Biography
Date of Birth
10 December 1980, Abilene, Texas, USA
Birth Name
Jessica Ann Simpson
Nickname
Jess
Height
5' 3½" (1.61 m)
Mini Biography
Jessica Simpson has taken the music, fashion and entertainment industries by storm. A talented artist with universal appeal, she has become an international star and media darling.
Born and raised outside of Abilene, Texas, Jessica began her performing career by sharing the stage with famous gospel acts such as Kirk Franklin, God's Property and Ce Ce Winans. With her unmistakable voice and unique pop sound, Jessica caught the eye of Columbia Records executive Tommy Mottola. After joining a tour in support of the boy-band 98 Degrees, she quickly burst onto the music scene in 1999 with her debut release Sweet Kisses. Her RIAA-certified double platinum debut featured Jessica's massive breakthrough hit, "I Wanna Love You Forever," which hit #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The title track to Irresistible, her 2001 follow-up, was a crossover smash, charting on the Hot 100 (#15), the Rhythmic Top 40 (#12), Top 40 Mainstream (#3) and Top 40 Tracks (#5).
But it was the success of her quadruple-platinum album, In This Skin, which marked Jessica's debut as a songwriter and further refined her ever-evolving voice as an artist. "Sweetest Sin," the album's first single to hit the Top 40, is a marked change from the teen pop style that launched her career.
Having made her mark in the music industry, it wasn't long before Hollywood was knocking on her door. In addition to a recurring role on That 70's Show, Jessica's MTV reality show Newlyweds: Nick & Jessica launched in 2003, making her a household name. In 2005, Jessica made her film debut as Daisy Duke in The Dukes of Hazzard and released a cover of Nancy Sinatra's "These Boots Were Made For Walkin'" for the movie's soundtrack. The song topped the Billboard Hot Digital Tracks charts and was certified platinum. Jessica has also starred in Employee of the Month for Lions Gate Films and Sony Pictures' Blonde Ambition for which she co-starred with Luke Wilson. She also starred in Major Movie Star for Nu Image/ Millennium Films.
Jessica's fifth solo album, A Public Affair, was released by Epic Records on August 29, 2006. Simpson boasts songwriting credits on 10 of the 14 tracks produced by the most sought-after producers in the business: Lester Mendez, Jimmy Jam &Terry Lewis, Cory Rooney, Scott Storch and Stargate. The album is a true reflection of her growth both personally and musically, showcasing her diverse range of artistic influences. There are up-tempo dance tracks, ballads, and a beautiful cover of "Let Him Fly" originally recorded by her personal favorite, Patty Griffin. The first hit single, "I Belong to Me" is complemented by a poignant and personal music video directed by Mathew Rolston.
Jessica's album, Do You Know was released on September 9, 2008. For this album, Jessica returned to her roots - the Country format. Jessica worked with famed Nashville producers John Shanks and Brett James and co-wrote all but 3 songs on the album, one having been written for her by her all time Country inspiration, Dolly Parton. The first single, "Come On Over" broke the record for highest entry into the charts for a newcomer to Country and was the number one most downloaded country single on iTunes.
Jessica's latest album, Happy Christmas, was released on November 22, 2010 by Primary Wave Records. For this second holiday record (her first, Rejoyce, was released in 2002), Jessica worked with legendary producers Tricky and The Dream. The album mixed traditional Christmas favorites with original songs like "My Only Wish." Among the highlights was a very special duet of "I'll Be Home for Christmas" which Jessica sang and recorded with an active naval officer, Lance Corporal John Britt from the USS Harry Truman in the Persian Gulf. As a complement to the album, a Happy Christmas concert special was produced for PBS. As part of the special, Jessica sang duets with Carly Simon, Trey Lorenz and her sister, Ashlee Simpson. Jessica had the opportunity to travel the world for her VH-1 docu-series, "Jessica Simpson's: The Price of Beauty." For the original series, produced by RDF USA, Jessica traveled to Japan, Thailand, France, Brazil, Uganda, Morocco, and India then back home to Los Angeles to meet every day women and pop culture icons and reveal what is truly beautiful in the differing cultures. Jessica also served as an executive producer on the project and wrote and recorded an original song that was used for the theme. Jessica recently starred in NBC's hit series Fashion Star, produced by Ben Silverman and Electus and Magical Elves (The Biggest Loser). As a mentor, Jessica (alongside co-mentors John Varvatos and Nicole Richie, and buyers from Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy's and H&M) helped contestants on their quest to become the next big American fashion designer.
