
Born 1971
GSan Juan, Puerto Rico
Ricky Martin is a Puerto Rican pop superstar and one of the architects of the late-1990s Latin pop explosion, known for "Livin' la Vida Loca," "She Bangs," and dozens of Spanish-language hits. For years he was one of the most scrutinized closeted celebrities in the world, deflecting questions from Barbara Walters and other journalists who pressed him on live television. On March 29, 2010, he came out as gay in a statement on his official website, writing: "I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man. I am very blessed to be who I am." He has since married Syrian-Swedish artist Jwan Yosef (2017–2023) and has four children. Martin has become a passionate advocate for marriage equality, immigration rights, and LGBTQ+ rights across Latin America, and has spoken candidly about the toll that years of hiding his identity took on his mental health.