Jennifer Lopez is worth millions, like $250 million but the sultry singer hasn't always had such a glamorous life. In the latest issue of W Magazine, Lopez opens up about being homeless as a teenager, the Daily Mail reports.
The former "American Idol" judge said when she was 18-years-old she moved out of her parent's house and was forced to sleep on the coach in her dance studio. She told the magazine that she and her mother had gotten into an argument over her career choice. She didn't want to go to college and instead wanted to dance full-time and her mother, Guadalupe Rodriguez, didn't approve. Lopez said she packed her bags and moved out.
"My mom and I butted heads," she told the W. "I didn't want to go to college - I wanted to try dance full-time. So she and I had a break. I started sleeping on the sofa in the dance studio. I was homeless, but I told her, 'This is what I have to do.'"
The "Live It Up" singer wasn't homeless for long. A few months after moving out she landed her first gig dancing in Europe and when she returned home she was offered a role on "In Living Color" as a Fly Girl. Within a year of moving out of her parent's home she was living in Los Angeles.
The now 43-year-old recalled that she wasn't fond of LA and the Hollywood lifestyle at first noting the difference of her Bronx, New York upbringing.
"I hated LA," she said. "I was asking 'Where's the store for milk? Don't you guys walk on the street?'"
Now Lopez said she loves the City of Angels but always remembers what the Bronx taught her. One of the many lessons she gained from the New York neighborhood was to have a strong work ethic and said she hopes that she will be able to pass that ethic on to her kids, twins Max and Emme.
"I think a lot about teaching my kids to work hard. I've learned something about my kids - they don't do what you say, they do what you do," she said adding "I watched my parents. My dad worked nights, and I was aware of how much he was doing for us. My mom was a Tupperware lady and also worked at the school. I always felt that I couldn't let them down."
With all her success and world renowned recognition it's probably safe to say that her parents have not been let down at all. As the Daily Mail reports, Lopez is not just a singer but an actress, fashion designer and TV producer. She has appeared in over 30 films, four television series and recorded eight studio albums.
