Childhood and Education Journey of Jennifer Lopez in Timeline

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

Jennifer Lopez, known as J.Lo, is a multifaceted American entertainer: singer, songwriter, actress, dancer, and businesswoman. A highly influential figure, she's celebrated for breaking barriers for Latino Americans in Hollywood and popularizing Latin pop music. Lopez is recognized for her significant impact on popular culture, shaping trends in fashion, branding, and beauty standards.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1961: Inspiration from West Side Story

In 1961, a key inspiration for Jennifer Lopez was Rita Moreno's performance in the musical film West Side Story. Moreno was the only performer Lopez was able to identify with, at a time when Latinos were rarely on television.

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July 24, 1969: Jennifer Lopez's Birth

On July 24, 1969, Jennifer Lynn Lopez, known as J.Lo, was born. She would become an American singer, songwriter, actress, dancer, and businesswoman, recognized as an influential entertainer who broke barriers for Latino Americans and impacted popular culture.

1979: Influence of "Rapper's Delight"

In 1979, Jennifer Lopez was significantly impacted by the hip hop song "Rapper's Delight" by The Sugarhill Gang, which she has said changed her life.

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1996: Elmore Leonard's Novel

In 1996, the Elmore Leonard novel Out of Sight was published and would later be adapted into a film where Jennifer Lopez starred in 1998.

Out of Sight: A Novel

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February 1997: Marriage to Ojani Noa

In February 1997, Jennifer Lopez married Cuban waiter Ojani Noa.

January 1998: Divorce from Ojani Noa

In January 1998, Jennifer Lopez divorced Cuban waiter Ojani Noa.

1998: Attending Academy Awards and Armageddon premiere

In 1998, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck crossed paths at the 70th Academy Awards and the premiere of Armageddon.

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1998: Starring in Out of Sight, Azteca in Antz, Spokesperson for Coca-Cola and L'Oréal

In 1998, Jennifer Lopez starred in Out of Sight, voiced Azteca in Antz, and became a national spokesperson for Coca-Cola and L'Oréal.

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December 27, 1999: Arrested after Times Square shooting

On December 27, 1999, Jennifer Lopez, Sean Combs, and Shyne were arrested and charged with criminal possession of a weapon and possession of stolen property following a shooting at a Times Square nightclub.

February 2000: Grammy Awards Versace Dress

In February 2000, Jennifer Lopez attended the Grammy Awards in a plunging green Versace silk chiffon dress, generating worldwide attention and leading to the creation of Google Images.

March 2001: Combs acquitted, relationship ends

In March 2001, Sean Combs was acquitted of all charges from the December 1999 incident, and shortly thereafter, Jennifer Lopez ended their relationship.

September 2001: Marriage to Cris Judd

In September 2001, Jennifer Lopez married her former backup dancer, Cris Judd.

December 2001: Meeting Ben Affleck on "Gigli" set

In December 2001, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck had their first major meeting on the set of "Gigli".

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2001: Suffered a nervous breakdown

In 2001, Jennifer Lopez suffered a nervous breakdown while filming the movie 'Enough'.

November 2002: Engagement to Ben Affleck

In November 2002, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck became engaged.

January 2003: Divorce from Cris Judd

In January 2003, Jennifer Lopez divorced Cris Judd.

September 14, 2003: Wedding Postponement

On September 14, 2003, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck's planned wedding was postponed due to "excessive media attention."

January 2004: End of engagement with Ben Affleck

In January 2004, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck ended their engagement.

June 2004: Marriage to Marc Anthony

In June 2004, Jennifer Lopez married singer Marc Anthony, five months after the end of her relationship with Ben Affleck.

2004: Death of Paige Peterson

In 2004, Paige Peterson, an eleven-year-old cancer patient Jennifer Lopez befriended, died. Jennifer Lopez would dedicate her album Rebirth to Paige in 2005.

2005: Rebirth album dedicated to Paige Peterson

In 2005, Jennifer Lopez's album Rebirth was dedicated to Paige Peterson, an eleven-year-old cancer patient she befriended at the Children's Hospital Los Angeles.

February 2008: Birth of Twins

In February 2008, Jennifer Lopez gave birth to fraternal twins on Long Island.

2009: Purchase of Miami Dolphins stake

In 2009, Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony purchased a stake in the Miami Dolphins.

July 2011: Separation Announcement

In July 2011, Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony announced their separation.

October 2011: Relationship with Casper Smart begins

In October 2011, Jennifer Lopez began an on-again, off-again relationship with her former backup dancer Casper Smart.

April 2012: Divorce Filing

In April 2012, Marc Anthony filed for divorce from Jennifer Lopez.

2012: Endorsement of Barack Obama

In 2012, Jennifer Lopez endorsed President Barack Obama in his presidential campaign, appearing in television advertisements and attending fundraising events.

June 2014: Divorce Finalized

In June 2014, Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony's divorce was finalized.

July 2016: Release of "Love Make the World Go Round"

In July 2016, Jennifer Lopez released a single entitled "Love Make the World Go Round", a collaboration with Lin-Manuel Miranda, which benefits victims of the Orlando nightclub shooting.

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August 2016: End of relationship with Casper Smart

In August 2016, Jennifer Lopez and Casper Smart ended their relationship.

2016: Endorsement of Hillary Clinton

In 2016, Jennifer Lopez endorsed Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, headlining a free concert in Florida in support of her.

February 2017: Relationship with Alex Rodriguez begins

In February 2017, Jennifer Lopez began dating New York Yankees baseball player Alex Rodriguez.

March 2019: Engagement to Alex Rodriguez

In March 2019, Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez became engaged.

June 2020: Participation in Black Lives Matter Protest

In June 2020, Jennifer Lopez attended a Black Lives Matter movement protest in Los Angeles.

2020: Super Bowl halftime show political statement

In 2020, during her Super Bowl halftime show performance, Jennifer Lopez made a statement about the Mexico–United States border crisis and Trump's immigration policy by performing with children in metal cages.

March 2021: Statement on relationship with Alex Rodriguez

In March 2021, Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez released a statement saying they were "working through some things" in their relationship, amidst tabloid speculation.

April 2021: End of relationship with Alex Rodriguez

In April 2021, Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez announced the end of their relationship.

April 2021: Reported to be dating Ben Affleck again

In April 2021, Jennifer Lopez was reported to be dating Ben Affleck again.

2021: Performance at Biden's Inauguration

In 2021, Jennifer Lopez performed at President Joe Biden's inauguration, singing "This Land Is Your Land" and "America the Beautiful" while reciting the last phrase of the Pledge of Allegiance in Spanish, and a reprise of her political message at the Super Bowl.

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January 2022: Co-chair for When We All Vote

In January 2022, Jennifer Lopez became one of the co-chairs for Michelle Obama's When We All Vote.

April 2022: Second Engagement to Ben Affleck

In April 2022, Jennifer Lopez announced her second engagement to Ben Affleck, 20 years after their first proposal.

July 16, 2022: Marriage to Ben Affleck in Las Vegas

On July 16, 2022, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck were married in Las Vegas.

April 26, 2024: Separation Date from Ben Affleck

On April 26, 2024, Jennifer Lopez cited this date as the date of separation from Ben Affleck.

June 2024: Cancellation of the 'This Is Me... Live' tour

In June 2024, Jennifer Lopez cancelled her 'This Is Me... Live' North American tour to spend more time with her family.

August 20, 2024: Files for divorce from Ben Affleck

On August 20, 2024, Jennifer Lopez filed for divorce from Ben Affleck, citing April 26, 2024, as the date of their separation and requested her legal name be changed back to Jennifer Lynn Lopez.