Ginger Spice Geri Halliwell has achieved fame as part of the Spice Girls group and as a solo singer. She always had the ambition to be in show business and began as a club dancer in Majorca, along with taking time to be a model. She was born in 1972 in Watford, England.
The Spice Girls were one of the most successful acts in the UK during the 1990s and were also popular in the U.S., Australia, and Canada. Geri Halliwell, known as Ginger Spice while in the group, left the quintet in 1998. It was said to be quite acrimonious between her and the other members, Victoria Beckham, Melanie Brown, Emma Bunton, and Melanie Chisholm, though it’s reported that they have since made up.
Before the split, the Spice Girls made a movie called Spice World, directed by Bob Spiers. Geri Halliwell and the others were joined by a starry cast including Richard E. Grant, who played their manager. Bob Hoskins, Meat Loaf, Roger Moore, and George Wendt also appeared. A number of celebrities played themselves, including Elvis Costello, Bob Geldof, and Elton John.
Geri Halliwell released her first solo album in 1999. It was a big success as were the subsequent singles. The follow up album appeared two years later, giving Geri a massive hit with her cover version of "It’s Raining Men." This track was used in the movie, Bridget Jones’ Diary, starring Renee Zellweger, Colin Firth, and Hugh Grant. Halliwell also put out two Yoga DVDs which were a success. The third album however, only had moderate sales.
Simon Fuller (former anager of the Spice Girls) and Geri Halliwell worked together again when Geri presented the talent show All American Girl for U.S. television. Geri also appeared in an episode of hit series Sex and the City, starring Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, and Cynthia Nixon.
In 2004, Geri Halliwell appeared in a UK movie called Fat Slags. Directed by Ed Bye, it features characters from Viz magazine. Anthony Head, Naomi Campbell, and Dolph Lundgren also appeared.
There is always intense speculation from the media into the private life of Geri Halliwell and her relationships. She is friends with George Michael and has had romantic liaisons with British TV presenter Chris Evans and Robbie Williams. Geri had a baby daughter, Bluebell Madonna in 2006, so named because of Geri’s admiration for superstar Madonna. The father is reported to be the ex-drummer of rock band Bush, Sacha Gervasi.
Rumors continue to fly about the Spice Girls re-uniting, but it hasn’t come to anything as of yet. In the meantime, Geri Halliwell plans to kick start her solo career again with more recording and tours. YUDDY |