Aside from Jessica's entertainment prowess, she enjoys tremendous success as a designer and business woman with her Jessica Simpson Collection. Launched in 2005, the collection has grown to include over 34 product categories, such as footwear, handbags, denim, eyewear, lingerie, jewelry, outerwear, luggage, ready-to-wear, fine jewelry, tween, maternity, athleisure, kids, home and more. Jessica's first fragrance "Fancy" launched in August of 2008 to tremendous success. Second and third and fourth fragrances "Fancy Nights", "I Fancy You", and "Vintage Bloom" landed in stores to great success. A signature fragrance "Jessica Simpson" will launch this Spring.
An enthusiastic philanthropist, Jessica serves as Operation Smile's International Youth Ambassador. She joined the Operation Smile international medical mission in Nakuru, Kenya where she assisted the volunteer team with the medical evaluations of the more than 280 children who visited the remote region with the hopes of receiving life-changing corrective surgery for their facial deformities.
Jessica has been praised by fans and recognized by critics with three Teen Choice Awards for Breakout Artist, Love Song of the Year and Red Carpet Fashion Icon, and nominations for two American Music Awards including Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist and Favorite Pop/Rock Album and two MTV Video Music Awards for Best Female Video and Best Pop Video. She has also graced the covers of many high-profile magazines, such as Vanity Fair, Rolling Stone, Harper's Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, GQ, Marie Claire, Allure, Elle and New York Magazine, been one of People's Most Beautiful People numerous times and was 2011's Us Weekly Style Icon of the Year.
Trivia
Performed at the 2000 American Music Awards.
Auditioned for The All New Mickey Mouse Club (1989) as a child, but lost the role to future stars like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera (who was later her competition in the music industry).
Attended J.J. Pearce High School in Richardson, Texas (1995-98), where she was very active in theater arts. She dropped out as a senior to further pursue her singing career, but still attended her high school prom.
Attended Richardson North Junior High in Richardson, Texas, where she was a cheerleader and a part of the co-ed choir. She never graduated high school, but dropped out and earned a GED.
Close friends with musical group Destiny's Child.
Engaged to 98 Degrees singer Nick Lachey. [February 2002]
Ex-sister-in-law of Drew Lachey, Pete Wentz and Lea Lachey.
Her wedding gown was designed by Vera Wang.
Elder sister of Ashlee Simpson. Their parents are Joe Simpson and Tina Simpson. Joe worked as a psychologist and a Baptist minister in Texas but now manages his daughters' musical careers and their official websites. Mom, Tina, helps run her clothing empire.
She was part of the USO tour in the 2003 Iraqi War (aka Desert Storm Part II).
Hosted Saturday Night Live (1975) on January 17, 2004 with her husband, Nick Lachey. She parodied Britney Spears and Paris Hilton.
She and her ex-husband Nick Lachey lived in Calabasas, California, which was also the location of their show Newlyweds: Nick & Jessica (2003).
Pretty Woman (1990) is her all time favorite movie.
Ranked #1 on Maxim magazine's Hot 100 Women of 2004 list.
Beat out Britney Spears, for the role of Daisy Duke, in the movie The Dukes of Hazzard (2005).
Was voted #1 for VH1's Top Ten best bodies.
She played a dumb blonde on her television series, but according to her mother (in the August issue of Vanity Fair) her I.Q. was in the 160s in fifth grade, which would have placed her in the "genius" category at the time. Whether or not her I.Q. has remained consistent is unknown.
Her all-time favorite song is Berlin's "Take My Breath Away". She sang a re-recording of the song.
Underwent LASIK eye surgery to correct her vision (2004)
She is the national spokesperson for Operation Smile.
Has a song by Adam Green named "Jessica" dedicated to her, including the lyrics "Jessica Simpson, where has your love gone? It's not in your music, no. So where has it gone then?".
Performed at President George W. Bush's Inauguration (2001).
Her first album was a Christian album, when she was age 14.
Recorded a cover of "A Whole New World" with husband Nick Lachey for the Aladdin (1992) Special Edition DVD.
Recorded a cover of "Little Drummer Boy" with sister Ashlee Simpson and another cover of "Baby It's Cold Outside" with her husband Nick Lachey.
Ranked #43 in Stuff magazine's "102 Sexiest Women in the World" (2002).
She had a dog named Daisy (a maltipoo), which was a gift to Jessica from Nick Lachey, until Daisy was snatched and killed by a coyote in September 2009. Ironically, a young Canadian woman named Taylor Mitchell lost her life in a coyote attack a month later.
Made the tabloid headlines after attending a bachelorette party for friend Jennifer MacFarlane, where the entertainment was provided by two members of the "Genital Origami" troupe Puppetry of the Penis. She reportedly "howled and giggled" at the duo's routine, which included such installations as "The Fruit Bat" and "The Turtle". [November 2004]
She is famous for keeping her virginity until her wedding night. She was questioned by an interviewer about it and when she addressed it openly, she was shocked that it was made into such a big deal by the media. She quickly became a positive role model for teenage girls and young women.
