Geri Halliwell facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Geri Halliwell
Halliwell in 2019
Born	Geraldine Estelle Halliwell (1972-08-06) 6 August 1972 (age 52) Watford, Hertfordshire, England
Other names	Geri Horner Ginger Spice
Occupation	Singer songwriter television personality author actress
Years active	1994–present
Spouse(s)	Christian Horner ​ (m. 2015)​
Children	2
Musical career
Genres	Pop dance-pop
Instruments	Vocals
Labels	Virgin EMI Capitol Innocent Sony Music Australia Eastwest

Geraldine Estelle Halliwell-Horner (born 6 August 1972) is a famous English singer, songwriter, and actress. She is also a television personality and author. She became very well known in the 1990s as a member of the pop group the Spice Girls. In the group, she was known as Ginger Spice.

The Spice Girls are the best-selling female group ever, selling over 100 million records. Their famous saying, "girl power", was closely linked to Geri. Her Union Jack dress from the 1997 Brit Awards is still a well-known symbol. Geri left the Spice Girls in 1998 but joined them again for reunion tours in 2007–2008 and 2019.

After leaving the group, Geri started a successful solo music career. She released her first solo album, Schizophonic, in 1999. This album had several number-one songs in the UK. Her second album, Scream If You Wanna Go Faster (2001), included the huge hit "It's Raining Men".

Geri has also been a judge on TV talent shows like Popstars: The Rivals and Australia's Got Talent. She has acted in movies such as Spice World and Gran Turismo. As an author, she has written autobiographies and children's books, including the Ugenia Lavender series and the young adult novel Rosie Frost and the Falcon Queen.

Early Life and Beginnings

Geraldine Estelle Halliwell was born on 6 August 1972 in Watford, England. Her mother is Spanish, and her father had Swedish, English, and French roots. Geri grew up in North Watford. She went to Watford Grammar School for Girls. Before becoming a pop star, she had different jobs, including working in entertainment.

Music Career

1994–1998: Becoming a Spice Girl

Geri Halliwell in 2008, wearing a remake of her famous Union Jack dress.

In 1994, Geri saw an advertisement looking for members for a new all-girl pop group. She joined Melanie C, Mel B, and Victoria Beckham. Later, Emma Bunton also joined, and they became the Spice Girls.

In 1996, the group released their first album, Spice. It became a huge success all over the world. The album sold 30 million copies and is one of the best-selling albums ever. Their first song, "Wannabe", reached number one in many countries. Other songs from the album, like "Say You'll Be There" and "2 Become 1", also topped the charts in the UK.

Because of her red hair, Geri was given the nickname "Ginger Spice". The group's famous phrase, "girl power", was often linked to Geri. This phrase meant that everyone, no matter their gender, should have equal opportunities and be able to be themselves.

In 1997, the Spice Girls released their second album, Spiceworld. This album also sold millions of copies. The group also starred in their own movie, Spiceworld: The Movie, which made a lot of money worldwide.

On 31 May 1998, Geri announced she was leaving the Spice Girls. She said it was because she was tired and had different ideas for the group. The other Spice Girls continued their tour without her. Even after she left, Geri was still featured in some Spice Girls releases that were planned before her departure. The other members later wrote songs about her, like "Goodbye". The Spice Girls are one of the best-selling girl groups of all time.

1999–2003: Solo Success

Geri Halliwell performing "It's Raining Men" during a Spice Girls reunion tour.

In 1999, Geri started her solo music career. Her first album, Schizophonic, had hit songs like "Mi Chico Latino", "Lift Me Up", and "Bag It Up". The album sold well and was very popular.

In October 1999, Geri released her autobiography, If Only. This book shared her experiences as a Spice Girl and became a bestseller. Geri gave the money from the book sales to a charity that helps people with breast cancer.

In 2001, Geri released her second album, Scream If You Wanna Go Faster. This album included her cover of "It's Raining Men", which became a huge hit around the world. It was also used in the movie Bridget Jones's Diary. She also released yoga DVDs called Geri Yoga and Geri Body Yoga. In 2002, she released another autobiography, Just for the Record.

Geri also appeared on TV. In 2002, she was a judge on Popstars: The Rivals, a show that created the group Girls Aloud. In 2003, she had a guest role on the TV series Sex and the City.

2004–Present: New Ventures and Reunions

Geri Halliwell at a book signing in 2008.

In 2004, Geri released the single "Ride It", which was a top five hit in the UK. Her third album, Passion, came out in 2005. After this, she focused more on writing children's books and being a mother.

In 2007, Geri signed a deal to write six children's books. The series, called Ugenia Lavender, follows the adventures of a nine-year-old girl named Ugenia. Geri said some characters in the books are based on real people she knows. These books sold very well, making her a successful children's author.

On 29 June 2007, the Spice Girls announced they were getting back together for a reunion tour. They also released a Greatest Hits album. The group toured as a five-piece and performed for many fans.

Geri continued to appear on TV. In 2010 and 2012, she was a guest judge on The X Factor. In 2013, she became a judge on Australia's Got Talent. In August 2012, the Spice Girls performed together at the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games in London.

In 2013, Geri released a new solo song called "Half of Me" in Australia. In 2018, the Spice Girls announced another reunion tour for 2019, which was very popular.

In November 2020, Geri started her own YouTube series called Rainbow Woman. She writes, directs, and produces this series, which shows her on different adventures. In 2023, Geri acted in the movie Gran Turismo.

In October 2022, Geri announced a new young adult novel called Rosie Frost and the Falcon Queen. The story is about an orphan who discovers a secret on a special island. The book was released in October 2023. To promote the book, Geri also released two new songs, "Ghost in My House" and "Beautiful Life". She also read a story on CBeebies Bedtime Stories.

Other Activities

Fashion and Charity Work

In 2010, Geri worked with the British clothing company Next to create a swimwear collection. In 2012, she designed a clothing line inspired by her famous Union Jack dress.

Geri is also a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). In this role, she helps raise awareness about important issues like reducing maternal deaths and stopping the spread of HIV/AIDS. She has visited countries like Zambia and Nepal to support these causes.

Geri has also shown interest in education. In 2015, she discussed plans to open a free school in London that would focus on arts and business. She believes that education is a very important right for everyone.

Views on Politics and Feminism

Geri has sometimes shared her thoughts on politics. In 1997, she spoke about Margaret Thatcher, saying she was an inspiration because she showed that "anything is possible" for a woman.

Geri considers herself a feminist. She believes feminism means "equalization between the sexes" and "embracing everyone's individuality". She thinks it's about giving everyone opportunities and pushing for gender equality.

Personal Life

Geri Halliwell has two children. She gave birth to her daughter in May 2006. In February 2014, Geri started dating Christian Horner, who is the team principal for the Red Bull Racing Formula One team. They got engaged in November 2014 and were married on 15 May 2015. Geri gave birth to their son in January 2017.

Geri has spoken about her past struggles with an eating disorder, bulimia. She has shared that she is now comfortable with her body and credits motherhood for helping her have a healthier relationship with food. Geri is a Christian.

In 2022, Geri received an honorary doctorate from Sheffield Hallam University. She is also a supporter of the Watford F.C. football team.

Music Albums

• Schizophonic (1999)
• Scream If You Wanna Go Faster (2001)
• Passion (2005)

Film and Television Appearances

Awards and Nominations

See also

In Spanish: Geri Halliwell para niños