Celebrities

Susie Essman Net Worth

Susan ‘Susie’ Essman, born on May 31, 1955, is an American stand-up comedian, actress, writer, and producer. She is widely recognized for her role as Susie Greene in the HBO comedy series ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm,’ where her character’s foul-mouthed and abrasive personality has become a signature element of the show. Essman began her career in the late 1970s, performing stand-up comedy in New York City clubs. She gained prominence throughout the 1980s, appearing at venues like Catch a Rising Star and The Comic Strip. Besides ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm,’ she has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including ‘Broad City,’ ‘Law & Order,’ and ‘Crank Yankers,’ and has also done voice work for animated series such as ‘American Dad!’ and ‘Bolt’. In 2009, she published her book ‘What Would Susie Say?’ Essman remains an active figure in comedy, celebrated for her fearless humor and memorable characters.

Biz Markie Net Worth

Marcel Theo Hall (April 8, 1964 – July 16, 2021), most famously known as Biz Markie, was an American rapper, DJ, and record producer. He rose to prominence in the late 1980s, becoming a household name with his hit single “Just a Friend” in 1989. Often referred to as the “Clown Prince of Hip Hop,” Biz Markie was celebrated for his humorous and lighthearted approach to music, distinguishing himself from many of his contemporaries who focused on more serious themes. Markie began his music career as a beatboxer for Roxanne Shante and the Juice Crew, before branching out on his own. His debut album, “Goin’ Off,” was released in 1988 and he followed up with “The Biz Never Sleeps” which featured “Just a Friend,” his most commercially successful song. Besides his music, Biz Markie was known for his acting roles, including appearances in “Men in Black II”, TV shows like “In Living Color,” “Yo Gabba Gabba!”, and “Celebrity Fit Club.” He also worked as a DJ, and continued to perform live shows and make guest appearances throughout his career. His innovative contributions to hip hop and entertainment have left a lasting legacy. He passed away on July 16, 2021, at the age of 57, due to complications from diabetes.

Lyle Lovett Net Worth

Lyle Pearce Lovett, born on November 1, 1957, is an American singer, songwriter, actor, and record producer. Active in the music industry since 1980, Lovett has carved a unique niche for himself by blending country, folk, swing, jazz, bebop, blues, and gospel elements into his music. He graduated from Texas A&M University with degrees in German and journalism. Lovett began his music career performing in the Texas folk acoustic scene. He’s released 14 albums and 25 singles, and his highest-charting single is ‘Cowboy Man,’ which reached number 10 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. He has won four Grammy Awards, including Best Male Country Vocal Performance and Best Country Album. Beyond music, Lovett has also appeared in several films, including those directed by Robert Altman, and television shows.

Dexter Holland Net Worth

Bryan Keith ‘Dexter’ Holland, born on December 29, 1965, is an American singer, rhythm guitarist, songwriter, and entrepreneur. He is best known as the frontman of the rock band The Offspring. Dexter graduated as valedictorian and later earned a B.S. in biology and an M.S. in molecular biology from the University of Southern California and obtained a Ph.D. in molecular biology in 2017. Holland’s first band, Manic Subsidal, formed in 1984, later becoming The Offspring in 1985. The Offspring achieved commercial success with their album ‘Smash,’ selling over 11 million copies worldwide. Beyond music, Holland is a successful entrepreneur, launching the hot sauce brand Gringo Bandito in 2004, which has sold millions of bottles. In 1994, Holland co-founded Nitro Records. He is also a licensed pilot.

Jon Bauman Net Worth

Jon ‘Bowzer’ Bauman, born on September 14, 1947, is an American singer, actor, writer, and television personality. He is most famously known as a member of the rock ‘n’ roll revival group Sha Na Na, where he created his iconic ‘Bowzer’ persona—a humorous greaser with a muscle shirt and slicked-back hair, which became a cultural icon in the 1970s and 1980s. Bauman started attending The Juilliard School at age 12 with an expertise in piano playing, and he is a 1964 graduate of Martin Van Buren High School and a 1968 graduate of Columbia University. Beyond his music career, he has made significant contributions to television, voice acting, and advocacy for musicians’ rights. He was also a VJ on VH-1. Bauman continues to perform and is involved in political activism, campaigning for Democratic candidates and advocating for Social Security and Medicare. He is also the co-author of the Truth in Music Bill, designed to stop imposter musical groups and protect elderly Americans’ rights.

