Is Selena Gomez Latina? Her Mexican and Italian Heritage Explained
09.13.2008 | By Jack Rico |
Quick Answer: Yes, Selena Gomez is Latina. She is half Mexican on her father’s side and half Italian on her mother’s side. She was named after the legendary Tejana singer Selena Quintanilla.
Before Selena Gomez became one of the most visible stars in pop culture, she spoke with ShowBizCafe about being Latina and carrying her Mexican heritage into mainstream entertainment.
Born on July 22, 1992, in Grand Prairie, Texas, Gomez grew up steeped in her Mexican roots, named after the most iconic Tejana in history. Now, at the promising age of 16, she is already being heralded as the next Jennifer Lopez. Gomez, who has quickly been establishing herself as a Latina powerhouse, has already marked her territory in television and music, with her sights set on dominating the film industry next. But how much do we know about the Latina heritage of the Wizards of Waverly Place star?
