**Full Name:** Madonna Louise Ciccone
**Date of Birth:** August 16, 1958
**Place of Birth:** Bay City, Michigan, USA
**Occupation:** Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Businesswoman
**Years Active:** 1979–present
**Early Life:**
Madonna was born to Silvio Ciccone, a General Motors engineer, and Madonna Fortin, a homemaker. She has one older brother, Anthony, and five other siblings. The family moved to the Detroit suburb of Rochester Hills, where she attended St. Frederick’s and later Sister Catherine’s Catholic schools. Madonna’s mother died of breast cancer when Madonna was just five years old, a loss that profoundly impacted her life. After her mother’s death, her father remarried, and Madonna had a difficult relationship with her stepmother.
**Education:**
Madonna studied dance at the University of Michigan and joined a modern dance company before moving to New York City in 1978 to pursue her dreams of becoming a dancer and performer. Struggling to make ends meet, she worked various jobs, including waiting tables, while taking ballet and acting classes.
**Musical Career:**
Madonna’s music career began to take off in the early 1980s. She released her self-titled debut album in 1983, which included hits like “Holiday” and “Lucky Star.” Her second album, *Like a Virgin* (1984), established her as a pop superstar and included the iconic title track and “Material Girl.”
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Madonna released a series of successful albums, including:
– *True Blue* (1986) – featured hits like “Live to Tell” and “Papa Don’t Preach.”
– *Like a Prayer* (1989) – known for its controversial themes and the title track.
– *The Immaculate Collection* (1990) – a greatest hits album that solidified her status in pop culture.
Her ability to constantly reinvent her image and sound helped her maintain a dominant presence in the music industry.
**Acting Career:**
In addition to her music career, Madonna has pursued acting. She starred in films such as:
– *Desperately Seeking Susan* (1985)
– *A League of Their Own* (1992)
– *Evita* (1996) – for which she received critical acclaim and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress.
Despite mixed reviews for some of her acting performances, Madonna has been recognized for her talent and charisma on screen.
**Entrepreneurial Ventures:**
Madonna has also ventured into fashion and business. She founded the entertainment company Maverick Records in 1992, which produced music for various artists. She has also launched clothing lines, authored several books, and engaged in various philanthropic efforts, including support for HIV/AIDS awareness and education initiatives.
**Personal Life:**
Madonna has been married twice: to actor Sean Penn from 1985 to 1989 and to director Guy Ritchie from 2000 to 2008. She has six children: Lourdes Leon, David Banda, Mercy James, and twins Stella and Esther. Madonna is known for her strong personality and dedication to her craft, often pushing boundaries in both her music and personal life.
**Recent Work:**
In recent years, Madonna has continued to tour and release new music, including her 2019 album, *Madame X*. She remains a significant figure in the music industry, known for her dynamic performances and willingness to address social and political issues through her art.
**Legacy
Madonna is oftenerred to as the “Queen of Pop” and is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with over 300 million records sold worldwide. Her influence on music, fashion, and culture is profound, and she has inspired countless artists across genres. Madonna’s ability to challenge societal norms and advocate for issues like LGBTQ+ rights, feminism, and sexual freedom has solidified her status as a cultural icon.