Who is Samantha Fox? Samantha Karen Fox is a British singer, actress, and former glamour model who became a household name in the 1980s. Born on April 15, 1966, in Mile End, London, she first gained fame as a Page 3 model in The Sun newspaper. Her transition to music was marked by the release of her debut single, "Touch Me (I Want Your Body)," which became an international hit. Beyond her music and modeling career, Fox has appeared in films, TV shows, and reality TV. She is also known for her charitable work and advocacy for the LGBT+ community.
Key Takeaways:
- Samantha Fox, a 1980s cultural icon, began her journey as a model and transitioned into a successful music career, selling over 30 million records worldwide. She also made her mark in film, television, and philanthropy.
- Samantha Fox's multifaceted personality shines through her modeling, music, acting, and philanthropy. Her legacy as a pop sensation and LGBT+ icon continues to inspire new generations, making her a timeless cultural figure.
Early Life and Family
Samantha Fox's journey began in London, where her early years were shaped by her family's background and her budding interest in the arts.
- Birth and Early Life: Samantha Karen Fox was born on April 15, 1966, in Mile End, London, England.
- Family Background: Her mother, Carole Ann Wilkie, was an actress and former dancer, while her father, John Patrick Fox, worked as a builder.
- Theatre Interest: From age five, Fox attended the Anna Scher Theatre School, showing an early passion for acting.
- First Pop Band: At 14, she formed her first pop band, showcasing her early interest in music.
- Record Deal Signing: By 15, she had signed her first record deal with Lamborghini Records.
Rise to Fame as a Model
Samantha Fox's modeling career catapulted her into the limelight, making her one of the most recognized faces of the 1980s.
- Modelling Career: Fox's modeling career began when her mother entered her into the Sunday People’s 'Face and Shape of 1983' competition.
- Page 3 Girl: She became a regular Page 3 girl in The Sun newspaper from 1983 to 1986.
- Photographer’s Praise: The photographer who took her competition pictures praised her for having "the face of a child and the body of a woman."
- Iconic Status: By the late 1980s, she was one of the most photographed British women.
Music Career
Transitioning from modeling to music, Samantha Fox became a pop sensation with several chart-topping hits.
- Music Career: Fox attempted to launch a singing career in 1983.
- Debut Single: Her first single, "Touch Me (I Want Your Body)," released in March 1986, became a top-10 hit across Europe, North America, and Australia.
- Debut Album: Her debut studio album, Touch Me, was released in July 1986.
- Subsequent Albums: Fox released her second studio album, Samantha Fox, in 1987, followed by I Wanna Have Some Fun in 1988.
- Brit Awards Nomination: In 1988, Fox was nominated for Best British Female Solo Artist at the Brit Awards.
- Commercial Success: By the late 1980s, Fox had sold over 30 million records worldwide.
Acting and Television
Samantha Fox also made her mark in film and television, showcasing her versatility as an entertainer.
- Film and Television Career: Fox appeared in several films and television shows, including The Match (1999) and Sharknado 5: Global Swarming (2017).
- Reality TV Appearances: She participated in reality TV shows such as I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here (2009) and Celebrity Big Brother 18 (2016).
- TV Show Appearances: She made appearances on TV shows like Charles in Charge (1990) and Celebrity Come Dine With Me (2010).
Personal Life and Relationships
Fox's personal life, including her relationships and family dynamics, has been a subject of public interest.
- Personal Life: In 2003, Fox came out as a lesbian.
- Long-term Relationship: She was in a long-term relationship with her former manager Myra Stratton until Stratton's death in 2015.
- Current Relationship: Fox began a relationship with her tour manager Linda Birgitte Olsen, whom she married in 2022.
- Family Dynamics: Fox claims that her father violently assaulted her in 1991, leading to their estrangement.
- Legal Dispute: In 1991, Fox discovered that her father had embezzled over £1 million from her accounts, leading to a court settlement in 1995.
Philanthropy and Advocacy
Beyond her career, Samantha Fox has been actively involved in charitable activities and advocacy.
- Charitable Work: Fox has been involved in various charitable activities, including donating her favorite bra to a charity auction in 2008.
