What You Must Know About Madonna

Happy 53rd birthday, Madonna! It’s hard to believe that it’s been 29 years since she landed on the charts with her first single, “Everybody.” But in the intervening decades, she’s performed the unprecedented feat of remaining a cultural icon, an innovative performer and the idol of millions in her worldwide audience. Here are some things you may not know about her:

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After dropping out of the University of Michigan, where she was a dance major, Madonna went to New York and was a waitress at Dunkin’ Donuts.

The Church Wasn't Happy After her career took off in the 1980s, she became a fashion icon with her bustiers, lace gloves and crucifix jewely - a mix of sacred and sexy that drew sharp criticism from religious authorities.

The Marriage That Couldn't Be Saved Although she had a string of hit singles in the 1980s – "Material Girl," "Into The Groove," "Crazy For You" – she was less successful in the romantic arena. Her marriage to Sean Penn in 1985 lasted four years and was marked by reports of his drinking and violence. (Their movie Shanghai Surprise bombed, too.)

Channeling Classic Hollywood When her career seemed to be slowing down as the 1990s approached, she and producer Shep Pettibone came up with one of Madonna’s signature songs: “Vogue.” An irresistible combination of old-time Hollywood imagery and super-trendy dancing, it became her first multi-platinum hit in the U.S. and sold more than six million copies worldwide.

What A Trouper For her critically acclaimed turn as Eva Peron in the 1995 film "Evita," Madonna wore 370 costumes – and holds the Guinness World Records for most costume changes in a movie.

We're Sure He Was Very Grateful Her interest in Kabbalah, teachings based on esoteric aspects of Judaism, began in 1997 and continues to this day. From all reports, Madonna takes Kabbalah very seriously, keeping a kosher home and observing Shabbat. Here, she's giving a book on Kabbalah to leading Israeli politician Shimon Peres.

And The T Shirts Are Just $9.99 With Lourdes, her daughter with trainer Carlos Leon, Madonna founded a clothing line to be sold at Macy’s department store. Given Madonna’s take-charge attitude, it’s no surprise that the collection, which starts at $5, is called Material Girl and harks back to the funky thrift-shop look she wore In the 80s. Madonna said Lourdes, 14, designed the clothing. No word yet on any business projects with son Rocco, 11, but give it time.

You Mean You'd Like Her Better If She Was Fat? Madonna’s 2000 marriage to British movie director Guy lasted seven and a half years and ended amidst some nasty and nastily funny allegations. She reportedly said he couldn’t stand having a wife more successful than him. He said she had no sense of humor and that her ultra-fit physique reminded him of a “piece of gristle.” Ouch.

The Saga Continues Even though she’s not releasing any new music right now, Madonna’s still in the news. She’s in the studio recording her 12th studio album, according to a tweet from her manager, Guy Oseary. No release date yet, but Madonna’s written a message to her fans: “It’s official. I need to sweat. I need to make new music!” Why are we not surprised?