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Selena Gomez Receives First Acting Emmy Nomination
Selena Gomez, a beloved figure on television for decades, has secured her first-ever Emmy nomination in an acting category. The 32-year-old actress earned a nod for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for her portrayal of Mabel Mora in Hulu’s hit series Only Murders in the Building. The nomination positions her as a strong contender at the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards, set to take place on September 15.
In response to the exciting news, which was announced in July, Gomez shared her gratitude with fans on social media. She posted a photo of herself beaming next to a celebratory cake decorated with the words “Congratulations Emmy Nominee!” in pink icing. “I’m honored and insanely grateful for this,” Gomez wrote in the caption. “Thank you, @onlymurdershulu, for giving me Mabel.”
Gomez faces fierce competition in the category, with fellow nominees including Quinta Brunson, Ayo Edebiri, Maya Rudolph, Jean Smart, and Kristen Wiig. In addition to her acting nomination, Gomez was also recognized for her role as an executive producer on the series, which has been nominated for Outstanding Comedy Series for the third consecutive year. This nomination cements Gomez’s place in history as the most Emmy-nominated Latina producer.
In addition to her nomination, Gomez is set to appear as a presenter at this year’s ceremony, marking another milestone in her career.
Selena Gomez: A Multi-Talented Icon
Selena Gomez, once a child star, has evolved into a multi-faceted talent, earning Emmy and Grammy nominations, and establishing herself as a successful entrepreneur with her beauty brand, Rare Beauty. Born and raised in Texas, Gomez first appeared on television as part of the cast of Barney & Friends for two years. Her breakthrough came in 2007 when she starred as the lead in Disney Channel’s Wizards of Waverly Place, cementing her status as a household name. Gomez continued to expand her acting career, featuring in popular franchises like Hotel Transylvania and the critically acclaimed Hulu comedy Only Murders in the Building, for which she received a 2024 Emmy nomination.
In addition to her acting, Gomez’s music career has flourished. She has released three solo albums, all of which topped the Billboard 200 chart, with hit songs like “Lose You To Love Me,” “Good For You,” and “Calm Down.” Her influence extends far beyond the entertainment industry. As the founder of Rare Beauty, she is also recognized for her efforts in promoting mental health and self-acceptance. With a massive online following, Gomez became the first woman to surpass 400 million followers on Instagram in March 2023.
Early Life and Family Background
Selena Marie Gomez was born on July 22, 1992, in Grand Prairie, Texas, to Amanda “Mandy” Cornett and Ricardo “Rick” Gomez. Her heritage is a mix of Mexican-American and Caucasian, and her parents named her after the famous Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla. Born to teenage parents, Gomez’s early years were marked by financial challenges. Her mother, Mandy, who was just 16 when Selena was born, worked hard to provide a better life for her daughter, a drive that shaped Gomez’s strong work ethic.
When Selena was five years old, her parents divorced. Her mother worked multiple jobs to make ends meet, and despite financial hardships, Gomez recalls her childhood fondly, praising her mother’s determination. Mandy aspired to be an actor and often brought Selena to rehearsals, inadvertently inspiring her daughter’s interest in performing. Even at a young age, Gomez demonstrated a natural talent, offering acting tips to her mother after rehearsals. By age seven, she was attending casting calls and performing in local productions.
Both of Gomez’s parents have since remarried. Her mother, now Mandy Teefey, and her stepfather, Brian Teefey, managed Gomez’s career until 2014. In 2013, they welcomed Selena’s half-sister, Gracie, who has accompanied Gomez to several public events. Gomez also has another half-sister, Victoria, from her father’s marriage to Sara Tovar Gomez, and a stepbrother, Marcus.
Acting Career: From Child Star to Emmy Nominee
Selena Gomez began her acting career in 2002 on Barney & Friends, playing the role of Gianna. Despite being dropped from the show after two years, she persevered, landing minor roles in films such as Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over (2003) and Walker, Texas Ranger: Trial by Fire (2005). In 2007, her career took a major leap when she secured the lead role in Wizards of Waverly Place, a Disney Channel show that became a massive hit and ran for four seasons.
Gomez’s success on Disney opened doors to other acting opportunities, including roles in the Hotel Transylvania franchise and her Emmy-nominated performance in Only Murders in the Building. As she continues to grow as an actor, she remains a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, known for her versatility and talent.
Disney Channel Star: Wizards of Waverly Place
In 2006, Selena Gomez made her debut on the Disney Channel, guest-starring as Gwen in The Suite Life of Zack & Cody. Her performance led to more roles, including the character Mikayla in Hannah Montana. In 2007, Gomez landed her first leading role as Alex Russo in Wizards of Waverly Place, a series that became a major hit and ran for four seasons, earning two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Children’s Program. The show also spawned a Disney Channel Original Movie, Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie (2009).
During her time on Wizards, Gomez explored other projects, including her first animated film, Horton Hears a Who! (2008), and starring in Another Cinderella Story (2008). She also co-starred with Demi Lovato in Princess Protection Program (2009). Over a decade later, in January 2024, news broke that Gomez would serve as executive producer for a reboot, Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, which will focus on Alex’s brother and is set to air on Disney Channel and Disney+ later this year. Gomez is also slated to guest star in the pilot episode.
Hotel Transylvania
In 2012, Gomez voiced Mavis in the animated film Hotel Transylvania, a role she has reprised in the film’s three sequels, released in 2015, 2018, and 2022. Branching out from children’s entertainment, Gomez starred alongside James Franco and Vanessa Hudgens in the comedic crime thriller Spring Breakers (2013). She also appeared in the action film Getaway (2013) and the comedy Behaving Badly (2014). In 2015, she joined The Voice as a mentor for Gwen Stefani’s team.
