Whether you love or hate Madonna, the pop icon who exploded into the stratosphere in the 1980s, it is clear that the singer/songwriter/producer/actress, AKA Madonna Louis Ciccione, has had a significant impact on pop culture. There has been discussion about the origins of Madonna's name. Because her songs and public displays touched on areas the Catholic Church might have taken umbrage about, it was well-known that the Church did not support the singer having a name linked to the Virgin Mary.

The 63-year-old, 7-time Grammy winner, who trained as a dancer, came from middle-class roots. Madonna was already an innovator when she moved to NYC in 1978 to study dance with the legendary Alvin Ailey. She got into a band called The Breakfast Club with a former boyfriend Stephen Bray, who later appeared in the film Desperately Seeking Susan with his ex. Money was tight. Madonna did whatever she could to make a buck, including nude modeling and working shifts at Dunkin Donuts. 

Her luck took a turn for the better when Sire Records embraced demo tapes in 1982. The tune "Holiday" was a smash hit. By today's standards, it seems mild. But back then, it was groundbreaking and bold--and put a woman up front and personal in a male-dominated business. Songs that followed like Borderline, Like a Virgin, and Papa Don't Preach were popular hits, too, albeit controversial. Madonna's influence crossed over into fashion, women's rights, and expressing sexual freedom. Some later called her the 'Queen of Pop.' Her friendship with the late 'King of Pop' Michael Jackson is well-documented. 

The singer/songwriter was as outspoken then as she is now. Madonna, who divorced actor Sean Penn and director Guy Richie, has been criticized for dating much younger men. But men have done the same thing for years--and no one bats an eyelash. Besides, she is still a young, energetic, and creative spirit and looks great. It is unfortunate when someone (anyone-it is not just in the entertainment industry) gets beyond a certain age, they can be marginalized. 

I take my hat off to anyone who can make it in the performing arts, especially a woman at the time when Madonna rose to fame. In fact, in a 1989 tune, she encouraged you to 'Express Yourself, ' which is not always bad.

Madonna has been blasted for having cosmetic procedures by online trolls. Perhaps she is 'youth-obsessed,' but it's hard not to feel that way, especially for mature women in the entertainment business.

It would seem more appropriate to look at the legend's achievements: she did an incredible job portraying Evita, she has 2 natural and 4 adopted children, she owns homes in Lisbon and London, among other places, and her net worth is over $800 million--and she has sung songs and starred in films that mirror 40 years of culture. What a life!

The biopic will star Julia Garner. Madonna will direct.