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Selena Gomez Then and Now: The singer-actress is a fighter, rising after every fall over the years

The former Disney Channel star has had her share of highs and lows through the years
PUBLISHED OCT 6, 2023
From the 'Barney' playground to the red carpet spotlight! Dive into the enchanting evolution of Selena Gomez through the ages with these captivating photos (@selenagomez/Instagram, Getty Images)
From the 'Barney' playground to the red carpet spotlight! Dive into the enchanting evolution of Selena Gomez through the ages with these captivating photos (@selenagomez/Instagram, Getty Images)

How Selena Gomez blossomed into a superstar!

Selena Gomez at MTV Video Music Awards (Twitter/@vmas)
Selena Gomez at MTV Video Music Awards in 2023 (Twitter/@vmas)

Selena Gomez, now a global sensation, has faced a challenging journey to stardom. Hailing from Texas, her initial breakthrough occurred on 'Barney & Friends' in 2002, marking the humble beginnings of her dual career as an actress and singer.

Young star in the making 

Selena Gomez pictured in the childhood classic Barney & Friends (L) and The Wizards Of Waverly Place’ in 2007 (R) (@barneys/Youtube) (Disney Channel)
Selena Gomez pictured in the childhood classic Barney & Friends (L) and The Wizards Of Waverly Place’ in 2007 (R) (@barneys/Youtube, Disney Channel)

Between the ages of 10 and 12, Selena embarked on her first television venture, gracing the screen for 13 episodes on the iconic children's show, 'Barney & Friends'—a pivotal moment that set the stage for her meteoric rise. Fast forward to 2006, at the age of 14, Selena made a delightful appearance on an episode of Dylan and Cole Sprouse's Disney Channel hit, 'Suite Life of Zach and Cody'. The young star then joined the cast of 'The Wizards Of Waverly Place' in 2007, when she was just 14 years old!

The 'adulting' years  

(@selenagomez/Instagram)
Selena Gomez transitioned from being a child to a young adult on-screen as she explored a singing career (@selenagomez/Instagram)

Entering her late teenage years from 2008 to 2010, Selena Gomez navigated the transition into adulthood both on and off screen. Her journey included an expanded role in the Disney realm with 'Sonny With a Chance', showcasing her growth during this pivotal phase. Meanwhile, she also graced the stage, delivering a performance at the Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis on August 15, 2010, as she continued to evolve both personally and professionally.

Selena Gomez starts dating Justin Bieber  

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 20:  Singers Selena Gomez (L) and Justin Bieber arrive at the 2011 Americ
Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber arrive at the 2011 American Music Awards (Getty Images)                     

The year 2011 was about Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber making stylish appearances award shows, solidying their relationship. However, the popular couple of the 20s broke up in 2018, making headlines. The years 2012 and 2013 witnessed Gomez striking poses for promotional photos for the film 'Spring Breakers.' The upcoming star took center stage in 2014, attending both the MTV Video Music Awards and the Billboard Music Awards.

From catwalks to kidney transplant

Honoree Selena Gomez (L) and Francia Raisa attend Billboard Women In Music 2017 at The Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland Center on November 30, 2017 in Hollywood, California.
Selena Gomez and Francia Raisa attend Billboard Women In Music 2017 at The Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland Center on November 30, 2017 in Hollywood, California (Getty Images)                     

The 2015 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show marked a moment of elegance for Selena Gomez, showcasing her slim and alluring presence as she celebrated her accomplishments in several movies that year. Fast forward to the 2017 American Music Awards, where she unveiled a cute short blonde bob, ushering in a new era of Selena as a confident boss babe. However, the same year presented challenges as Gomez underwent a kidney transplant, with one of her best friends, Francia Raisa, donating one of her kidneys to her. Following months of recovery, 2019 saw Selena radiating health and showcasing a glowing complexion at 'The Dead Don’t Die' New York premiere—an unmistakable sign of her resilience and well-being.

Mental health diagnosis and return to acting

Selena Gomez with Steve Martin and Martin Short in 'Only Murders in the Building' (Hulu)
Selena Gomez with Steve Martin and Martin Short in 'Only Murders in the Building' (Hulu)                     

In the year 2020 Gomez received a bipolar diagnosis. Even since, she has grown to be vocal about her mental health. The pandemic saw her change houses and star in the Hulu show 'Only Murders in the Building' alongside veteran comedians Steve Martin and Martin Short. It was her first series-regular role since 'Wizards of Waverly Place'.  Adding a touch of excitement, Elle magazine did a whole spread in August 2021, titled 'The Return of Selena Gomez', where the singer-actress with a short, blonde bob looked ready to take on the world.

Selena Gomez's documentary and music collab 'Calm Down'

'My Mind & Me' publicity poster (Apple TV+)
'My Mind & Me' publicity poster (Apple TV+)

In 2022, Selena Gomez unveiled her documentary, 'My Mind & Me' exclusively on AppleTV+. Shifting gears into 2023, the founder of Rare Beauty immersed herself in the production of the third season of her Hulu series, 'Only Murders in the Building'. September 2023 marked a glamorous moment for Selena as she graced the VMAs, donning a striking red floral lace dress. Notably, she garnered four nominations alongside Rema for their collaborative song, 'Calm Down'. Selena continues to make waves across various creative ventures in the entertainment industry.

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