Paula Abdul : Biography
Paula Julie Abdul was born on June 19th, 1962 in San Fernando, California. The youngest of two daughters born to Harry and Lorraine Abdul she was inspired at an early age by the film 'Singing In The Rain', and as a young girl her ultimate ambition was to be a successful dancer like her idol Gene Kelly. From the age of nine she undertook dance lessons where she impressed her teachers with her natural ability to dance and entertain. Following graduation Paula appeared on the small screen when she was just sixteen years old in the 1978 movie-musical 'Junior High School'. However, her sole dream was still to be a dancer. In the early 1980s Paula attended an audition to cheer for the LA Lakers. She defeated hundreds of other hopefuls to cheer for the legendary basket ball team where her unique and dynamic dance style earned her the converted position of choreographer. It is widely agreed that Paula’s choreography revolutinalized cheerleading forever within the industry.
Paula Abdul: Career
Never before has there been an artist who has been equally recognized, awarded and celebrated “in front of the camera” as well as “behind the camera”. In front of the camera, Paula’s extraordinary music career is exemplified by worldwide album sales exceeding 30 million records, two (2) #1 Albums, six (6) #1 Singles, a Grammy Award, seven (7) MTV Awards, two (2) Emmy Awards, two (2) People’s Choice Awards, and (2) Kids Choice Awards. Paula has also been honored with her very own Star on Hollywood Boulevard, and was inducted into Nickelodeon’s Kids Choice Hall of Fame. Behind the camera, Paula is known as one of the most gifted and recognized choreographers in the industry of film, television, video, stage and live tours! Some of her most highlighted work includes choreographing the Academy Awards, her Emmy Award winning work on “The Tracey Ullman Show,” and her extensive work with Janet Jackson. Her work in film includes the Academy Award winning American Beauty and Jerry McGuire. She has also worked with Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall in Coming to America, Martin Lawrence in Black Knight, and Dana Carvey in the soon to be released Master of Disguise. Paula also continues to honor her roots by running dance and cheerleading camps, competitions and scholarship programs throughout the country, and has never, ever forgotten her first “break” as a Los Angeles Laker Girl.
Paula Abdul: Movies
Romy and Michele: In the Beginning (TV) (2005), American Idol: The E! True Hollywood Story (TV) (2004), Paula Abdul: The E! True Hollywood Story (TV) (2003), Zoe's Dance Moves (2003), American Idol: The Search for a Superstar (TV Series) (2002), 100 Greatest Dance Songs of Rock & Roll (TV Series) (2000), Mr. Rock 'n' Roll: The Alan Freed Story (TV) (1999), The Waiting Game (TV) (1998), Paula Abdul: Cardio Dance (1998), Touched by Evil (TV) (1997), Paula Abdul: Under My Spell Live (1993), VH-1 to One: Paula Abdul (TV) (1992), Captivated '92: The Video Collection (1991), Paula Abdul: Straight Up (1989), Can't Buy Me Love (1987), Get Up and Dance! (1984), Junior High School (1978)
