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, or J.Lo, is an American singer, songwriter, actress, dancer, and businesswoman. Recognized as a highly influential Latina entertainer, she has broken barriers for Latino Americans in Hollywood and significantly contributed to the Latin pop music movement. Beyond her artistic achievements, Lopez has impacted popular culture through her fashion choices, branding ventures, and influence on mainstream 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, Jennifer Lopez was inspired by Rita Moreno's performance in the musical film West Side Story. Moreno was the only performer Lopez could identify with, at a time when Latinos were rarely seen on television, providing a significant source of inspiration.

Loading Video...

July 24, 1969: Jennifer Lopez's Birth

On July 24, 1969, Jennifer Lynn Lopez, also known as J.Lo, was born. She later became a singer, songwriter, actress, dancer, and businesswoman.

1979: Influence of "Rapper's Delight"

In 1979, Jennifer Lopez was profoundly impacted by the hip hop song "Rapper's Delight" by The Sugarhill Gang, which she said changed her life and influenced her artistic development.

Loading Video...

1984: Publication of 'What to Expect When You're Expecting'

In 1984, the book 'What to Expect When You're Expecting' was originally published, which later inspired the 2012 film starring Jennifer Lopez.

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's marriage to Ojani Noa ended in divorce.

December 27, 1999: Arrest at Times Square nightclub

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 after a shooting at a Times Square nightclub.

March 2001: Sean Combs acquitted of charges

In March 2001, Sean Combs was acquitted of all charges related to the December 27, 1999, incident, while charges against Jennifer Lopez were dropped earlier. Shyne was sentenced to ten years in prison.

September 2001: Marriage to Cris Judd

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

2001: Nervous Breakdown During 'Enough' Filming

In 2001, Jennifer Lopez experienced a nervous breakdown while filming 'Enough'. The breakdown was attributed to overwork.

2001: Launch of J.Lo by Jennifer Lopez Clothing Line and Nuyorican Productions

In 2001, Jennifer Lopez launched her first business venture, the clothing line 'J.Lo by Jennifer Lopez', catering to women of all sizes. Additionally, she founded her production company, Nuyorican Productions, with manager Benny Medina.

November 2002: Engagement to Ben Affleck

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

2002: Starring in 'Enough' and 'Maid in Manhattan', Opening Madre's Restaurant, and Launching 'Glow by JLo'

In 2002, Jennifer Lopez starred in the thriller 'Enough' and the romantic comedy 'Maid in Manhattan'. She also opened Madre's, a Los Angeles restaurant serving Latin cuisine, and launched her first fragrance, 'Glow by JLo', which became the top-selling fragrance in the U.S.

Loading Video...

January 2003: Divorce from Cris Judd

In January 2003, Jennifer Lopez's marriage to Cris Judd ended in divorce.

September 14, 2003: Postponement of wedding to Ben Affleck

On September 14, 2003, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck postponed their planned wedding 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.

2004: Death of Paige Peterson

In 2004, Paige Peterson, an eleven-year-old cancer patient whom Jennifer Lopez befriended at the Children's Hospital Los Angeles, passed away. Lopez later dedicated her album 'Rebirth' (2005) to Peterson.

February 2008: Birth of Twins

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

February 2008: Birth of Twins and Career Break

In February 2008, Jennifer Lopez gave birth to twins and subsequently took a career break. Her restaurant Madre's closed permanently, as did her two fashion lines.

2009: Purchase of Miami Dolphins stake

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

2009: Launch of Lopez Family Foundation

In 2009, Jennifer Lopez launched the Lopez Family Foundation (originally known as the Maribel Foundation) alongside her sister, Lynda. The organization works to increase healthcare access for underprivileged women and children.

July 2011: Announcement of separation from Marc Anthony

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

October 2011: Start of relationship with Casper Smart

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

2011: Release of 'Love?', Brand Ambassadorships, and Launch of Jennifer Lopez Collection

In 2011, Jennifer Lopez released her seventh studio album, 'Love?'. She also became a brand ambassador for L'Oréal, Gilette Venus, Tous, and Fiat. Additionally, she launched the Jennifer Lopez Collection with Tommy Hilfiger for Kohl's, generating significant sales.

April 2012: Marc Anthony files for divorce

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

December 2012: Charity drive for favorite charities

In December 2012, Jennifer Lopez held a charity drive to benefit the Gloria Wise Boys and Girls Club, the Children's Hospital Los Angeles, and the American Red Cross, primarily benefiting victims of Hurricane Sandy.