Luis Miguel Net Worth

Luis Miguel Gallego Basteri, known as Luis Miguel, is a highly successful Mexican singer, often referred to as ‘El Sol de México’ (The Sun of Mexico). Born on April 19, 1970, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, he began his musical career at a young age and quickly rose to fame in Latin America. He is renowned for his well-produced albums and captivating live performances, performing various musical styles including pop, bolero, mariachi, and romantic ballads. Miguel’s career took off in 1982 with his first album, ‘Un Sol’. He achieved international recognition and has won multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy Awards, including his first Grammy at the age of 14 for his duet with Sheena Easton. He is the only Latin artist to have two Spanish-language albums certified platinum in the United States. Beyond music, Luis Miguel has also ventured into acting, appearing in films like ‘Ya Nunca Más’ and ‘Fiebre de Amor’. He is also known for his passion for wine and haute cuisine, even releasing his own vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon.

Jan-Michael Vincent Net Worth

Jan-Michael Vincent (July 15, 1944 – February 10, 2019) was an American actor best known for his role as helicopter pilot Stringfellow Hawke on the 1980s television series ‘Airwolf’ (1984–1986), and for his role in the 1978 surfing film ‘Big Wednesday.’ His career began in the late 1960s, after being discovered by a talent scout, and he quickly rose to fame in the 1970s, often portraying rebellious young men. Despite his success, Vincent’s career was marked by personal struggles, including battles with alcoholism and substance abuse, which led to legal issues and a decline in his professional life. During the peak of his ‘Airwolf’ fame, he was one of the highest-paid actors on television. However, after leaving ‘Airwolf,’ he appeared in lower-budget films. In his later years, he faced various health issues and passed away due to cardiac arrest in 2019.

Graham Patrick Martin Net Worth

Graham Patrick Martin is an American actor with a net worth of $4 million. He was born in Metairie, Louisiana, in November 1991. He is best known for his roles as Eldridge Mackelroy on ‘Two and a Half Men’ (2010-2012) and as Rusty Beck on ‘Major Crimes’ (2012-2018). Martin began his acting career at a young age, attending French Woods Festival of the Performing Arts summer camp. He has also appeared in several films, including ‘The Girl Next Door,’ ‘Rising Stars,’ and ‘Somewhere Slow.’ Other television credits include ‘The Bill Engvall Show’ (2007-2009), where he played Trent Pearson, ‘Law & Order: Criminal Intent,’ ‘iCarly,’ ‘Jonas,’ ‘Good Luck Charlie,’ ‘The Closer,’ ‘The Anna Nicole Story,’ ‘Impastor,’ and ‘The Good Doctor.’ Martin lived in New York City and attended Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, where he majored in drama. According to a TNT Newsroom interview, he considers himself a ‘New Yorker from New Orleans who lives in Los Angeles.’

Aaron Lewis Net Worth

Aaron Lewis, born on April 13, 1972, is an American musician renowned as the lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and founding member of the rock band Staind. With Staind, he achieved significant success in the late 1990s and early 2000s, becoming a prominent figure in the post-grunge and nu-metal movements. Staind’s breakthrough album, ‘Break the Cycle’ (2001), sold millions of copies worldwide, solidifying their place in rock history. Known for his powerful voice and emotionally driven lyrics, Lewis has also pursued a solo career in country music since 2010, embracing his roots and showcasing a more acoustic style. His outspoken nature and unapologetic views have made him an influential, albeit polarizing, figure in both rock and country music. He resides in Massachusetts with his wife and daughters. Lewis’s musical journey reflects a diverse range of influences, from his early exposure to country music through his grandfather to his later success in rock and his eventual return to country.

William Katt Net Worth

William Theodore Katt, born on February 16, 1951, is an American actor, musician, and director. He is the son of actors Bill Williams and Barbara Hale, and began his acting career in his teens. He gained initial recognition for his role as Tommy Ross in the 1976 horror film ‘Carrie’. Katt is widely known for his starring role as Ralph Hinkley in the television series ‘The Greatest American Hero’ (1981-1983). In addition to ‘Carrie’ and ‘The Greatest American Hero’, Katt has appeared in films such as ‘First Love’ (1977), ‘Big Wednesday’ (1978), and ‘Butch and Sundance: The Early Days’ (1979). He continues to act in television and film, and also does voice acting. He has also directed films such as ‘Clean and Narrow’ (2000).

