33 Facts About Queen Latifah

Early Life and Background

Queen Latifah, born Dana Elaine Owens, has a fascinating background that shaped her into the icon she is today.

1. 01Born on March 18, 1970, in Newark, New Jersey, Queen Latifah grew up in East Orange.
2. 02Her stage name, "Latifah," means "delicate" and "kind" in Arabic, a name she adopted at the age of eight.
3. 03She attended Catholic school, where she played on the basketball team.
4. 04Queen Latifah's parents divorced when she was ten, and she was raised primarily by her mother, Rita Owens.

Music Career

Queen Latifah's music career is nothing short of legendary, spanning several decades and genres.

5. 05She released her debut album, "All Hail the Queen," in 1989 at the age of 19.
6. 06Her hit single "Ladies First" became an anthem for female empowerment in hip-hop.
7. 07In 1994, she won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance for her song "U.N.I.T.Y."
8. 08Queen Latifah has released a total of seven studio albums, with her most recent, "Persona," coming out in 2009.

Acting Career

Queen Latifah's talents extend beyond music; she has also made a significant impact in the acting world.

9. 09She made her acting debut in the TV series "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" in 1991.
10. 10Her breakout role came in the 1996 film "Set It Off," where she played a bank robber named Cleo.
11. 11Queen Latifah starred in the hit TV show "Living Single" from 1993 to 1998.
12. 12She received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the 2002 musical "Chicago."
13. 13Queen Latifah has appeared in over 30 films, including "Hairspray," "Bringing Down the House," and "Girls Trip."

Business Ventures

Queen Latifah is not just an entertainer; she is also a savvy businesswoman.

14. 14She co-founded Flavor Unit Entertainment, a production company, in 1995.
15. 15Queen Latifah launched her own talk show, "The Queen Latifah Show," which aired from 1999 to 2001 and again from 2013 to 2015.
16. 16She has a line of cosmetics with CoverGirl, aimed at women of color.
17. 17Queen Latifah has also ventured into the world of fashion, launching her own clothing line, the Queen Collection, on the Home Shopping Network.

Philanthropy and Activism

Queen Latifah uses her platform to give back and advocate for important causes.

18. 18She is a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and has spoken openly about her support for the community.
19. 19Queen Latifah has worked with organizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the Lancelot H. Owens Scholarship Foundation, named after her late brother.
20. 20She has been involved in numerous charity events and fundraisers, including those for cancer research and education.

Personal Life

Queen Latifah's personal life is as intriguing as her professional one.

21. 21She has been open about her struggles with depression and the loss of her brother in a motorcycle accident in 1992.
22. 22Queen Latifah is a private person but has hinted at being in a long-term relationship with her partner, Eboni Nichols.
23. 23She became a mother in 2019, welcoming a son with Nichols.
24. 24Queen Latifah is a devout Christian and often speaks about her faith.

Awards and Honors

Queen Latifah's contributions to entertainment have not gone unnoticed.

25. 25She has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which she received in 2006.
26. 26Queen Latifah has won numerous awards, including a Golden Globe, three Screen Actors Guild Awards, and two NAACP Image Awards.
27. 27In 2011, she was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame.
28. 28Queen Latifah received the BET Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021.

Fun Facts

Here are some fun and lesser-known facts about Queen Latifah.

29. 29She is an avid motorcycle enthusiast and owns several bikes.
30. 30Queen Latifah voiced the character Ellie in the "Ice Age" film series.
31. 31She is a trained scuba diver and enjoys underwater adventures.
32. 32Queen Latifah has written a book titled "Ladies First: Revelations of a Strong Woman," published in 1999.
33. 33She once worked at Burger King before her rise to fame.

Queen Latifah: A True Icon

Queen Latifah's journey from a young rapper to a Hollywood star is nothing short of inspiring. Her talent and versatility have made her a household name. She's not just a rapper, but also an actress, producer, and entrepreneur. Her impact on the entertainment industry is undeniable, breaking barriers and setting new standards.

Her philanthropy and advocacy work show her dedication to making the world a better place. Queen Latifah's story is a testament to hard work, resilience, and staying true to oneself. Whether it's through her music, films, or charitable efforts, she continues to inspire and uplift others.

Queen Latifah's legacy will undoubtedly continue to grow, influencing future generations. Her life and career remind us that with passion and determination, anything is possible.