Ricky Martin is an award-winning Puerto Rican singer-songwriter, actor, author, and humanitarian. He is known for hits like “Living La Vida Loca” and “Nobody Wants To Be Lonely”, appearances on television series, and his philanthropic work.
He first began his career at the age of 12 when he joined the Puerto Rican music group Menudo. He stayed with the group for five years before making the decision to pursue a solo career. He then signed with Sony Music and released his first solo album titled Ricky Martin in 1991, which sold more than 500,000 copies worldwide. He released his second album Me Amaras in 1993. The album skyrocketed to the top of the Latin charts and earned him the Billboard award for “Best New Latin Artist.”
Looking to expand his portfolio, Martin moved to Los Angeles in 1993 with the hopes of exploring acting opportunities. He had previously starred on Mexican telenovelas like Alcanzar Una Estrella and quickly landed a two-episode appearance on the U.S. sitcom Getting By. He then moved on to star as Miguel Morez on the daytime soap opera General Hospital. However, he couldn’t shake the itch to create music and jumped back into his craft after committing two years to acting.
The singer would go on to release 10 studio albums, two live albums, and a number of other projects which have reached gold and platinum levels. He has won numerous Grammys, Billboard, and industry awards and starred in Broadway productions such as Evita as well as TV series like Glee. He has written and published two books: Yo (a memoir about his life and career) and Santiago el Sonadorentre las (a children’s book that follows the story of a young boy chasing his dreams of being a performer).
Outside of his professional accomplishments, Martin is known for his humanitarian work. In 2004, he founded his non-profit, The Ricky Martin Foundation, which aims to provide education and solutions for international efforts to abolish child trafficking. He has also become a force for the LGBTQIA+ and Latinx communities in the entertainment industry. He announced to the public in 2010 that he is gay. His statement noted, “These years in silence and reflection made me stronger and reminded me that acceptance has to come from within and that this kind of truth gives me the power to conquer emotions I didn’t even know existed…I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man. I am very blessed to be who I am.” (People Magazine) Jarrett Barrios, President of the GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation), released a supporting statement following the announcement saying, “His decision to model this kind of openness and honesty can lead to greater acceptance for countless gay people in the U.S., in Latin America and worldwide.” (People Magazine) Martin’s coming out helped to pioneer a space for Latin-queer representation in entertainment.
Martin married the Syrian-born Swedish painter and artist Jwan Yosef in 2017. The two are parents to four children. The pop-star continues to release music and perform at sold-out stadiums and arenas around the world.
Stay up-to-date with Ricky Martin and The Ricky Martin Foundation at https://www.rickymartinmusic.com/ & https://linktr.ee/rm_foundation.
Quotes
“*Speaking to Allure Magazine on the increased presence of openly queer artists in Latin music: “It is so cool, and it's so important. At the end of the day, it's all about dignity. It's about people being comfortable in their own skin regardless of what others think. That's what coming out is about. It's about self-love.”
” – Allure Magazine .
“These years in silence and reflection made me stronger and reminded me that acceptance has to come from within and that this kind of truth gives me the power to conquer emotions I didn’t even know existed.
What will happen from now on? It doesn’t matter. I can only focus on what’s happening to me in this moment. The word “happiness” takes on a new meaning for me as of today. It has been a very intense process. Every word that I write in this letter is born out of love, acceptance, detachment and real contentment. Writing this is a solid step towards my inner peace and vital part of my evolution.
I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man. I am very blessed to be who I am.
” – People Magazine
“Sexuality is one complicated thing. It's not black and white. It's filled with colors.” – People Magazine
“There are many, many kids out there that don't have someone to look up to. All they have around them is people telling them, 'What you're feeling is evil.' But, you can't force someone to come out. But if you have an egg and you open it from the outside, only death comes out. But if the egg opens up from the inside, life comes out.” – People Magazine
Website and Social Accounts
Facebook RickyMartinOfficialPage
Facebook RickyMartinFoundation
Instagram @ricky_martin
Instagram @rm_foundation
Linktree rm_foundation
Twitter ricky_martin
Website Ricky Martin
Youtube
Ricky Martin - Ácido Sabor (Official Video) -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glUan1y4pWg
Ricky Martin on Coming Out to the World | The Oprah Winfrey Show | Oprah Winfrey Network -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oBraB9goXI
Ricky Martin On Finding Lasting Love, Raising Four Kids and Why He 'Will Never Hide Again' | PEOPLE -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6XUidKM2kc
Ricky Martin Facebook | Credit: Keilen Photography
Ricky Martin Facebook | Credit: Matthew Brookes
Ricky Martin Facebook | Credit: Monti Smith
Ricky Martin Facebook | Credit: Omar Cruz