Ana de Armas Net Worth

Ana de Armas is a Cuban-Spanish actress who has achieved international recognition for her work in both Spanish-language and English-language films. Born in Havana, Cuba, on April 30, 1988, she began her acting career in her native country before moving to Spain at the age of 18. In Spain, she gained popularity for her role in the teen drama series ‘El Internado’. Seeking further opportunities, de Armas moved to Los Angeles in 2014 and started her Hollywood career. She initially struggled with the English language but quickly learned it. Her breakthrough in Hollywood came with roles in films like ‘Blade Runner 2049’ and ‘Knives Out,’ the latter earning her a Golden Globe nomination. She has since starred in major productions like the James Bond film ‘No Time to Die’ and ‘Blonde,’ where she portrayed Marilyn Monroe, earning her an Academy Award nomination. Her estimated net worth is $20 million as of 2024.

David Venable Net Worth

David Venable is an American broadcast journalist, TV personality, and author, best known for hosting ‘In the Kitchen with David’ on QVC since 2009. Born on November 12, 1964, in Charlotte, North Carolina, Venable earned a bachelor’s degree in Radio, Television, and Motion Pictures from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Before joining QVC in 1993, where he initially promoted gourmet food products, he worked as a news anchor and reporter for WOAY-TV in West Virginia and WTAJ-TV in Pennsylvania. His show, ‘In the Kitchen with David,’ has garnered a large viewership and features gourmet foods, cookware, and cookbooks. While not a chef, Venable is considered QVC’s resident foodie and has also written cookbooks, one of which became a best-selling cookbook for QVC. He is known for his warm manner and connection with his viewers.

Charlie McDermott Net Worth

Charlie McDermott is an American actor and director born on April 6, 1990, in West Chester, Pennsylvania. He began his acting career in 2004 and gained recognition for his role as Axl Heck in the television series “The Middle” (2009-2018). McDermott’s early exposure to filmmaking sparked his interest in acting, leading to a small role in M. Night Shyamalan’s “The Village” (2004). He appeared in TV series, including “Windy Acres”. He moved to Los Angeles at 16. McDermott has also starred in movies such as “Frozen River”, “Sex Drive”, and “Hot Tub Time Machine”. Beyond acting, McDermott has also ventured into directing, with credits including the short film “Layla” and an episode of “The Middle”. In 2020, he released experimental folk music, with his debut album Some Things Fall Out of Your Hands. In 2022, he released a second album, Blind Warm Weight. He married Sara Rejaie in 2017.

Richard Sandrak Net Worth

Richard Sandrak, also known as Little Hercules, is a Ukrainian-American former bodybuilder, martial artist, stuntman, and actor. He gained fame in 2005 for his muscular physique at a young age. Born in Ukraine on April 15, 1992, he moved to Pennsylvania at a young age and began training in martial arts and bodybuilding. He rose to prominence as a child, earning the nickname ‘Little Hercules’ due to his incredible strength. Sandrak appeared in the documentary ‘The World’s Strongest Boy’ and starred in the movie ‘Little Hercules in 3-D’ in 2009. However, he eventually grew tired of bodybuilding and transitioned into stunt work. As of 2015, he was working as a stuntman at Universal Studios Hollywood, performing dangerous stunts such as setting himself on fire and diving from heights. Although his early career was marked by intense training and scrutiny, Sandrak has expressed pride in his past and now pursues his interests while maintaining a low profile.

Hasan Piker Net Worth

Hasan Doğan Piker, also known as HasanAbi, is a Turkish-American online streamer, YouTuber, influencer, and left-wing political commentator. Born on July 25, 1991, he gained prominence through his engaging streams on Twitch, where he discusses politics, social issues, and current events, often from a socialist perspective. He was raised in Istanbul, Turkey and later moved back to the U.S. for college, graduating from Rutgers University with degrees in political science and communication studies. Piker initially worked for The Young Turks (TYT), a progressive news network founded by his uncle Cenk Uygur, before transitioning to a full-time streaming career. On Twitch, Hasan has amassed a large following. His content includes political commentary, gaming, and media consumption. He is known for his outspoken opinions and has been involved in several controversies due to his political views. He has been a vocal advocate for left-leaning causes and is known for his critiques of capitalism. He has also used his platform to raise funds for various relief efforts. His success on Twitch has led to recognition, including a Streamy Award for news. He owns a house in West Hollywood, California.

