Jennifer Lopez is one of the most famous Latin celebrities in both music and film. Her chart-topping albums and award-winning acting performances have clearly defined her prowess in the world of entertainment. Aside from that Lopez is also known for her numerous ventures and charitable activities.
Read on and find out how Jennifer Lopez built up her empire of fame and wealth.
Jennifer Lopez Net Worth – $320 Million
How did Jennifer Lopez make her money & wealth?
Jennifer Lynn Lopez was born in The Bronx, New York, on July 24, 1969. Her love for singing and dancing surfaced at an early age and her parents bolstered these budding talents through encouragement and lessons. At school Lopez showed athletic prowess in track and field and gymnastics.
Lopez’ first exposure was in the 1986 drama My Little Girl. This experience made her realize that she also wanted to pursue a career in film, a decision that was not supported by her parents. Lopez attended Baruch College for only one semester as she dropped out to pursue her dreams on the big screen. Unfortunately Lopez had to move out of her house as she never got her parents to agree with her long-term goals.
In 1995 Lopez had her uncredited major film debut in the drama My Family where she received a Best Supporting Female nomination in the Independent Spirit Awards. Her first lead role was in the 1997 biopic Selena in which her performance was highly praised. The following year she co-starred with George Clooney in the comedy Out of Sight and her status as a talented film star was further cemented.
Her passion for singing was not brushed aside as her acting career flourished. Lopez released her debut album On the 6 in 1999 and was met with critical praise. It sold millions of copies worldwide and its success established Lopez as a pop star and later a sex symbol. On the 6 was followed by seven more albums. Over the years Lopez starred in films that ranged from critical successes to being one of the worst movies ever made. She has also provided vocals in animated movies like Ice Age: Continental Drift and Home.
Lopez is currently on a residency show in Las Vegas named Jennifer Lopez: All I Have. It will run from January to December 2016. The January to February run of the show earned revenue of $8 million.
Aside from film and music Lopez had other ventures that help add to her already hefty income. She launched the “J. Lo by Jennifer Lopez” brand in 2001 which featured clothing personally designed by Lopez. Some of the items were similar to those she wore in music videos and films. Later on the brand expanded to include swimwear and accessories. In 2002 she partnered with beauty products manufacturer Coty, Inc. in the creation of a perfume line. Glow by J. Lo was the first to be released in the same year and managed to rake in $40 million during its first twelve months. 18 more scents followed suit and Lopez is hailed as the best-selling celebrity fragrance
Lopez ventured into the culinary realm in 2002 when she opened the Latin restaurant Madre’s in Pasadena, California. It enjoyed a momentary boom before slipping into a downward spiral that ultimately led to its closure in 2008.
Also in 2010 Lopez started the “Jennifer Lopez Collection” lifestyle brand that contained clothing, accessories, and household goods. Lopez partnered with department store chain Kohl’s so the brand will only be sold exclusively in their stores and online shops. In Mexico the brand is available in the department store chain Coppel. Lopez was also hired by Fiat Automobiles for promoting their line of vehicles for the upcoming year.
Lopez collaborated with other key figures in founding some of her ventures. First she and her manager Benny Medina founded production company Nuyorican Productions, Inc. The company produced movies and television series that mostly star Lopez herself. In 2012 she paired with fashion designer and entrepreneur Erica Zohar in founding online shirt retailer Teeology, Inc. It provided high-end shirts and members can vote for submitted designs to be produced on the clothes. Social entrepreneurs MJ Eng and Brian Lee helped design the website.
The next year Lopez founded retail service Viva Movil. She collaborated with Moorehead Communications and Brightstar Corporation, and struck a partnership with Verizon Wireless. The company seeks to provide wireless services and smartphone stores with a focus on Latino consumers.
In 2014 Lopez teamed up with Endless Jewelry for the launch of her own line of customizable accessories called the Jennifer Lopez Collection.
Jennifer Lopez Personal Life & FAQ’s
Is Jennifer Lopez married?
Not anymore. She was married to singer Marc Anthony from June 2004 until their split in July 2011 and their divorce finalized three years later. Lopez is currently in a relationship with dancer Casper Smart which started in October 2011.
Prior to Anthony, Lopez was previously married to two different men. First was to waiter Ojani Noa from February 1997 to January 1998. Her second ex-husband was with dancer Cris Judd from September 2001 to June 2002.
Her most prominent relationship was with actor Ben Affleck. The two became a couple in July 2002 and were engaged four months later. They inspired the term “Bennifer” and were also the media’s “supercouple”. January 2004 marked the end of their relationship.
Jennifer Lopez Salary & Annual Earnings
Lopez earned $28.5 million last year. She was ranked by Forbes as the seventh top-earning woman in music in 2018.
Jennifer Lopez’s House
Lopez has a mansion in Hidden Hills, California which she purchased in 2010. The $8.2 million three-acre estate comes with its own recording studio, gym, theater with 20 seats, staff apartment, and many other luxury amenities. Lopez put the mansion in the market for $14.5 million.
Charity, donations and philanthropy
Lopez collaborated with non-profit Amnesty International in raising awareness about femicide in Mexico. This involves the creation of a bilingual website with relevant information and contact information, and the 2006 drama film Bordertown.
She helped raise awareness and funds for the charity ALAS which focuses on child development in Latin American countries. She and then-husband Anthony also made huge donations to the Children’s Health Fund especially during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
In 2009 Lopez and her sister Lynda founded the Lopez Family Foundation. The non-profit organization focuses on enhancing the quality of health care and education for financially-challenged families.
Lopez was named by the United Foundations as their “Global Advocate for Girls and Women” in 2015. She is the first ever person to be crowned as such.
Lopez supports more than a dozen charities and foundations. Some of these are City of Hope, DKMS, Janie’s Fund, MusiCares, and UNICEF.
Jennifer Lopez’s Accomplishments
In 2001 Lopez was ranked as the first woman to have a #1 on both film and album in just a single week. Her romantic comedy film The Wedding Planner ranked at the top spot of the box office and her second album J. Lo did the same on the music charts in the same week.
Lopez was crowned as the World’s Sexiest Woman by lifestyle magazine FHM in 2000 and 2001. In the following years she received nominations for the same award up to 2007.
She was the first ever Latina actress to earn $1 million in acting. It was for her work in Out of Sight.
