Previously, we brought you part one of our list of 15 interesting facts about Ricky Martin. Now, we bring you eight more facts about the pop singer, who helped usher in the late 90s-early 2000s Latin pop music explosion.
Number Eight: Ricky Martin Published a Children’s Book
In 2013, Ricky Martin released the book Santiago the Dreamer in Land Above the Stars. Illustrated by Patricia Castelao, the book was also released in Spanish the same day.
Number Seven: He Released an Autobiography
In November 2010, Martin published his autobiography, Me, in both Spanish and English. The book went to number five on The New York Times’ Best Seller list for hardcover non-fiction.
Number Six: He Has a Child Rearing Social Network
Martin started the Piccolo Universe in 2013 as a platform for parents and caregivers to discuss the ups and downs of raising children. He himself has been the parent of twin boys since 2008.
Number Five: Ricky Martin Has a Charity
Martin started the Ricky Martin Foundation to combat human trafficking. Through advocacy initiatives, investigation and education, the foundation helps to make people aware of the injustices being inflicted on children all over the world that harm their well-being. This is also part of the reason he started the Piccolo Universe.
Number Four: He Is a Spanish Citizen
Ricky Martin became a Spanish citizen in 2011 after applying for citizenship many years before that. He has stated that he is not abandoning his Puerto Rican heritage but wished to explore his Spanish heritage, as his grandmother is from Spain.
Number Three: He Has Acted on Broadway
Both at the beginning of his career and more recently, Ricky Martin has performed on the Broadway stage. In 1996, he played the part of Marius in Les Miserables, which he considered to be a great honor. Then, in 2012, he originated the role of Che in a Broadway revival of Evita.
Number Two: He Had His Own Lip Balm
In 2012, Martin premiered a lip balm that he worked on with M.A.C. Cosmetics. Called “Ricky’s Lip Conditioner,” the signature balm was part of M.A.C.’s “Ricky and Nicki for Viva Glam” campaign, which featured ads partnering Martin and rapper Nicki Manaj.
Number One: Ricky Martin Has an Interest in Buddhism
Though he grew up Roman Catholic, Martin is open to the teachings of many religions. However, he has taken a special interest in the Buddhist philosophy and is an avid yoga enthusiast. He has made several trips to India, which he feels is “an important part of [his] spiritual growth.” Thank you for reading our list of 15 interesting facts about Ricky Martin. We hope you enjoyed it!