Ernie Hudson Net Worth

Earnest Lee “Ernie” Hudson (born December 17, 1945) is an American actor with a career spanning over four decades. He is widely recognized for his role as Winston Zeddemore in the iconic “Ghostbusters” film franchise. Beyond Ghostbusters, Hudson has showcased his versatility in numerous films and television series, demonstrating his ability to tackle diverse roles across various genres. Some of his notable film appearances include “The Crow,” “The Hand That Rocks the Cradle,” “Congo,” “The Basketball Diaries,” and “Miss Congeniality.” He also played Warden Leo Glynn in the HBO series “Oz”. His extensive work in television includes roles in series such as “Grace and Frankie” etc. Hudson’s career reflects not only his talent and dedication to acting but also his ability to adapt and remain relevant in the ever-evolving entertainment industry. He is also a playwright. He began his career with the 1976 biographical musical drama movie Leadbelly, based on the legendary folksinger Huddie Ledbetter.

Emilio Estevez Net Worth

Emilio Estevez, born on May 12, 1962, in New York City, is an accomplished American actor, director, and writer. He is the eldest son of actor Martin Sheen and comes from an acting family, including his brother Charlie Sheen. Estevez gained prominence as a member of the ‘Brat Pack’ in the 1980s, starring in iconic films such as ‘The Breakfast Club,’ ‘St. Elmo’s Fire,’ and ‘The Outsiders.’ His career expanded beyond acting, and he has directed films like ‘Bobby’ and ‘The Way’, showcasing his talents as a filmmaker. Estevez has also directed episodes of popular television shows, including ‘Cold Case’ and ‘CSI: NY’. Besides his work in the entertainment industry, he also runs his own vineyard, producing artisanal wine. Emilio Estevez has established himself as a versatile and respected figure in Hollywood, known for both his acting and directing contributions.

Perri “Pebbles” Reid Net Worth

Perri Arlette Reid (born August 29, 1964), known professionally as Pebbles, is an American singer-songwriter, businesswoman, record producer, and executive. She gained prominence in the late 1980s and early 1990s with hits like “Girlfriend” and “Mercedes Boy.” Beyond her solo career, Pebbles founded Pebbitone Inc., a production company that managed the Grammy Award-winning group TLC. However, conflicts arose regarding financial management, leading to TLC’s bankruptcy filing and damaging Pebbles’ marriage to L.A. Reid. In 1997, she had a religious conversion, becoming Sister Perri and founding Women of God Changing Lives Ministries. She continues to be involved in ministry while her musical legacy remains a significant part of the R&B landscape. She is also the cousin of R&B singer Cherrelle.

Deidre Hall Net Worth

Deidre Hall is an American actress and model, born on October 31, 1947. She is widely recognized for her role as Dr. Marlena Evans on the NBC/Peacock daytime drama ‘Days of Our Lives,’ a character she has portrayed for over 45 years, joining the show in 1976. Before ‘Days of Our Lives,’ Hall worked as a model and appeared in various television shows, including ‘Emergency!’ and ‘Electra Woman and Dyna Girl’. Her portrayal of Marlena Evans has earned her numerous awards, solidifying her status as a soap opera icon. Hall has also been involved in various other projects, including television movies and guest appearances on other shows. In addition to her acting career, Hall has been an advocate for fertility treatments and has shared her personal journey to motherhood publicly. She received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2016. She also gives back to the community and is involved with charities such as St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and the Wounded Warrior Project.

