50 Facts About Lily Allen

Early Life and Family Background

Lily Allen's journey began in a vibrant and artistic family. Her early years were filled with unique experiences that shaped her future.

1. Lily Rose Beatrice Allen was born on May 2, 1985, in Hammersmith, London.
2. Her father, Keith Allen, is an actor, while her mother, Alison Owen, is a film producer.
3. Lily has an older sister, Sarah, and a younger brother, Alfie Allen, who is also an actor.
4. Alison Owen comes from a devoutly Catholic working-class Portsmouth family.
5. Lily is the goddaughter of Wild Colonials vocalist Angela McCluskey and third-cousin of singer Sam Smith.

Education and Early Musical Influences

Lily's education was as eclectic as her family life, and her early exposure to music set the stage for her career.

6. Lily attended 13 schools due to her family's frequent moves, including King Charles III's junior alma mater, Hill House School, Millfield, and Bedales School.
7. At age three, she appeared in an episode of The Comic Strip Presents… titled "The Yob," which her father co-wrote.
8. When she was four, her father left the family, and they lived on a council estate before settling in Islington.
9. She was close to The Clash singer and guitarist Joe Strummer during her early childhood.
10. At eleven, former University of Victoria music student Rachel Santesso overheard Lily singing "Wonderwall" by Oasis and began giving her singing lessons.

Musical Talents and Early Career

Lily's natural musical abilities and early career moves laid the groundwork for her future success.

11. Lily played the piano to grade 5 standard and achieved grade 8 in singing.
12. She also played violin, guitar, and trumpet and was a member of a chamber choir.
13. Her first solo performance was "In the Bleak Midwinter."
14. In 1998, she appeared in the music video for the Fat Les song "Vindaloo."
15. At fifteen, Lily dropped out of school, deciding not to spend her life preparing for a conventional career.

Breakthrough and Debut Album

Lily's breakthrough came with her debut single and album, which catapulted her to fame.

16. Her musical career began in 2005 when she was signed to Regal Recordings and started publishing her vocal recordings on Myspace.
17. Her 2006 debut commercial single, "Smile," reached number one on the UK Singles Chart and received double platinum certification.
18. Lily's debut studio album, Alright, Still, was released in 2006, exploring ska and reggae.
19. The album peaked at number two on the UK Albums Chart and sold over 2.6 million copies worldwide.
20. Alright, Still earned a Grammy Award nomination for Best Alternative Music Album and spawned the singles "LDN" and "Alfie."

Evolution and Continued Success

Lily's music evolved over time, leading to continued success and critical acclaim.

21. Her second studio album, It's Not Me, It's You, released in 2009, shifted towards electropop.
22. The album debuted atop the UK Albums Chart and the Australian ARIA Charts.
23. It spawned hit singles like "The Fear," "Not Fair," and "Fuck You."
24. Lily received the Brit Award for British Female Solo Artist at the 2010 Brit Awards.
25. She and Amy Winehouse were credited with starting a process that led to the "year of the women" media label in 2009.

Later Albums and Ventures

Lily continued to release music and explore new ventures, showcasing her versatility.

26. Her third album, Sheezus, released in 2014, peaked atop the UK Albums Chart.
27. Her fourth album, No Shame, released in 2018, peaked at number eight.
28. In 2008, she hosted her own television talk show, Lily Allen and Friends, on BBC Three.
29. In 2009, she was named the face of the National Portrait Gallery's marketing campaign.
30. Karl Lagerfeld hired her for a Chanel campaign to promote a luxury line of handbags.

Business Ventures and Philanthropy

Lily's entrepreneurial spirit and philanthropic efforts have made significant impacts.

31. In 2010, Lily and her sister opened a clothing store titled "Lucy in Disguise."
32. In January 2011, she launched her own record label, In the Name Of, with financial backing from Sony Music.
33. The label released Tom Odell's debut album but closed in 2014.
34. In May 2016, she launched her second record label, Bank Holiday Records.
35. British-American R&B singer Celeste was one of the first artists to sign to the label.

Personal Life and Advocacy

Lily's personal life and advocacy work have also been in the spotlight, reflecting her multifaceted personality.

36. On September 20, 2018, she published her memoir My Thoughts Exactly with Blink Publishing.
37. The memoir was nominated for the FutureBook Campaign of the Year and listed among the best celebrity memoirs of 2018.
38. In October 2020, she collaborated with the sex tech company Womanizer to create her own sex toy called "Liberty."
39. Lily is the chief liberation officer at Womanizer and heads their #IMasturbate campaign.
40. She has actively participated in charity work, supporting organizations like War Child and Oxfam.

Awards and Recognition

Lily's talent and contributions have been recognized with numerous awards and accolades.

41. She has won awards including the Brit Awards, the Ivor Novello Awards, and the NME Awards.
42. Lily is a mother of two daughters, Ethel Mary and Marnie Rose, from her previous marriage to Sam Cooper.
43. The couple finalized their "friendly divorce" in June 2018 and share custody of their children.
44. Known for her fashion sense, Lily has collaborated with brands like Chanel and launched her own fashion line called “Lily Loves.”
45. She has openly shared her struggles with depression and advocates for mental health awareness.

Advocacy and Social Media Presence

Lily uses her platform to advocate for important causes and connect with her fans.

46. She is a proud feminist, promoting gender equality and fighting against sexism in the music industry.
47. Lily has a strong presence on social media, using platforms like Twitter and Instagram to engage with her fans.
48. She has dabbled in acting, appearing in films like Elizabeth I and Ballet Shoes.
49. Lily is an avid supporter of Arsenal Football Club and has been seen attending matches.
50. Her unique sense of humor and witty remarks often shine through in her interviews and social media posts.

Lily Allen: A Multifaceted Talent

Lily Allen's journey through music, acting, and personal growth is nothing short of remarkable. From her early days on Myspace to topping charts with hits like "Smile" and "The Fear," she's consistently pushed boundaries. Her candidness about mental health, feminism, and personal struggles has made her a relatable and influential figure. Beyond music, she's ventured into fashion, TV hosting, and even launched her own sex toy. Her philanthropic efforts and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights further showcase her commitment to making a difference. With a career marked by evolution and resilience, Lily Allen remains a beloved and dynamic presence in the entertainment world. Whether through her catchy tunes, bold statements, or heartfelt memoir, she continues to captivate and inspire fans worldwide. Lily Allen's legacy is one of authenticity, creativity, and unwavering determination.