Selena Marie Gomez, born July 22, 1992, is an American actress, singer, and businesswoman. She began her career as a child actress on the television series Barney & Friends (2002–2004) and gained prominence as a teen idol for her leading role as Alex Russo on the Disney Channel sitcom Wizards of Waverly Place (2007–2012). Gomez signed with Hollywood Records in 2008 and formed the band Selena Gomez & the Scene, which released three albums.