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Adamari Lopez has been in the public eye since the age of six starring in Spanish soap operas throughout Puerto Rico, Venezuela, and Mexico. When speaking she exudes a warmth and charm which makes you understand why she is so popular with her audience. In 2005, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. In 2011, she appeared on the dance show “Mira Quien Baila” in which she won the competition. Today, she is co-host of the show “Un Nuevo Dia” on the Telemundo network. She also became a mother for the first time in March 2015 to a beautiful baby girl named Alaia. The Latino Connection magazine got an opportunity to ask Adamari some questions about her life growing up famous, breast cancer awareness, and even the very Latino tradition of putting earrings on our baby girls.
TLC: Tell us about your views on fame and trying to transition from youth entertainer to adult entertainer since you were someone who was able to seemingly transition well as opposed to many other artists especially those of this generation?
AL: When I started I was always accompanied by a family member whether recordings or promotions. My parents always insisted I have a relative by my side. I lived in Venezuela for a short time when I was young while I recorded two soap operas. My parents always supported me, and encouraged me to study as education was very important. I had a very happy childhood with values, culture, and family roots deeply instilled in me from an early start. Today, I feel that parents allow their children to live their dreams of stardom. However, they don’t seem to take into account their education or to pay attention to them directly. I feel they need to insist on more family time and values in their homes so they always know what’s really important outside of the entertainment field.
TLC: Unlike other artists you don’t seem to hold back in both the good experiences and the challenges of life. You
have been very open about revealing many of your life’s ups and downs. As Latinos, family is an important component in our culture. How has your family dynamics played into your life?
AL: Without my family I truly would not be able to visualize the things I have done today. I don’t pretend to say that what is right for me is right for everyone else. When it comes to values I have to give all credit to my family as they have guided me. I always say we are like a grapevine. We are all attached in some way. We all have our talents and gifts. For example, my brothers are doctors, my mother was a teacher, and my father a business owner. In the end, we all go back to our nucleus. My father was from the country and worked very hard to achieve his goals. These were the same values he showed all his children. To work with dignity, to love all that we do, and to know that family is very important. To understand that no matter how financially or materially well off, nothing would be as important as the family. With that base, I have been very blessed because I have a solid family base. Nothing is so difficult in life it is all just tests to overcome.
TLC: Speaking of blessings, many artists seem to hold out religion or spirituality as a taboo subject or as not being a “politically correct” discussion. You are rare in that you speak openly and boldly about faith and thanking God for what He has done for you.
AL: I was raised in the Catholic faith and which is what gave me my faith. God has touched my life in so many positive ways. He’s also given me the strength to overcome so many obstacles. I don’t mind talking about the things that have been right by me and make me feel good. I really don’t care if it’s not politically correct to talk about my faith. I have to go with what is in conjunction with my personal belief and how I live. It’s my understanding that God has helped me and it’s my faith. I respect others and I hope they respect me for mine.
To work with dignity, to love all that we do, and to know that family is very important. To understand that no matter how financially or materially well off, nothing would be as important as the family.
TLC: You have a beautiful baby that you were blessed with not too long ago and we couldn’t help notice your baby has earrings already and she’s not even one year old yet.
AL: (Laughs) I know, isn’t that a very Latina thing to do? Trust me, if I didn’t have to wait until she got her shots I would have put earrings on her immediately after she was born. The same day she got her shots, my poor little one also got her earrings. I just couldn’t wait. (Laughs)
TLC: Now on to a more serious subject, you are highly respected in the Latino community for revealing your personal battle with breast cancer and your ongoing support of awareness. One of the sad findings within the Latino community is that Latinas don’t even like to say the word Cancer, let alone reveal to their families their battles. It seems to be a secret still within our community. What is the message that you continue to share with anyone going through the struggle?
AL: I feel the primary reason for which many women become paralyzed is fear. They choose not to go to a doctor or do self examination. They act as if they don’t know it doesn’t exist. Unfortunately, we have been raised to think that to speak on the intimate things of a woman is very shameful and it’s not to be discussed. It’s very difficult for older women to speak on these things especially if they are accustomed to their ways. It’s also a challenge to get them to become aware of their own bodies and to speak openly about women’s issues. It’s important for the younger generation to invite their mothers to doctor’s appointments. For example, when making an appointment make one for yourself and your mother. It has been proven that when you discover any medical issue through early detection the probabilities of getting healed are much higher. In comparison, if you stay quiet, suffer alone, or don’t receive treatment the likelihood that you will die is much higher. Getting treatment along with moral support for any challenges you face is very important for the process. Just as when we are told we are going to be mothers, on that day we start taking extra care of ourselves for our babies. For that very reason, we should also take care of our personal health. Give our bodies the nutrients needed. My main advice is to overcome the fear, go to the doctor, learn to self-examine, have a yearly check-up, and communicate with those around you. If a woman discovers that she is sick and it may be an illness that is hereditary. She therefore, may find herself thinking of her children, she may be able to save her own child’s life by checking herself. In nearly 85% of cases, breast cancer affects women without a hereditary component. However, once someone does have cancer the likelihood that they can pass it on is greater. The quicker a mother discovers her health needs in turn a daughter can become aware of her own future health. We have an excellent book in Spanish that is a great resource called “Rayo de Esperanza” or you can also visit the website www.miquimioterapia.com for more information in Spanish.
TLC: How do you use social media to keep in touch with your fans?
AL: I use social media often since it’s a means of keeping in touch with my fans. It allows me to show them how much I appreciate their support. I don’t abuse it. I do use it often, for instance since my baby has arrived I keep my fans in touch with how we are progressing as a family. If there are events that I’m going to attend where I would love my fans to attend it’s how I let them know. To reach Adamari Lopez via: Facebook: Adamari Lopez; Twitter: @AdamariLopez; or Instagram: adamarilopez.