Only Murders in the Building
After a few years away from the big screen, Gomez returned in Jim Jarmusch’s zombie comedy The Dead Don’t Die (2019) and voiced a character in Dolittle (2020). Her most prominent role of late, however, has been in the Hulu series Only Murders in the Building, where she stars as Mabel Mora alongside comedic legends Steve Martin and Martin Short. Now in its fourth season, the show has attracted top-tier guest stars like Meryl Streep, Paul Rudd, and Nathan Lane. Gomez’s performance earned her a 2023 Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Musical/Comedy Series, and she received her first-ever Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in 2024.
New Movies: Emilia Peréz and Linda Ronstadt Biopic
Beyond television, Gomez is returning to the big screen with two exciting projects. She stars in the Spanish-language film Emilia Peréz, which premiered at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival to critical acclaim. Gomez’s role as the wife of a drug lord, played by Karla Sofía Gascón, earned her and her co-stars the festival’s Best Actress award. The film is set for a November 2024 release in theaters and will stream on Netflix shortly after. Gomez is also slated to portray 11-time Grammy winner Linda Ronstadt in an upcoming biopic directed by David O. Russell, currently in early production.
Music Career
While acting has always been Gomez’s priority, she has also built a successful music career. She began by recording soundtracks for her Disney projects, including songs for Another Cinderella Story, Tinker Bell, and Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie. In 2009, she formed the band Selena Gomez & the Scene, releasing three albums before embarking on a solo career. Her solo albums Stars Dance, Revival, and Rare have all topped the Billboard 200.
In 2023, Gomez shared that she is working on a new album, expected to release in 2024. She has had several Billboard hits over the years, including “Come & Get It,” “The Heart Wants What It Wants,” and the chart-topping “Lose You to Love Me.” She continues to release popular collaborations, most recently with Coldplay, Rauw Alejandro, and Rema.
Billboard’s Woman of the Year
In 2017, after undergoing a kidney transplant, Gomez was honored as Billboard’s Woman of the Year. During her acceptance speech, she thanked her team and family for their support during a challenging time, reflecting on her journey in both her personal life and career.
Relationship with Benny Blanco
Selena Gomez is currently in a relationship with music producer and songwriter Benny Blanco. She confirmed their relationship on social media in December 2023, revealing that they had been together for six months. The two have a long history of friendship and collaboration, having worked together on songs like “Same Old Love” (2015), “I Can’t Get Enough” (2019), and “Single Soon” (2023).
Interestingly, their romantic relationship evolved from a strong friendship. At one point, Gomez asked Blanco to introduce her to someone he knew, but it was during that moment that she realized her feelings for him. Blanco had a similar experience, admitting in an April 2024 interview with WSJ Magazine that he hadn’t recognized his own feelings for Gomez until much later, describing it as a “Clueless” moment when he realized, “Wait, I’m in love.”
Past Relationships
Gomez has had several high-profile relationships in the past. She previously dated fellow musicians like Nick Jonas, Zedd, and The Weeknd. However, her most notable relationship was with pop star Justin Bieber. The pair first met in 2009 and had a well-publicized on-and-off relationship that ended for good in early 2018. Even after their breakup, their romance has continued to attract media attention, particularly in 2023, when a social media controversy involving Gomez and Hailey Bieber, Justin’s wife, caused an online stir.
Rare Beauty and Business Ventures
Beyond her successful career in music and acting, Gomez has made significant strides as an entrepreneur. In 2017, she collaborated with Coach to launch the Selena Grace handbag line, followed by a ready-to-wear collection in 2018.
In September 2020, Gomez launched her own beauty line, Rare Beauty, along with the Rare Impact Fund, which focuses on supporting mental health initiatives. One percent of all product sales are donated to the fund, which had raised over $16 million as of September 2024. The company has seen tremendous success, with Bloomberg reporting $70 million in liquid blush sales by mid-2023, and Rare Beauty’s overall valuation has soared to $2 billion.
In addition to her beauty line, Gomez has represented Borden Milk and was actively involved in promoting voter awareness for the 2008 U.S. presidential election. She has also been a UNICEF ambassador since 2009, advocating for children’s rights through her C.A.N. (Charity, Action, Now) initiative.
Selena Gomez’s Net Worth
As of September 2024, Gomez’s net worth is estimated at $1.3 billion, largely driven by the success of Rare Beauty. The brand, valued at $2 billion, generated at least $300 million in revenue in 2023. Acting is another significant source of income for Gomez, who reportedly earns $6 million per season for her role in Only Murders in the Building.
Health: Lupus and Bipolar Disorder
Gomez has been open about her health struggles. In 2014, she revealed her battle with lupus, an autoimmune disease, which led to a kidney transplant in 2017. Her close friend Francia Raísa donated her kidney, and despite complications during the procedure, Gomez made a full recovery. She continues to raise awareness about lupus, and in 2017, she was honored at the Lupus Research Alliance Annual Gala for raising over $500,000 for research.
In 2020, Gomez shared her diagnosis of bipolar disorder during an interview with Miley Cyrus. She revealed that understanding her condition helped her cope better. She later opened up about her mental health journey in the 2022 Apple TV+ documentary Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me, offering a candid look into her personal struggles.
In 2024, Gomez shared in an interview with Vanity Fair that due to her medical conditions, she is unable to carry a child. Despite this, she remains hopeful about becoming a mother through surrogacy or adoption.