Diana Ross celebrates another year of life on March 26, and it’s only right that we pay homage to this musical icon. Decades after her career launched, the mere mention of her name signals excellence. But reaching legendary status comes with its bouts of failures and success. While we’ve all either heard stories, saw the film Dreamgirls, or followed her career ourselves, there’s always something to learn about this Motown megastar.
Here are a few things you may not have known about this legendary artist.
1. Her name is a clerical error
On the popular series E! True Hollywood Story, it was revealed that Diana Ross originally went by Diane, the name her parents intended to give her. But a clerical error at birth led to her eventually accepting and adopting the name Diana.
I’d say things worked out for Diana!
2. She was supposed to play Rachel Marron
Whitney Houston’s major role in the film The Bodyguard almost not hers. Vulture reports that the original idea for the script was created in 1976 where Diana Ross and Steven McQueen were said to be the superstars pushing the script. But things fell where they should.
3. Call her Miss Ross, please
While in conversation with Oprah, the two discussed why people call her “Miss Ross.” “I do not demand,” Diana said, “I like it though!”
She shared that, originally, she hated it because it made her feel old. But as she reflected, she attributed it as a means of showing respect. We agree!
4. She was snubbed by the Grammys
Despite her fame and success, Diana Ross never officially won the highly acclaimed Grammy award. Weird, right? In 2012, things kind of changed for her. The Recording Academy awarded the 12-time nominee with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
5. A career-ending accident
While filming The Wiz, E! True Hollywood Story revealed Diana Ross had to complete many scenes where she looked into a light, pretending it was the eyes of the wizard. Afterward, she complained of issues with her eyes.
The star received an official diagnosis and learned that her retinas were burned. While she’d go on to recover, it was a challenge filled with a lot of pain.
6. Body Secrets
Diana Ross sat down with Andy Warhol of Interview Magazine and was very open about her journey toward accepting her body and maintaining her physique. “When I’m working I actually forget to eat,” she said. “I don’t eat sweets because I don’t care about them.”
She added that to stay in shape, she roller skates and dances. Going on tour also helps her maintain her svelte body.
We need to get on the Miss Ross plan, STAT!
7. Berry Gordy didn’t want her in ‘The Wiz’
Examiner! reports (via The Root), Diana Ross had to use all of her power and leverage to play Dorothy in the feature adaption of the Tony Award-winning musical The Wiz.
In the book, Diana Ross: The American Dream Girl, author Tom Adrathas shared Motown acquired the rights and Berry Gordy didn’t even want Diana to play the role because, at the age of 32, he decided she was too old and he wanted a younger, rising star to take the lead. Ahhh, ageism at its finest!
In the end, Diana got her way!
8. Her first check
What would you do with your first big check? That was an easy decision for Diana Ross when she received her first royalty payment. “I bought my mom a home,” she told Rolling Stone.
She bought a nice little pad for herself, as well. According to the L.A. Times, she purchased a $2.5 million Beverly Hills home in 1985. The residence was complete with five-bedrooms, nine-baths, and over 6,000-square-feet of living space.
9. She decided to set the record straight
While in conversation with Charlie Rose, the singer shared she never wanted to write anything that addressed naysayers and gossipers. But, after 30 years of her career, she released a memoir, Secrets of a Sparrow. “It’d be nice to have that balance out there for my children so they’ll know who I am, what my thinking was, or why I did what I did. It’s a nice balance,” she said.
Hey, it’s always good to be able to control the narrative on your own!
Are you shocked by any of these facts by Diana Ross? Leave your comment down below!