Early Life and Career Beginnings
Madonna Louise Ciccone was born on August 16, 1958, in Bay City, Michigan ¹. She grew up in Rochester Hills, Michigan, where she developed a passion for dance and earned a dance scholarship to the University of Michigan ¹. However, she dropped out of college in 1978 and moved to New York City to pursue a career in dance ¹.
Breakthrough and Musical Career
Madonna’s music career began when she formed the band “The Breakfast Club” and later “Emmy” with her then-boyfriend Stephen Bray ¹. She eventually decided to promote herself as a solo act and signed with Sire Records ¹. Her first two singles, “Everybody” (1982) and “Burning Up” (1983), became club hits in the US ¹. Her self-titled debut album was released in July 1983 and peaked at number eight on the Billboard 200 chart six months later ¹. Her second album, “Like a Virgin” (November 1984), was her first number-one album and the first album by a female to sell over five million copies in the US ¹.
Net Worth
Madonna’s net worth is estimated to be around $850 million ¹. She has sold over 300 million records worldwide, making her the best-selling female recording artist of all time ¹. She has also had a successful acting career, starring in movies like “Desperately Seeking Susan” (1985), “Evita” (1996), and “W.E.” (2011) ¹. Additionally, she has ventured into fashion, launching four fashion brands, and has collaborated with various brands on endorsement deals ¹.
Other Pursuits
Apart from her music and acting career, Madonna has also explored other creative avenues. She has written and published several books, including “The English Roses” in 2003 ¹. She has also produced and directed films, including “Filth and Wisdom” (2008) and “W.E.” (2011) ¹.
Personal Life
Madonna has been married twice, first to actor Sean Penn from 1985 to 1989 and then to English director Guy Ritchie from 2000 to 2008 ¹. She has six children: Lourdes, Rocco, David, Mercy, Stella, and Estere ¹. She is currently dating 29-year-old NYC boxing coach Josh Popper ¹.
Art Collection and Real Estate
Madonna owns an impressive art collection worth over $100 million, featuring works by artists like Frida Kahlo, Picasso, and Damien Hirst ¹. She also has a significant real estate portfolio, with properties around the world, including a townhouse in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, a mansion in Sintra, Portugal, and a 50-acre equestrian property in Bridgehampton, New York ¹.