- LGBT Charity Campaign: In 2011, she appeared in a campaign for the Albert Kennedy Trust, an LGBT charity.
- Philanthropic Efforts: Fox has sold iconic outfits to charity auctions to raise money for various causes.
Martial Arts and Other Interests
Fox's interests extend beyond entertainment, including her skills in martial arts.
- Kickboxing Skills: Fox is an accomplished kickboxer with black belts in kung-fu and karate.
- Autobiography: Her autobiography, "Forever," was initially written under the title "A Fox For All Centuries."
- Theatre Background: Fox’s passion for theatre began at a young age, attending the Anna Scher Theatre School from age five.
Legacy and Impact
Samantha Fox's legacy as a cultural icon of the 1980s continues to inspire new generations.
- Cultural Icon: Fox is often regarded as a cultural icon of the 1980s.
- Greatest Hits Album: In 2009, a Greatest Hits album was issued, featuring some of her most popular tracks.
- Re-issued Albums: In 2012, her first four albums were re-issued as double deluxe CDs by Cherry Red.
- Recent Music Releases: In recent years, Fox has released new music, including a single and her tenth studio album, MOA Season 1.
- Horror Movie Appearance: Fox has also appeared in horror movies like Seven Cases (2015).
- Event Entertainment: With her fun and nostalgic style of performance, Fox is ideal for a wide range of events.
Fun Facts and Trivia
Here are some lesser-known facts and trivia about Samantha Fox that highlight her multifaceted personality.
- Early Adolescence Band Formation: At the age of 14, Fox formed her first pop band with Richard Smart, Edward Gallagher, and Bob Day.
- Manager’s Death: Stratton died of cancer in 2015, after which Fox began a relationship with her tour manager Linda Birgitte Olsen.
- Engagement and Marriage: Olsen proposed to Fox on Valentine’s Day in 2020, and they married on June 18, 2022.
- Kickboxing Achievements: Although she has never competed professionally, Fox holds black belts in kung-fu and karate.
- Discography Overview: Fox has released several studio albums throughout her career, including Touch Me (1986), Samantha Fox (1987), I Wanna Have Some Fun (1988), Just One Night (1991), 21st Century Fox (1997), and Angel with an Attitude (2005).
- Awards and Recognition: Despite not winning major awards, Fox has been nominated for several prestigious awards, including the Best British Female Solo Artist at the Brit Awards in 1988.
- Non-Commercial Contact: The agency managing her bookings does not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages, or any other non-commercial contact.
- Event Booking: To hire Samantha Fox for an event, one can contact the Champions Speakers Agency.
- LGBT+ Icon: As an openly gay icon, Fox has shown her support for the LGBT+ community by appearing in campaigns for organizations like the Albert Kennedy Trust.
- Associated Acts: Fox has collaborated with various artists, including the band Sox in the Eurovision Song Contest heats in 1995 and Swedish singer Gunther in 2004.
- International Recognition: Fox’s music career took off internationally, with her subsequent albums and singles achieving varying degrees of success across different regions.
- Chart-Topping Hits: Her debut single "Touch Me (I Want Your Body)" became a chart-topping hit in several countries, including Europe, North America, and Australia.
- Pop Sensation: By the late 1980s, Fox had become a bona fide pop sensation, captivating the hearts and minds of millions around the world with her music and provocative image.
- Model Portfolio Submission: Her mother submitted her portfolio to The Sun, which led to her being discovered as a model and becoming a regular Page 3 girl.
- First Pop Band: At the age of 14, Fox formed her first pop band.
Samantha Fox: A Multifaceted Icon
Samantha Fox's journey from a Page 3 model to a pop sensation and LGBT+ icon showcases her versatility and resilience. Her early interest in theatre, combined with her bold move into music, led to international hits like "Touch Me (I Want Your Body)." Despite personal challenges, including a legal dispute with her father and the loss of her partner Myra Stratton, Fox has remained a prominent figure in entertainment. Her commitment to charitable causes and support for the LGBT+ community further highlight her impact beyond the stage and screen. With a career spanning decades, Fox continues to inspire with her determination and adaptability. Whether through her music, acting, or advocacy, Samantha Fox has left an indelible mark on popular culture, proving that she is much more than just a pretty face.
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