Vanilla Ice, born Robert Matthew Van Winkle on October 31, 1967, in Dallas, Texas, is a well-known American rapper, television host, and actor. He never knew his biological father and took the surname of the man his mother was married to at the time of his birth. After his parents divorced when he was four, he alternated living between Dallas and Miami. His stepfather was a car dealer in Miami, where Van Winkle was exposed to the emerging hip hop culture that would later shape his career.
Drawn to poetry from a young age, he began expressing himself through breakdancing, which he started practicing at the age of 13. His friends nicknamed him "Vanilla" because he was the only white member of the crew. As he began performing at parties and with dance groups, he adopted the stage name Vanilla Ice.
At age 16, Vanilla Ice wrote what would become his breakout song, “Ice Ice Baby.” In 1985, he focused on motocross racing and even won three championships. However, a serious ankle injury sidelined his racing career, prompting him to redirect his energy toward music and dance.
His first major performance occurred after a dare from a friend led him to take the stage at a South Dallas nightclub. His performance was well-received, and the club's manager offered him a regular gig. In 1987, he was stabbed outside a nightclub and spent ten days recovering in the hospital. After recovering, he signed a contract with the club's owner, who also financed the music video for “Ice Ice Baby.” This track became a huge success, known as the first hip hop single to top the Billboard Hot 100.
| Birth Date: | 31 Oct, 1967 |
| Age: | 52 yrs |
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Birth Place: | Dallas |
| Gender: | Male |
| Description: | American rapper |
| Net Worth 2021: | 12 million |
