Selena Gomez

Selena Marie Gomez (born July 22, 1992) is an American actress and singer best known for playing Alex Russo on the Disney Channel Original Series, Wizards of Waverly Place.
Gomez, an only child, was born in Grand Prairie, Texas to Ricardo Gomez and Mandy Teefy (née Cornett), a former stage actress who was 16 when Selena was born. Gomez's parents split when Gomez was five years old. Gomez's mother later remarried in 2006 to Brian Teefy. Gomez was named after singer Selena. Her father is from Mexico, and she has Italian ancestry on her mother's side.

Acting

Gomez began her acting career at the age of seven, playing Gianna, a recurring role in the children's television series Barney & Friends. Gomez said of being on the show during an interview in 2008: "I was very shy when I was little," and "I didn't know what 'camera right' was. I didn't know what blocking was. I learned everything from Barney" but after two seasons, "[producers] felt like I was getting a little too old, so I got the boot." In 2003 she had a cameo role in Spy Kids 3D. She also had a cameo role in Walker, Texas Ranger: Trial By Fire.

In 2004 Gomez was discovered by Disney at a nation wide scouting. Her first Disney role was in The Suite Life of Zack & Cody as Gwen. In 2007, she appeared on Hannah Montana as Hannah Montana's enemy, Mikayla.

In 2007, Gomez was cast in the Disney Channel Original Series, Wizards of Waverly Place as one of the three main characters, Alex Russo. In 2008 Gomez had a voice-over role as the Mayor's 96 daughters in Horton Hears a Who!. Also in 2008, Gomez appeared in Another Cinderella Story as Mary; the film was released as direct-to-DVD movie and then premiered on ABC Family in January 2009, the premiere was watched by 5.3 million viewer and was ranked as January 2009's No. 1 cable movie across all key demos. She was cast as Carter, an insecure tomboy in Princess Protection Program alongside Demi Lovato. In July 2008, Gomez appeared in the third annual edition of the Disney Channel Games. In 2008, Gomez hosted the second show of Disney Channel Original Series short-show Studio DC: Almost Live. In October 2008, Gomez launched a production company, July Moon Productions.

Music

Gomez recorded the theme song, "Everything Is Not What It Seems" for Wizards of Waverly Place. She contributed a cover of "Cruella de Vil" for the 101 Dalmatians platinum DVD; the song was also featured on DisneyMania 6. In 2008 She recorded three songs for soundtracks, including "Tell Me Something I Don't Know" for Another Cinderella Story.

In July 2008 she signed a record deal with Hollywood Records. During an interview with MTV in August 2008, Gomez announced that she was planning on releasing a debut album in 2009. Gomez said during the interview on the album that "I'm going to be in a band — no Selena Gomez stuff," and continued with "I'm not going to be a solo artist. I think that I don't want my name attached to it". People Magazine reported in May 2009 that the album was set for a September 2009 release. Gomez said during an interview with MTV that the album's music genre will have a pop rock feel to it, and that she plans to play instruments on some of the album's tracks, Gomez said "I will be singing, and I'm learning drums and playing electric guitar." In 2009, Gomez also recorded "One and the Same", a duet with Demi Lovato for Princess Protection Program; the song also appeared on the Disney Channel Playlist. Gomez recorded 4 songs for the Wizards of Waverly Place Soundtrack. Gomez also recorded a duet version of Whoa Oh! with Forever the Sickest Kids.

Personal life

Gomez is best friends with Demi Lovato, whom she has known since they met at the Barney & Friends auditions. After Gomez and Lovato posted a video on YouTube in March 2008, Miley Cyrus uploaded a parody of that video, which caught the interest of entertainment media. Reports included the theory that Gomez and Cyrus were arguing over Nick Jonas, or that Gomez and Lovato might replace Cyrus. On the issue of replacing Cyrus, Gomez clarified, "I'm not interested in being anybody but myself, and I'm not here to replace anyone. I think that she's a wonderful performer, and of course it's a compliment. But I would like to take a different route."

In July, 2008, shortly after Gomez was featured in the Jonas Brothers music video Burnin' Up, playing Nick Jonas's love interest, media outlets began to speculate that Gomez was in a relationship with Nick Jonas but Gomez responded by saying, "I've gotten really close to the entire Jonas family this past year," and, "Nick and I are getting to know each other, but we're not confirming anything".

Charities

Gomez participated in UR Votes Count campaign, the campaign helped encourage over teenagers to learn more about their Presidential Candidates (Barack Obama, and John McCain). In October 2008, Gomez was named a spokesperson for the 2008 Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign. Gomez said of being a spokesperson, “I am extremely excited to be this year’s Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF spokesperson”.

In October 2008, Gomez participated in St. Jude's Children's Hospital "Runway For Life" benefit. Gomez is the ambassador of Do Something.org after being involved with the charity Island Dog, which help dogs in Puerto Rico. She got involved with the charity while she was filming the Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie in Puerto Rico.

Gomez was featured in State Farm Insurance's TV commercials, which help inform drivers of the dangers of the road, and how to be a good driver. Gomez is also involved with the charity RAISE Hope For Congo. Gomez is involved with the origination's charity events and fundraising efforts. Gomez is also involved in Disney's Friends for Change. She recorded "Send it On" with fellow Disney stars for the charity.