Paula Abdul
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Early Life and Background
Paula Abdul was born in 1962 in San Fernando, California. She is the daughter of Harry Abdul and Lorraine M. Rykiss. Her father, Harry, was a member of the Syrian Jewish community, born in Syria, raised in Brazil, and later emigrated to the United States. Her mother, Lorraine, is a pianist of Ashkenazi Jewish descent from Manitoba, Canada, with roots tracing back to Ukraine. Paula holds dual citizenship in the United States and Canada. She has one sister named Wendy. Paula graduated from Van Nuys High School in the early 1980s, where she was an honor student and cheerleader.
Quick Facts
- Birth Date
- 19 Jun, 1962
- Age
- 57 yrs
- Citizenship
- United States of America
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- Birth Place
- San Fernando
- Education
- California State University, Northridge
Van Nuys High School - Gender
- Female
- Description
- American-Canadian singer and songwriter
- Spouse
- Emilio Estevez[1992-1994]
- Net Worth 2021
- 30 million
Early Inspirations and Dance Training
Paula developed a love for dance at a young age, inspired by classic Hollywood musicals—particularly the film Singin’ in the Rain featuring Gene Kelly. She trained extensively in tap, jazz, and ballet. Her passion for performing arts continued throughout her academic years. After high school, she attended California State University, where she was selected as a cheerleader during her freshman year.
Start in Entertainment and Rise to Fame
Paula Abdul began her professional career as a cheerleader for the Los Angeles Lakers at the age of 18. Her talent and dynamic performances quickly propelled her into the spotlight as a sought-after choreographer, coinciding with the rise of the music video era in the 1980s. She choreographed for prominent artists such as Janet Jackson, further cementing her reputation in the industry.
Music Career and Chart Success
During the late 1980s and early 1990s, Paula launched a successful singing career, releasing a series of hit pop singles. She achieved six number one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, tying her with Diana Ross for the seventh-most number-one hits by a female solo artist. Her music blended energetic pop with dance influences, and she became well known for songs such as “Straight Up,” “Forever Your Girl,” and “Opposites Attract.” Paula won a Grammy Award for Best Music Video – Short Form for "Opposites Attract." She also received a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography.