Ranked #2 on E!'s 50 Steamiest Southern Stars.
Was voted #1 in People magazine's 10 Most Stylish Moments for her "Daisy Duke" look. [September 2005]
"After three years of marriage, and careful thought and consideration, we have decided to part ways," the couple said in a joint statement published on Teen People magazine's website.
Ranked #9 on Maxim magazine's Hot 100 Women of 2005 list.
Met ex-husband, Nick Lachey, at a charity event in 1998 where she was performing alongside Lachey's group, 98 Degrees.
Was nominated for the 2006 Razzie Award for Worst Supporting Actress along side her sister Ashlee Simpson. Ashlee was nominated for her performance in the film Undiscovered (2005), while Jessica was nominated for her performance in The Dukes of Hazzard (2005). However, neither won the award.
In her October 2002 rainy-day Austin wedding to Nick Lachey, she wore a beaded, strapless gown designed by Vera Wang. She also carried a 500-stem stephanotis bouquet from Mark's Garden (in Los Angeles) that took 12 hours to assemble. Her sister Ashlee was her maid of honor and her bridesmaids included childhood friends as well as her sister-in-law and the wife of one of Nick's best friends.
Her 25th birthday was celebrated at her parents' Los Angeles home. Among the guests at the celebration were Mandy Moore, Jake Gyllenhaal, Eva Mendes and Seth Green.
Named #16 in FHM magazine's "100 Sexiest Women in the World 2005" special supplement.
Was featured as #20 in Maxim magazine's Hot 100 Women of 2002 supplement.
Went through many auditions for the lead role in Coyote Ugly (2000), but turned down when the filmmakers refused to remove the sex scene.
The mansion owned by her and Nick Lachey located in Calabasas, California was placed on the market for $3,750,000 and bought by Justin Berfield of Malcolm in the Middle (2000) fame.
Won the Teen Choice Award for Movies - Choice Breakout (Female) for (The Dukes of Hazzard (2005)) on August 20, 2006 from Universal City, California.
She won a People's Choice Award for Favorite Song From a Movie, "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'" from the movie The Dukes of Hazzard (2005), on January 10, 2006 at the 32nd Annual People's Choice Awards (2006).
One of People Magazine's 50 Most Beautiful People in the World (2005).
Ranked #4 in FHM magazine's "100 Sexiest Women in the World 2006" supplement.
Friends with Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Elle Macpherson, Dane Cook, Brooke Shields, Jennifer Garner, Ashton Kutcher, and John Mayer.
Recently discovered that she is allergic to cheese, wheat, coffee, chocolate, tomatoes, corn and hot peppers.
Is a distant relative of Al Gore.
Ranked #41 on Maxim magazine's Hot 100 Women of 2007 list.
Mentioned in the song "High School Never Ends" by Bowling for Soup.
In 2007, Forbes magazine estimated her earnings for the year at $7 million.
In 2007, when she was the girlfriend of Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, she appeared up in the Cowboys' stadium luxury box during a December game against the Eagles. She was wearing a pink Cowboys jersey with Romo's number. Unfortunately, this did not help Romo as he had his worst game of the season, throwing three interceptions in a 10-6 loss. This lead many Cowboys fans to speculate that she was a distraction, calling her Yoko Romo.
(March 31, 2008) Was hospitalized for five days with a kidney infection.
Ranked #53 on Maxim magazine's Hot 100 Women of 2008 list.
During one of her promotional visits to Europe, Dutch magician Hans Klok sawed her in half in an illusion called "Clearly Impossible".
(July 9, 2009) Separated from Tony Romo the day before her 29th birthday.
A registered Republican who voted for George W. Bush in 2004 and John McCain in 2008.
(November 8, 2011) Celebrity spokeswoman for the "Beauty Mint" skin care system.
Longtime friends with Cacee Cobb, who was also her personal assistant.
Jessica, her fiancé Eric Johnson and her friend Cacee Cobb attended Jessica's friend's, Beverly Hills interior decorator Kathryn Sykora, wedding to Eric's friend, Chris Hetherington, on June 15, 2013 in San Diego. Jessica and Odette Annable were bridesmaids.
(July 5, 2014) Married her boyfriend of 4 years Eric Johnson in Montecito, California following a 3-year-long engagement. This is her second marriage.
Mother, with husband Eric Johnson, of three children: a daughter Maxwell Drew Johnson (b. May 1, 2012), a son Ace Knute Johnson (b. June 30, 2013) and another daughter, Birdie Mae Johnson (b. March 19, 2019).
Sister-in-law of Evan Ross.
She has English, some Scottish, and distant German and Swiss-German, ancestry.
