5 things you didn't know about Jennifer Lopez

Sayan
2021 Times Square New Year
Jennifer Lopez (Photo by Gary Hershorn-Pool/Getty Images)

Jennifer Lopez is a globally recognized entertainer whose career spans music, films, and television. She has sold over 80 million records worldwide, with 15 billion global streams and more than 18 billion views of her music videos, according to Variety.

Lopez has appeared in more than 40 films in the film industry, collectively grossing over $3 billion at the global box office. Lopez's acting career took off with her portrayal of Selena Quintanilla-Pérez in the 1997 biopic Selena, earning her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical.

She continued to show her versatility in films such as Out of Sight (1998), The Wedding Planner (2001), and Maid in Manhattan (2002). Her role in Hustlers (2019) garnered critical acclaim, including nominations for a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild Award. In music, Lopez's debut album On the 6 (1999) featured hits like If You Had My Love and Waiting for Tonight, both receiving Grammy nominations for Best Dance Recording.

Her second album, J.Lo (2001), debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, coinciding with the release of her film The Wedding Planner, making her the first female artist to have a number-one album and film simultaneously. Lopez has released several successful albums since with singles like Love Don't Cost a Thing and On the Floor achieving international success.


5 lesser-known things about Jennifer Lopez

1) First Latina actress to earn over $1 Million for a film role

Jennifer portrayed Selena Quintanilla-Pérez in the biopic Selena (Photo by Lionel Hahn/WireImage)
Jennifer portrayed Selena Quintanilla-Pérez in the biopic Selena (Photo by Lionel Hahn/WireImage)

Jennifer Lopez made history with her portrayal of Selena Quintanilla-Pérez in the 1997 biopic Selena. The film, which celebrated the life and legacy of the beloved Tejano singer, became a cultural milestone and launched Lopez into stardom. Her performance was widely praised for capturing Selena’s charisma and tragic story, earning Lopez a Golden Globe nomination.

More importantly, she became the first Latina actress to earn over $1 million for a single film as per Variety, breaking barriers for Latinx representation in Hollywood. This achievement underscored her talent and marketability, paving the way for future Latina actresses in leading roles.


2) Completed a Triathlon

Jennifer Lopez competed in the Nautica Malibu Triathlon (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)
Jennifer Lopez competed in the Nautica Malibu Triathlon (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)

In 2008, Jennifer Lopez challenged herself physically and emotionally by competing in the Nautica Malibu Triathlon. This event was particularly significant as it marked her postpartum journey after giving birth to twins earlier that year. Lopez trained rigorously to prepare for the event, showcasing her determination and commitment.

As per the Triathlete magazine, she completed the triathlon in an impressive 2 hours, 23 minutes, and 28 seconds. Her participation not only highlighted her athletic capabilities but also raised awareness and funds for charity, emphasizing her philanthropic side. The triathlon became a testament to Lopez’s drive to push boundaries, even outside her entertainment career.


3) Turned down a role in Hitch

Jennifer Lopez turned down the lead role in Hitch. (Photo by Daniele Venturelli/Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images for Luisaviaroma )
Jennifer Lopez turned down the lead role in Hitch. (Photo by Daniele Venturelli/Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images for Luisaviaroma )

Jennifer Lopez was reportedly originally offered the role of Sara Melas in the 2005 romantic comedy Hitch, starring alongside Will Smith. However, she declined the role due to scheduling conflicts or possibly because the script didn’t align with her career plans at the time. The role eventually went to Eva Mendes, marking a notable partnership in Hollywood as it paired two major stars.

While Lopez’s decision to turn down the film left fans wondering what could have been, her career continued to thrive with other projects, showcasing her ability to make selective choices that supported her long-term success.


4) Her iconic green Versace dress led to the creation of Google Images

Jennifer Lopez (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Revolve)
Jennifer Lopez (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Revolve)

Jennifer Lopez made headlines at the 2000 Grammy Awards when she wore a daring green Versace dress. The gown, with its plunging neckline and bold print, became an instant cultural phenomenon. As per GQ, the demand to view images of Lopez in the dress overwhelmed search engines, leading Google to create a dedicated image search tool—Google Images.

This moment demonstrated Lopez’s influence on pop culture and technology, proving her ability to capture the eyes of the public. The dress remains one of the most iconic fashion moments in history, symbolizing Lopez’s fearless style and her enduring impact on both fashion and digital innovation.


5) Started as a backup dancer for Janet Jackson

Jennifer Lopez began her career as a backup dancer. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images)
Jennifer Lopez began her career as a backup dancer. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images)

Before becoming a global superstar, Jennifer Lopez began her career as a backup dancer. One of her most notable gigs was performing for Janet Jackson. Lopez has said in previous interviews that she had appeared in Jackson's 1993 music video for That's the Way Love Goes and even auditioned to join Jackson's tour.

But Lopez made the bold decision to decline the opportunity to focus on her acting and singing career. It was a gamble that paid off, leading to her breakout role in Selena just a few years later.


Lopez's latest film, Unstoppable was released on September 6, 2024.

Edited by Meghna
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