Ricardo Joel Gomez may not be a name that rings bells for many in the entertainment world, but he holds a significant place in the life of one of the most famous young stars today—Selena Gomez. As the father of this globally recognized singer and actress, Ricardo Joel Gomez gained public attention following his daughter’s success in both music and television. Despite his connection to fame, Ricardo has largely maintained a quiet, private life, stepping out of the limelight to focus on his family and personal pursuits.
Though not a regular figure in the media, Ricardo’s journey as the father of one of Hollywood’s most beloved celebrities remains an intriguing chapter in the life of Selena Gomez. Here’s a closer look at the man who raised Selena and how his life has evolved over the years.
Early Life and Background
Ricardo Joel Gomez was born on March 6, 1975, in Grand Prairie, Texas. He is an American national of Mexican descent and has always been proud of his Latino heritage. Ricardo spent most of his early life in Texas, where he grew up in a tight-knit community. His Mexican roots have always played an important part in shaping his identity, something that has also been passed on to Selena, who embraces her cultural background with pride.
Growing up, Ricardo led a relatively ordinary life away from the pressures of Hollywood, which he would later encounter through his daughter. His early years, much like most people in Grand Prairie, revolved around family and community.
Relationship with Amanda Cornett and Selena’s Early Years
Ricardo Joel Gomez’s life changed dramatically when he became the father of Selena Gomez. He married Amanda Cornett, Selena’s mother, in the early 1990s. The couple welcomed their only child, Selena, on July 22, 1992. At that time, Ricardo was a young father navigating the challenges of parenthood, but the love for his daughter was never in question. Selena was the apple of his eye, and both Ricardo and Amanda were dedicated to providing the best for her during her early years.
Unfortunately, Ricardo and Amanda’s marriage did not last. The couple divorced in 1997, when Selena was just five years old. While the divorce was difficult, it was a pivotal moment in Selena’s life, one that shaped her resilience and later fueled her music career. Ricardo and Amanda remained committed to co-parenting their daughter, ensuring that she felt supported and loved, even as they moved on with their separate lives.
Post-Divorce Life and New Beginnings
After his divorce from Amanda Cornett, Ricardo continued to live in Texas, focusing on rebuilding his life. In 2012, he married Sara Gomez, a woman with whom he has now shared over a decade of marriage. Their union marked a new chapter for Ricardo, who embraced family life once again. Sara brought her son Marcus into the marriage, making Ricardo a stepfather. Marcus, born on March 28, 2008, became a part of Ricardo’s life, and he quickly took on the role of a father figure for the young boy.
In 2014, Ricardo and Sara welcomed their daughter, Victoria Gomez. Born on June 25, 2014, Victoria became Ricardo’s second biological child, and her arrival was a joyful occasion for the Gomez family. As of 2023, Victoria is nine years old and a growing part of Ricardo’s quiet but fulfilled family life.
Fatherhood and Relationship with Selena
Throughout his life, Ricardo has been devoted to his children. Though his relationship with Selena was affected by the distance created by her parents’ divorce, he has always been present as a supportive figure in her life. The Gomez family has always been close, with both Ricardo and Amanda ensuring that Selena had a strong foundation as she pursued her dreams.
Even as Selena shot to stardom, first as a young Disney actress in Wizards of Waverly Place and later as a globally recognized pop singer, Ricardo remained relatively out of the public eye. While his daughter grew into an international icon, he avoided the spotlight, preferring to live quietly in Texas with his wife and children.
Their relationship, however, remains strong. Selena has always spoken highly of her family, including her father, and despite her global fame, she maintains close ties with her roots in Texas. Ricardo, for his part, has occasionally surfaced on social media, particularly Instagram, where he has been gradually gaining followers. This gives the public a small glimpse into his life, though he generally keeps a low profile.
Life Beyond the Spotlight
Unlike many parents of famous children, Ricardo Joel Gomez has intentionally chosen to stay out of the Hollywood scene. He lives a quiet life in Texas with his wife, Sara, and their children. His primary focus has been on raising his family away from the glitz and glamor of his daughter’s world.
Ricardo’s life is centered around his family, and he has found contentment in being a supportive father and husband. Despite Selena’s fame and the public’s curiosity about her personal life, Ricardo has remained true to his preference for privacy. His appearances at Selena’s events are rare, and he is only occasionally seen in public with her.
Personal Information of Ricardo Joel Gomez
- Full Name: Ricardo Joel Gomez
- Date of Birth: March 6, 1975
- Age: 48 years old (as of 2023)
- Zodiac Sign: Pisces
- Place of Birth: Grand Prairie, Texas, United States
- Current Residence: Texas, United States
- Nationality: American
- Ethnicity: Latino
- Religion: Christianity
- Sexuality: Straight
- Height: 5’7″ (170 cm)
- Weight: 159 lbs (72 kg)
- Hair Color: Black
- Eye Color: Dark Brown
- Relationship Status: Married
- Partner: Sara Gomez
- Children: Selena Gomez (born 1992), Victoria Gomez (born 2014), stepfather to Marcus (born 2008)
Conclusion
Ricardo Joel Gomez may not live in the spotlight like his daughter Selena, but his story is an important part of her journey. As a father, he has remained a quiet, supportive presence, allowing Selena to flourish in her career while keeping his own life private. His second marriage to Sara Gomez and his role as a father to both his biological children and stepchild reflect his dedication to family. While the world may know Selena Gomez as a superstar, Ricardo is the man behind the scenes, ensuring his family’s happiness while staying grounded in his roots in Texas.
