Childhood and Education Journey of Gwen Stefani in Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Gwen Stefani. From birth to education, explore key events.

Gwen Stefani is an American singer-songwriter and fashion designer, best known as the lead vocalist of the band No Doubt. The band achieved mainstream success with hits like "Just a Girl" and "Don't Speak" from their album *Tragic Kingdom*. During No Doubt's hiatus, Stefani launched a successful solo pop career in 2004 with her debut album *Love. Angel. Music. Baby.*, which drew inspiration from 1980s pop. The album spawned multiple hit singles, including "Hollaback Girl," which topped the Billboard Hot 100 and became the first US download to sell a million copies.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1966: Original "Walk Away Renée" Song

In 1966, The Left Banke originally released the song "Walk Away Renée", which later inspired Gwen Stefani's middle name.

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1967: Inspiration for Gwen's Middle Name

In 1967, the Four Tops' version of "Walk Away Renée" inspired Gwen Stefani's middle name, Renée.

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1968: Inspiration for Gwen's Name

In 1968, the novel Airport inspired the name Gwen for Gwen Stefani, as she was named after a stewardess in the book.

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October 3, 1969: Gwen Stefani Born

On October 3, 1969, Gwen Renée Stefani Shelton was born in Fullerton, California.

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1983: Inspiration from Elvira Hancock in 'Scarface'

In 1983, the film Scarface, featuring Michelle Pfeiffer as Elvira Hancock, was released. This character later inspired Gwen Stefani's image modification in 2006.

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December 1987: John Spence's Death

In December 1987, John Spence, the singer of No Doubt, died. Gwen Stefani then became the sole lead singer.

1987: High School Graduation

In 1987, Gwen Stefani graduated from Loara High School.

1994: Platinum Blonde Hair Transformation

Since late 1994, Gwen Stefani has usually had platinum blonde hair, which she discussed in the song "Platinum Blonde Life" on Rock Steady.

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1995: Meeting Gavin Rossdale

In 1995, Gwen Stefani met Gavin Rossdale when No Doubt and Bush performed at a holiday concert for radio station KROQ.

1998: Blue Hair Dye

In 1998, Gwen Stefani dyed her hair blue.

1999: Pink Hair Dye and Album Cover Appearance

In 1999, Gwen Stefani dyed her hair pink, and she appeared on the cover of the Return of Saturn album with pink hair.

September 14, 2002: Wedding to Gavin Rossdale in London

On September 14, 2002, Gwen Stefani married Gavin Rossdale at St Paul's, Covent Garden in London.

2003: L.A.M.B. Clothing Line Debut

In 2003, Gwen Stefani debuted her clothing line called L.A.M.B.

2003: Teen Vogue Photo Shoot

In 2003, Gwen Stefani had a Marilyn Monroe-inspired photo shoot for Teen Vogue, which led to Martin Scorsese casting her in "The Aviator".

2004: Co-Writing "Cool" About Tony Kanal Relationship

In 2004, Gwen Stefani co-wrote her song "Cool" about her relationship as friends with Tony Kanal for her debut solo album Love. Angel. Music. Baby.

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2005: Harajuku Lovers Line Expansion

In 2005, Gwen Stefani expanded her collection with the Harajuku Lovers line, which was inspired by Japanese culture and fashion.

2005: Relationship with Tony Kanal

In 2005, Gwen Stefani reflected on her past relationship with Tony Kanal, stating she heavily invested in it and hoped to have a baby with him. The band nearly split when Kanal ended the relationship.

May 26, 2006: Birth of Son Kingston James McGregor Rossdale

On May 26, 2006, Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale's first son, Kingston James McGregor Rossdale, was born.

2006: Image Modification Inspired by 'Scarface'

In 2006, Gwen Stefani modified her image, inspired by Michelle Pfeiffer's character Elvira Hancock in the 1983 film Scarface. This included a symbol of two back-to-back 'G's on a diamond-encrusted key.

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January 2007: Concerns About Weight Loss Following Pregnancy

In January 2007, Gwen Stefani raised concerns about her rapid weight loss following her pregnancy. She later revealed she had been dieting since the sixth grade to fit into size 4 clothing.

March 2008: Work on new album

In March 2008, No Doubt began work on a new album without Gwen Stefani, planning to complete it after her Sweet Escape Tour.

March 28, 2008: Songwriting Slowed by Pregnancy

On March 28, 2008, Gwen Stefani posted that songwriting for No Doubt's new album had commenced but was slow due to her pregnancy with her second child.

August 21, 2008: Birth of Son Zuma Nesta Rock Rossdale

On August 21, 2008, Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale's second son, Zuma Nesta Rock Rossdale, was born.

September 22, 2010: Wax Figure Unveiled at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas

On September 22, 2010, a wax figure of Gwen Stefani was unveiled at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas at The Venetian.

June 6, 2011: No Plans for Solo Work

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly on June 6, 2011, Gwen Stefani stated that she had no plans to continue working as a solo artist.

June 7, 2011: Harajuku-Themed Tea Party

On June 7, 2011, Gwen Stefani hosted a private Harajuku-themed tea party at Los Angeles' first Japanese-style maid café and pop art space, Royal/T, with proceeds from the auction going to Save the Children's relief effort following the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.

2011: Auction at amfAR Gala

In 2011, at the amfAR gala during the Cannes Film Festival, Gwen Stefani auctioned off the lacy black dress she wore at the event for charity, raising over $125,000.