Famous Like Me > Actor > C > Simon Cowell
Profile of Simon Cowell
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| Name: |
Simon Cowell |
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| Date of Birth: |
7th October 1959 |
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| Place of Birth: |
Brighton, East Sussex, England, UK |
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| Profession: |
Actor |
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From Wikipedia, the free Encyclopedia
Simon Philip Cowell (born October 7, 1959 in Brighton, England) is a British A&R (artist and repertoire) executive for BMG, but is probably best known as a judge on the television programs Pop Idol, American Idol and The X Factor. Cowell is notorious for his uncompromisingly harsh and occasionally controversial criticism of Pop Idol, X Factor and American Idol contestants. Occasionally he comments on already-established pop icons, most recently opining in Esquire magazine that Beyoncé Knowles was overrated.
He started out as a mail room clerk for EMI Music Publishing, where his father was an executive, and gradually worked his way up through the music industry until he became a record producer. In June 2003, Cowell sold his half-share in S Records for USD$42 million to BMG. Bands signed by Cowell include the boy band Westlife and the classical music group Il Divo.
In December 2003, Cowell published a book, I Don't Mean to Be Rude, But...: Backstage Gossip from American Idol & the Secrets that Can Make You a Star. (ISBN 0767917413)
In 2004, he was a judge on a new British TV talent show The X Factor with Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh. The X Factor has returned for a second series in 2005.
In the season 5 premiere of Punk'd, he was tricked by Ryan Seacrest and Randy Jackson. He became the fifth non-American/non-Canadian to get Punk'd.
Despite his controversial criticisms, he is also known for his animal-rights activism, and has become a moderate supporter of the PETA movement.
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