Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Ricky initiated his singing career in the Latin all boy-band group Menudo. After leaving the group he went moved to New York to study acting. After finishing his studies, he relocated to Mexico where he performed as actor in "Mama ama el Rock", "Alcanzar una Estrella II". In 1991 he began to focus his career as a soloist singer, eventually becoming an international superstar with the release of his self-titled English language album in 1996.
Named one of "People" magazine's 50 Most Beautiful People [1999] Turned down a part opposite Jennifer Lopez in West Side Story Singer. Had a cameo in the film "Idle Hands", but the scene was deleted. He can still be seen in the background at the Burger Jungle carpark. Sings the Spanish version of "Go the distance", main theme of Hercules (1997) Opened a restaurant in Miami beach, 'Casa Salsa' in 1999. The restaurant was later closed. Is a vegetarian. His nickname among his immediate family members is Kiki. Ricky has created the "Ricky Martin Foundation" which gave a million dollar worth of musical instrument to Puerto Rican public schools. The Foundation is also deeply involved in helping children who are victim of child prostitution and/or pornography, especially in India but also all around the world. According to Ricky, "this is the biggest problem our society is going to face within the next 10 years". Speaks 5 languages: Spanish, English, Portuguese, French & Italian. Lives in Miami Is the sponsor of three children in India.