Jane Leeves Net Worth

Jane Elizabeth Leeves (born April 18, 1961) is an English actress, comedian, dancer and producer. She is best known for her role as Daphne Moon on the NBC sitcom Frasier (1993–2004), for which she was nominated for an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award. She also played Joy Scroggs on TV Land’s sitcom Hot in Cleveland. Leeves made her screen debut with a small role in 1983 on the British television comedy programme The Benny Hill Show, and appeared as a dancer in Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life. She moved to the United States, where she performed in small roles. From 1986 to 1988, she played her first leading character in the sitcom Throb, then secured brief recurring parts in the sitcoms Seinfeld and Murphy Brown. In 2018, she began appearing in the Fox medical drama The Resident as Dr. Kit Voss. Leeves has made her mark in the entertainment world, acting in television, theater, and film over the past 20 years.

Cynthia Lennon Net Worth

Cynthia Lennon (née Powell; 1939-2015) was the first wife of John Lennon. She was born in Blackpool, Lancashire, England. She met John Lennon at the Liverpool College of Art. They married in 1962, and their son Julian Lennon was born in 1963. Their marriage occurred during the height of Beatlemania. The couple divorced in 1968 after John Lennon began a relationship with Yoko Ono. Cynthia wrote two memoirs about her life with John Lennon: ‘A Twist of Lennon’ (1978) and ‘John’ (2005). In her later years, she lived in Majorca, Spain, where she died of cancer on April 1, 2015. She had a career as an artist and author, and her connection to John Lennon made her a significant figure in pop culture history. She also owned a restaurant called Oliver’s Bistro, located in Ruthin, Wales, from 1973 until she sold the business in 1983.

Lord Jamar Net Worth

Lorenzo Dechalus (born September 17, 1968), most famously known as Lord Jamar, is an American rapper, DJ, record producer, and actor. He is a founding member of the hip hop group Brand Nubian, which was formed in 1989. In 1996, he played a key role in getting Dead Prez signed to Loud Records. Beyond his musical endeavors, Lord Jamar has made notable appearances in film and television, perhaps most recognized for his role as Supreme Allah on the TV series *Oz*. He has also appeared on *Law & Order: Special Victims Unit*, *Third Watch*, and *The Sopranos*. In addition to his work with Brand Nubian, Jamar released two solo albums, *The 5% Album* in 2006 and *Known Associates* in 2013. Lord Jamar is a member of the Nation of Gods and Earths.

Eric Braeden Net Worth

Eric Braeden, born Hans-Jörg Gudegast on April 3, 1941, is a German-American actor renowned for his prolific career in television and film. He is most recognized for his role as the formidable Victor Newman on the CBS soap opera ‘The Young and the Restless,’ a character he has portrayed since 1980. Braeden’s journey began in Bredenbek, Germany. He immigrated to the United States as a young man and pursued higher education at the University of Montana. Before achieving stardom, he showcased his athletic prowess. Braeden’s early acting career saw him taking on numerous guest roles in television series such as ‘Combat!,’ ‘Mission: Impossible,’ and ‘The Rat Patrol,’ where he played Captain Hans Dietrich. His transition to leading roles came with the science fiction thriller ‘Colossus: The Forbin Project’ in 1970. Beyond ‘The Young and the Restless,’ Braeden has appeared in films like ‘Titanic’ (1997), where he portrayed John Jacob Astor IV. He has earned a Daytime Emmy Award for his work on ‘The Young and the Restless.’ Braeden continues to be a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, with a career spanning several decades.

Tommy Chong Net Worth

Thomas B. Kin Chong, most famously known as Tommy Chong, is a Canadian-American comedian, actor, musician, and activist. Born on May 24, 1938, in Edmonton, Alberta, he rose to fame as one half of the iconic comedy duo Cheech & Chong, alongside Cheech Marin. Their comedy, which heavily revolved around marijuana use and counterculture themes, made them cultural icons in the 1970s and 1980s. Chong’s career extends beyond comedy, as he is also a musician and has appeared in various films and television shows, including a memorable role as Leo on ‘That ’70s Show’. He is a strong advocate for cannabis legalization and has launched his own line of cannabis products. In 2003, Chong faced legal troubles related to his involvement in the industry, resulting in a prison sentence. Nevertheless, he remains a prominent figure in both the entertainment industry and the cannabis movement. He inspired Jordan Belfort to write the Wolf of Wall Street.

