

2021-04-19 19:43:56
Jane Hansen

Wow, Jennifer Lopez is 51 years old! I`m shocked. How quickly our favorite stars are aging...

2021-04-15 20:54:31
Kevin Jesus Ross

I love JLo! The sexiest singer and actress for me, and for other guys too.

2021-03-30 21:53:27
Wanda Foster

Soooo, what can I say about this wonderful woman :) Delighted with her songs and videos! Ain`t Your Mama for example a very cool track!

2021-03-18 10:30:51

Photos: Jennifer Lopez