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 for him.

2012: Return to American Idol, Release of 'Dance Again... the Hits', and Launch of Dance Again World Tour and Teeology

In 2012, Jennifer Lopez returned as a judge for American Idol's eleventh season. She released her greatest hits album, 'Dance Again... the Hits', launched the Dance Again World Tour, and launched Teeology, a luxury T-shirt brand.

Loading Video...

June 2013: amfAR Humanitarian Award

In June 2013, amfAR presented Jennifer Lopez with its humanitarian award for her philanthropic work.

June 2014: Divorce from Marc Anthony finalized

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

May 2015: Celebrity spokesperson for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals

In May 2015, Jennifer Lopez became the first celebrity spokesperson for the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and the BC Children's Hospital Foundation (BCCHF), appearing in a campaign entitled "Put Your Money Where the Miracles Are".

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.

Loading Video...

August 2016: End of relationship with Casper Smart

In August 2016, Jennifer Lopez's on-again, off-again relationship with Casper Smart ended.

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 that October.

February 2017: Start of relationship with Alex Rodriguez

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

September 2017: Donation and launch of Somos Una Voz

In September 2017, Jennifer Lopez donated $1 million from the proceeds of her Las Vegas residency to humanitarian aid for Puerto Rico following Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria. Along with Marc Anthony, she launched a humanitarian relief campaign entitled 'Somos Una Voz'.

March 2019: Engagement to Alex Rodriguez

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

June 2020: Attendance at Black Lives Matter protest

In June 2020, Jennifer Lopez attended a Black Lives Matter movement protest in Los Angeles, in connection with the broader George Floyd protests.

2020: Super Bowl halftime show performance

During her Super Bowl halftime show performance in 2020, Jennifer Lopez performed her song "Let's Get Loud" while cloaked in a large Puerto Rican flag, with children in metal cages displayed on the field as a statement about the Mexico–United States border crisis and Trump's immigration policy.

Loading Video...

January 2021: Inauguration Performance and Business Ventures

In January 2021, Jennifer Lopez performed at the inauguration of President Joe Biden and focused on business ventures, including launching JLo Beauty and investing in various companies.

JLO BEAUTY That Blockbuster Hydrating Cream | Plumps, Nourishes, Hydrates, Visibly Smooths & Reduces Fine Lines and Wrinkles | 1.7 Ounce

Check it on Amazon

March 2021: Statement regarding relationship with Alex Rodriguez

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

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.

September 2021: Launch of Limitless Labs

In September 2021, Jennifer Lopez launched her own philanthropic organization, Limitless Labs, that supports and empowers Latina entrepreneurs and business owners.

2021: Performance at Joe 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 working "Let's Get Loud" into the performance.

Loading Video...

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 the first proposal.

June 2022: Partnership with Grameen America

In June 2022, Jennifer Lopez and Limitless Labs partnered with nonprofit Grameen America as a national ambassador to empower women-led Latina businesses with $14 billion in business loans and "6 million hours of financial education and training by 2030."

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

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

2023: Expressed solidarity with people of Gaza Strip

In 2023, Jennifer Lopez expressed solidarity with the people of the Gaza Strip during the Israel–Hamas war and signed a letter urging President Joe Biden to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

April 26, 2024: Date of separation from Ben Affleck

April 26, 2024, Jennifer Lopez cited as the separation date from Ben Affleck when filing for divorce.

June 2024: Cancellation of This Is Me... Live Tour

Jennifer Lopez was set to embark on the This Is Me... Live North American tour beginning in June 2024, but cancelled it to spend more time with her family.

August 20, 2024: Filed for divorce from Ben Affleck

On August 20, 2024, Jennifer Lopez filed for divorce from Ben Affleck.

2024: Endorsement of Kamala Harris

In 2024, Jennifer Lopez endorsed Kamala Harris during her presidential campaign, speaking at a Las Vegas rally for Harris, pushing back on remarks made at Trump's rally at Madison Square Garden which were deemed offensive to Puerto Ricans.

2025: Divorce with Ben Affleck Finalized

In 2025, the divorce of Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck was finalized.

2030: Goal for Grameen America partnership

By 2030, Jennifer Lopez's partnership with Grameen America aims to empower women-led Latina businesses with $14 billion in business loans and 6 million hours of financial education and training.