Tell me a bio of Ricky Martin.

Include key facts about their life, career, achievements, and impact.

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**Ricky Martin: A Legendary Singer, Actor, and Activist**

Enrique Martín Morales, professionally known as Ricky Martin, is a Puerto Rican singer, actor, and record producer. Born on December 24, 1971, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Martin has become a global icon in the entertainment industry.

**Early Life and Career**

Ricky Martin grew up in a musical family and began performing at a young age. He joined the Puerto Rican boy band Menudo in 1984, at the age of 12, and spent 8 years with the group, touring extensively and gaining international recognition. After leaving Menudo, Martin pursued a solo career, releasing his debut album in 1991.

**Breakthrough and Success**

Martin's breakthrough album, "Me Amaras," was released in 1993, but it was his 1995 album "A Medio Vivir" that catapulted him to international stardom. The album included the hit single "María," which topped the charts in several countries. Martin's subsequent albums, including "Vuelve" (1998) and "Ricky Martin" (1999), solidified his position as a global superstar.

**Acting Career**

In addition to his music career, Martin has also had a successful acting career. He played the role of Miguel Morez on the popular soap opera "General Hospital" from 1994 to 1995. Martin's breakout role came in 2006 when he played the lead in the Broadway musical "Evita," earning a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical.

**Achievements and Impact**

Throughout his career, Ricky Martin has achieved numerous accolades, including:

* 3 Grammy Awards
* 2 American Music Awards
* 2 Billboard Music Awards
* 1 Latin Grammy Award
* 1 MTV Video Music Award
* 1 star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Martin has also been recognized for his philanthropic work, particularly in the area of LGBTQ+ rights. In 2010, he publicly came out as gay, becoming a role model for the LGBTQ+ community.

**Personal Life**

Martin has been married to Jwan Yosef, a Swedish artist, since 2017. The couple has two sons, Matteo and Valentino. Martin is also a devoted father to his twin sons, born via surrogacy in 2008.

**Legacy**

Ricky Martin's impact on the entertainment industry cannot be overstated. He has inspired countless artists and fans around the world with his music, acting, and advocacy. As a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ rights, Martin continues to use his platform to promote acceptance and inclusivity. With a career spanning over three decades, Ricky Martin remains a beloved and respected figure in the entertainment industry.
Ricky Martin is a Puerto Rican singer, actor, and record producer. Born Enrique José Martín Morales on December 24, 1971, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, he is the eighth of eight siblings. Martin's early life was marked by a supportive family, who encouraged his love for music from a young age.

**Early Career and Rise to Fame**

Martin began his career as a member of the Puerto Rican boy band Menudo in 1984. He was just 12 years old at the time and stayed with the group for eight years, performing in over 3,000 concerts in numerous countries. In 1992, Martin decided to leave Menudo and pursue a solo career. He signed with Columbia Records and released his debut album, "Ricky Martin," in 1991, which included the hit single "Freestyle." However, it was his second album, "Me Amaras" (1993), that gained him popularity in Puerto Rico and Latin America.

**Breakthrough and Global Success**

Martin's breakthrough came with the release of his third studio album, "A medio vivir" (1995), which spawned the hit singles "Maria" and "Te Extraño, Te Olvido, Te Amo." The album sold over 5 million copies worldwide and marked the beginning of Martin's global success. He soon released his self-titled album, "Ricky Martin" (1999), which included the hit singles "La Copa de la Vida" and "Livin' La Vida Loca." The album sold over 22 million copies worldwide, making Martin one of the best-selling Latin artists of all time.

**Acting Career and Personal Life**

In addition to his music career, Martin has also pursued an acting career. He has appeared in numerous stage productions, including Broadway shows, and has had roles in films and television series such as "General Hospital," "American Family," and "After Hours." In 2011, Martin announced that he was gay, coming out in a televised interview. He has been married to Jwan Yosef, a Swedish artist, since 2017.

**Achievements and Impact**

Throughout his career, Martin has received numerous accolades, including:

* 3 Grammy Awards
* 11 Latin Grammy Awards
* 2 Billboard Music Awards
* 5 American Music Awards
* 7 Billboard Latin Music Awards

Martin has also been recognized for his philanthropic work, particularly in the area of LGBTQ+ rights and children's welfare. He has been involved with various charitable organizations, including the Latin Grammy Foundation, UNICEF, and the Ricky Martin Foundation, which he founded in 1998.

**Legacy**

Ricky Martin is widely regarded as one of the most successful and influential Latin artists of all time. His music and cultural impact have helped to popularize Latin music worldwide and pave the way for other Latin artists. Martin's legacy extends beyond his music, as he has also been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and has used his platform to raise awareness about social issues affecting the Latinx community.