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Who Is Marc Anthony?
Marc Anthony is a multifaceted talent who gained international acclaim as a singer, actor, and songwriter. His journey to stardom began as a backup singer for notable acts such as Menudo and the Latin Rascals, but he later emerged as a headlining artist with a distinctive Spanish-influenced sound.
Early Career
Born Marco Antonio Muniz on September 16, 1968, in New York City, Marc Anthony is the son of Puerto Rican parents, Guillermina and Felipe Muniz. His name pays homage to the renowned Mexican singer Marco Antonio Muniz, who enjoyed popularity in Puerto Rico. Growing up in a vibrant New York City environment alongside his sister, Yolanda Muniz, Anthony’s musical talent became evident at an early age. He recognized the need to complement his vocal abilities with a commanding stage presence, which he developed by performing as a session vocalist for freestyle and underground house music acts.
To distinguish himself from his namesake, Anthony adopted a stage name and quickly became a sought-after backup singer, contributing his voice to various groups, including Menudo and the Latin Rascals.
First Release
In 1988, Marc Anthony released his debut record, “Rebel,” through Bluedog Records, based in the Bronx. He continued to perform in New York’s club scene and began writing songs, often collaborating with prominent figures like Little Louie Vega and Todd Terry.
In 1992, Anthony and Vega took to the stage at Madison Square Garden as an opening act for the legendary Tito Puente, marking a significant milestone in his career. Shortly thereafter, Anthony shifted his musical style from freestyle and house to salsa and other forms of Spanish music. Drawing inspiration from icons such as Puente, Ruben Blades, and Juan Gabriel, he released his first Spanish-language album, “Otra Nota,” in 1993, which featured the salsa hit “Hasta que te conocí” (Until I Met You).
Commercial Success
Marc Anthony’s career has been marked by remarkable commercial success, with his albums and singles consistently topping sales charts. However, his two English-language albums, Marc Anthony (1999) and Mended (2002), did not achieve the same level of acclaim. In his pursuit of crossover appeal, it seems that Anthony may have alienated some of his core fan base.
In 1998, Anthony showcased his talents in Paul Simon’s stage musical The Capeman, where he starred alongside Ruben Blades in a production that ran for 68 performances. Beyond music, Anthony has also made his mark on the big screen, with notable appearances in films such as Big Night (1996) and Man on Fire (2004).
Spouses and Children
Marc Anthony has a daughter, Arianna, born in 1994, from his relationship with former New York City police officer Debbie Rosado.
On May 9, 2000, Anthony married former Miss Universe Dayanara Torres. Despite persistent rumors of marital troubles, the couple welcomed two sons: Cristian Anthony Muniz, born on February 5, 2001, and Ryan Anthony Muniz, born on August 16, 2003. Following their divorce, which was finalized less than a week after their separation, Anthony married Jennifer Lopez on June 5, 2004.
Anthony and Lopez notably performed “Escapemonos” at the 2005 Grammy Awards. They starred together in El Cantante, a biographical film about the legendary salsa singer Hector Lavoe, released in August 2007. The couple welcomed twins, Max and Emme, on February 22, 2008. However, they announced their separation in 2011, and their divorce was finalized in June 2014.
On November 11, 2014, Anthony married Venezuelan model Shannon De Lima at his home in La Romana, Dominican Republic. De Lima has a son, Daniel, from a previous relationship. The couple reportedly separated in November 2016.