Kit Hoover Net Worth

Catherine “Kit” Hoover (born July 29, 1970) is an American television host, sportscaster, and broadcast journalist. She is currently the anchor of Access Hollywood and co-host of Access Daily with Mario & Kit. Kit made her television debut in 1995 as a cast member on MTV’s “Road Rules,” which sparked her interest in pursuing a career in television. She has also worked as a sportscaster for ESPN and Fox News, and has been a correspondent for TV Guide and a guest co-host on The View. Hoover attended Marist School in Brookhaven, Georgia and earned a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She enjoys fitness and exercising, and has been featured in publications such as Self and Women’s Health.

Daniel Baldwin Net Worth

Daniel Leroy Baldwin, born on October 5, 1960, is an American actor, producer, and director. He is the second-oldest of the four Baldwin brothers, all of whom are actors. He is best known for playing Detective Beau Felton on the NBC TV series Homicide: Life on the Street. Baldwin’s acting debut was in the television film Too Good to Be True in 1988, and he followed this with roles in films like Born on the Fourth of July (1989), Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man (1991) and Hero (1992). Baldwin attended Ball State University to study psychology. Before acting, he worked as a stand-up comedian. Daniel has also appeared in reality television, such as Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew and I’m a Celebrity… Get Me out of Here!. Over the years, Baldwin has also struggled with substance abuse.

Eddie Kendricks Net Worth

Edward James Kendrick (December 17, 1939 – October 5, 1992), most famously known as Eddie Kendricks, was a prominent American singer and songwriter. Noted for his distinctive falsetto singing style, Kendricks co-founded the Motown singing group The Temptations, and was one of their lead singers from 1960 until 1971. His voice graced such famous songs as “The Way You Do the Things You Do”, “Get Ready”, and “Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)”. After departing from The Temptations in 1971 due to internal tensions, Kendricks embarked on a successful solo career. His solo work produced several hits during the 1970s, including the number-one singles “Keep On Truckin'” and “Boogie Down”. He was responsible for creating many of the group’s vocal arrangements and was also wardrobe manager, and was responsible for The Temptations’ famous purple suits. Kendricks died of lung cancer in 1992 at the age of 52.

Randy Fenoli Net Worth

Randy Fenoli is a celebrated American fashion designer, television personality, and bridal expert. Born on January 30, 1964, on a cattle farm in Southern Illinois, he displayed a passion for fashion early on, teaching himself to sew at the age of nine. This passion led him to the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York. After graduating from FIT, Randy launched his bridal industry collections and garnered recognition as a bridal designer. Fenoli gained widespread fame through his role on TLC’s ‘Say Yes to the Dress,’ where his expertise and charismatic personality made him a beloved figure. He served as the Fashion Director at Kleinfeld Bridal from 2007 to 2012, consulting with thousands of brides each year. Beyond television, Randy has launched his bridal collection, ‘Randy Fenoli Bridal,’ and continues to be a leading voice in the bridal industry, dedicated to helping women find the perfect wedding dress.

Victor Ortiz Net Worth

Victor Ortiz, born on January 31, 1987, is an American professional boxer and actor. He is best known for winning the WBC welterweight title in 2011. Raised in a challenging environment, Ortiz faced adversity early in life when his mother abandoned the family and his father struggled with alcoholism. He began boxing at the urging of his father. He was discovered by Ron Lyle and later trained by Roberto Garcia. Ortiz turned professional in 2004 at the age of 17. Known for his aggressive fighting style, Ortiz quickly gained popularity in the boxing world. Beyond boxing, Ortiz has also pursued an acting career, with roles in films such as “The Expendables 3” and “Southpaw,” as well as a cameo appearance in the TV show “Ray Donovan.”

Celia Cruz Net Worth

Celia Caridad Cruz Alfonso (1925-2003), known as Celia Cruz, was a Cuban-American salsa singer and performer, widely regarded as one of the most popular Latin artists of the 20th century. Born in Havana, Cuba, she rose to fame in the 1950s as a vocalist with the popular musical group Sonora Matancera, earning the nickname “La Guarachera de Cuba.” After the Cuban Revolution, she relocated to the United States and became an international sensation as the “Queen of Salsa.” Cruz recorded over 23 gold albums and was honored with the National Medal of Arts. Her signature shout, “¡Azúcar!”, became synonymous with salsa music and her vibrant performances captivated audiences around the world. She died in New Jersey in 2003, leaving behind a lasting legacy as a musical icon and a symbol of Cuban culture.