Godmother of Wilder Frances Cobb (born April 24, 2015), daughter of her best friend Cacee Cobb and her husband Donald Faison.
Inducted into the Hair Fan's Hall of Fame in 2008.
Born on the same date as Thomas Ian Nicholas.
At the age of 12, she attended an acting seminar presented by actor Chuck Norris... whose teaching methods included putting heavy-duty tape on Jessica's eyebrows, so that they'd stay in place during her performances. He also cited Denzel Washington as an example of how to act.Despite a popular misconception, neither Jessica nor her music were ever featured on Norris' hit TV series, Walker, Texas Ranger (1993).
Trademarks:
Blonde hair and brown eyes
Lisp, breathless voice
Quotes
I'd go to concerts and think, "That's exactly what I want to do.".
[on losing a spot on The All New Mickey Mouse Club (1989) to Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera] I wanted to give up, but my family kept me going.
I want people to fall in love with my voice before my image.
[on how successful her future album may be] I'm right there ready to explode... or I could go pfft. No one could ever hear from me again.
[in CosmoGIRL, February 2001] I have this fear of talking to people. I'm worried they won't like me. I've always had that insecurity. I tried to go up to Céline Dion at the Billboard Awards last year [2000]. She was right there, but I couldn't do it.
After 9-11, I knew that I never ever wanted to be away from Nick [husband Nick Lachey] ever for the rest of my life.
Dumb is just not knowing. Ditzy is having the courage to ask! Ditzy is not editing yourself.
Faith has helped me to be a strong person and stay level-headed. It brings me peace. In this business, you definitely need peace.
I want to be a diva... like people-totally-respect-my-music diva, not diva like carry-my-diet-Coke-around.
Natural beauty is really happiness with who you are. It you like who you are on the inside, that'll come through on the outside.
Everybody from my record label to my father as my manager was like "Don't get married." But when I got married, my career began.
[on Operation Smile] Nick [husband Nick Lachey] and I have gotten a lot of attention for doing a "reality" show on television, but the ability to give a child his or her smile back is the kind of reality that really deserves the attention. We are both so happy to play a small part in the wonderful work Operation Smile does for children.
I think that freshness and that innocence is something that is missing from a lot of female singers. I'm certainly not denying that I'm young, but I'm not fluff.
I'm such a sucker for sappy songs. I'm a big romantic, and I love love. I love singing about it and listening to songs about it
[on her dog Daisy] She goes with me everywhere. It's preparing me to be a mother, I think.
My mom was really worried I'd grow up looking strange, so every night before I went to bed, she'd pull my legs and stretch them so they'd be in proportion with the rest of my body.
I don't really care what I'm famous for. As long as I get to do the movie roles, I want to do and still make records.
I don't want people walking out of a movie thinking I was trying to act or be some movie star. I want them to think, "That might make me like Jessica a little bit more.".
[introducing herself to U.S. Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton in December 2004] You've done a nice job decorating the White House.
Nobody deserves to be treated like a princess 100 percent of the time - not even me!
My first kiss was when I was 14. I could tell it was coming because Jason picked up a handful of mints. We had been going out for over a year, so it was really special.
[on plastic surgery] I'm not against plastic surgery. I do believe that it becomes an addiction to people. But if you're doing it for yourself, then you're doing it for yourself. If you're doing it to make heads turn when you walk down the street and get noticed, then I think that's a bunch of BS.
Why go through your life with regrets? Every decision you make determines who you are. If you make a bad one, you fix it. It makes you stronger.
[on the "perils" of being a curvaceous Christian pop star] I had doors slammed in my face as a 14-year-old because my boobs were too big.
I love to hug - fans, friends and family alike - so it hurts when the security guards tell me I can't do it at record stores during autograph parties... which they often do.
My bra and underwear always have to match. I love that. I've collected a whole lot of sets. When a girl has on color-coordinated underpants, she just feels sexy. And I've been a cheerleader, so I should know!
My #1 beauty tip is as follows: look someone in the eye when greeting them, smile, and follow up with a hug. I got that from my mom... and it's never failed me yet!
When I was born, my dad wanted to christen me "Misty Dawn Simpson". But my mom talked him out of it - "Jessica Ann" was her idea, and it stuck - so you tell ME what it's like having a twin sister with that name.
I will never do nudity. I don't care how dark and intellectual the role could be, you know. I don't care if I frickin' could get an Oscar for it, I'm not going to do it.
[When asked when she feels the most beautiful]: I feel most beautiful when I am in my bathtub, listening to Sade. I also feel beautiful when I laugh and when I'm with my friends and I just have a T-shirt and booty shorts on.
Is that weird, taking my Louis Vuitton bag camping?
I definitely believe that women can change the world!
Always reach for the stars, the moon, the sun - all of it. There's always somewhere more to go.
