Stages of Stardom: Selena Gomez

Selena Marie Gomez was born on July 22, 1992 in Texas. She is named after the Mexican singer Selena Quintanilla-Pérez. Selena started acting at age seven playing Gianna in 'Barney and Friends.' It was on this show that she first met Demi Lovato. Check out this pics of them in Barney... Selena Gomez (on yellow ball) and Demi Lovato (wearing glasses and red headband).

Everett Collection

Selena went on to have small roles in 'Spy Kids 3D' and 'Walker, Texas Ranger: Trial By Fire.' She also starred as Emily Garcia in the movie, 'Brain Zapped.' In 2004 she was discovered by Disney and appeared in both 'The Suite Life of Zack and Cody' and 'Hannah Montana.' In 2007, she landed the role of Alex Russo in 'Wizards of Waverly Place.'

Vince Bucci, Getty Images

For Selena, giving back is important. She was an ambassador of Do Something.org and is active with the Island Dog organization that helps dogs in Puerto Rico. Here Selena attends "A Salute To Our troops" ceremony hosted by Microsoft Corporation and the United Service Organizations (USO) at The Rainbow Room on November 12, 2007 in New York City.

Joe Kohen, WireImage.com

'Wizards of Waverly' place was a hit and Selena continued to shoot new episodes. In early 2008, they did an episode about Wizard School (remind you of any other school for wizards?). The show has been so popular that a TV movie is in the works for the Russo family.

Disney Channel

Selena attended the 2008 Teen Choice Awards. Miley Cyrus was the host that year. The two seem pretty friendly, after all, they are Disney Channel sisters.

K Mazur/TCA 2008/WireImage.com

Also in 2008, Selena provided the voice for a character in 'Horton Hears a Who!'

Jean Baptiste Lacroix, WireImage

For Disney Channel, Selena hosted one of the 'Studio DC: Almost Live' shows. It featured the Muppets doing skits with other Disney Channel stars including her best friend Demi Lovato. She also participated in the Disney Channel Games.

Eamonn McCormack, WireImage

Selena starred as Mary Santiago in the 2008 'Another Cinderella Story' DVD movie. Her co-star was with Drew Seeley and the song 'Tell Me Something I Don't Know' from the movie was a big hit for them.

Warner Home Video

Selena has had a great 2009. She started off the year attending the January premiere of 'Hotel for Dogs' with "Shep" the dog.

Alberto E. Rodriguez, Getty Images

In March 2009, Selena and her 'Wizards of Waverly Place' family took time from shooting their movie to team up with Island Dog to raise awareness and help feed and medicate the many abandoned dogs in Puerto Rico.

Albert Michael, startraksphoto.com