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MADONNA

SINGER, DANCER, ACTRESS

A controversial entertainer, Madonna is known for the uninhibited sexual material in her performances. Detractors may criticize her ambition, but listing her documentary Truth or Dare among the top films of 1991, Entertainment Weekly magazine said, "Madonna is one of the few pop stars left who convey a vibrant sense of joy." Born Madonna Louise Ciccone in Michigan in 1958, she studied dancing at the University of Michigan, then moved to New York in the 1970s, where she danced with the Alvin Ailey company and played drums with the Breakfast Club. Her first album, Madonna (1983), had five hits, including "Holiday." Her #1 charting records are Like a Virgin (1984); Crazy for You (1985); Live to Tell, Papa Don't Preach, and Open Your Heart (all 1986); Who's That Girl (1987); Like a Prayer (1989); and Vogue and Justify My Love (both 1990). Her films include Desperately Seeking Susan, Who's That Girl, Bloodhounds of Broadway, Dick Tracy, A League of Their Own, and Body of Evidence. From 1985 to 1989 she was married to the actor Sean Penn, who appeared with her in the film Shanghai Surprise. In 1992 her book Sex and record Erotica were bestsellers.

Like many contemporary performers, Madonna has supported environmental causes, such as the preservation of the rain forests. Her greatest philanthropic work, however, has been as a champion of HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, and she has given almost $1 million to AmFAR (see card 98). Among the close associates she has lost to AIDS are her first dance teacher and mentor Christopher Flynn and her friend the painter Keith Haring (see card 21). In 1991, Madonna was honored with AmFAR's first Award of Courage. Next Card 100: DR. LUC MONTAGNIER & DR. ROBERT GALLO: Scientists

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