Apollonia Kotero is a name that may not be as recognizable as some other 80s pop culture icons, but she was a key player in one of the era’s most significant music films, Purple Rain.
She was born on August 2, 1959, in Santa Monica, California, to parents of Mexican heritage. She has had an interesting and varied career as an actress, singer, and model.
Table of Contents
Early Life
Apollonia Kotero was born Patricia Apollonia Kotero on August 2, 1959, in Santa Monica, California. Her father was a restaurant owner, and her mother was a homemaker. She grew up in the San Fernando Valley with her siblings. She attended high school in Santa Barbara, California, where she excelled in music and drama.
Career Beginnings
Apollonia Kotero began her career in show business as a model. She appeared in several magazines, including Playboy and Cosmopolitan. She also appeared in music videos for artists like John Cougar Mellencamp and Rick James. In 1983, she landed the role of Brenda in the TV show “The New Adventures of Beans Baxter.”
Purple Rain and The Prince Connection
Apollonia Kotero is best known for her role as the lead female in Prince’s 1984 film “Purple Rain.” She was handpicked by Prince to replace Vanity in the film after Vanity dropped out. The movie was a massive hit and propelled Apollonia to fame. She also performed with Prince in the band Apollonia 6 and appeared in the music videos for “Sex Shooter” and “Take Me With U.”
Career After Purple Rain
After Purple Rain, Apollonia Kotero continued to work in film and television, appearing in movies like “Black Magic Woman” and “Back to Back.” She also had a recurring role on the soap opera “Falcon Crest.” In the late 80s and early 90s, she pursued a career in music, releasing her self-titled album in 1988. The album featured the hit single “Since I Fell for You.”
Personal Life
Apollonia Kotero has been married twice. Her first marriage was to writer and director Kevin Bernhardt. They were married in 1987 and divorced in 1997. She then married her second husband, Greg Patschull, in 2000, and they are still together. She is also an active supporter of animal rights and has worked with organizations like PETA.
Net Worth
Her net worth is estimated to be around $4 million. She made a considerable amount of money from her music and acting career. Her role in “Purple Rain” and her work with Prince undoubtedly helped boost her net worth.
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FAQs:
Q1. What happened to Apollonia after “Purple Rain”?
A: After “Purple Rain,” Apollonia Kotero continued to work in film and television. She also pursued a music career, releasing her self-titled album in 1988. She has continued to work in entertainment and is still active in the industry today, although her focus has shifted more towards her advocacy work for animal rights.
Q2. Was Apollonia ever in a band?
A: Yes, She was part of the band Apollonia 6, which was created by Prince. The group was formed specifically for the purpose of appearing in the film “Purple Rain,” and they went on to release one album.
Q3. What is Apollonia Kotero’s ethnicity?
A: Apollonia Kotero’s parents were of Mexican heritage, and she was born and raised in California.
Q4. How did Apollonia get her start in show business?
A: Apollonia Kotero began her career as a model, appearing in magazines like Playboy and Cosmopolitan. She then transitioned to acting, with her breakout role being in the TV show “The New Adventures of Beans Baxter.”
Q5. Is Apollonia Kotero still active in show business?
A: While she may not be as active as she was in the 80s and 90s, Apollonia Kotero is still involved in entertainment today. She has made occasional appearances in film and television and has also pursued a career as a singer and songwriter. Additionally, she is a well-known advocate for animal rights and has worked with several organizations in this capacity.
Conclusion:
Apollonia Kotero may not be a household name, but she has had a fascinating career in entertainment. From modeling to acting to music, she has done it all. Her role in “Purple Rain” cemented her place in pop culture history, and her work in animal rights advocacy shows that she has a big heart. Her estimated net worth of $4 million is a testament to her hard work and talent.