Puerto Rican singer-songwriter and actor Ricky Martin has undergone quite a transformation over the years, evolving from a closeted pop star to a multi-talented actor and musician who openly celebrates his LGBTQ+ identity. Now a devoted father of four, Martin has come a long way since his teenage debut with the boy band Menudo and the launch of his hugely successful solo music career.
Celebrating His Queer Identity, Having Kids, and Getting Married
In 2010, Ricky Martin publicly came out as gay in a heartfelt letter posted on his website, writing: “Today I accept my homosexuality as a gift that life gives me. I feel blessed to be who I am!”
Before marrying artist Jwan Yosef in 2017, Martin had already become a father to twin boys, Matteo and Valentino, via surrogate in 2008. Yosef joined their family, and together they welcomed two more children via surrogate — daughter Lucia in 2018 and son Renn in 2019 — born just nine months apart.
A Devastating Split
In 2023, Martin and Yosef announced their divorce after six years of marriage. In their joint statement, they emphasized that their children and maintaining a “healthy family dynamic” would remain their top priority as they continued to co-parent. The couple has kept their kids largely out of the public eye, though Martin was recently spotted attending a Bad Bunny concert with his twins.
A Revived Acting Career
Ricky Martin’s acting career flourished later in life. In 2018, he starred in The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story, and in 2024, he took on a major role in the Apple TV hit Palm Royale, set in 1960s Palm Beach. But Martin was no stranger to acting — as a child, he appeared in commercials, performed in the Mexican musical play Mama Ama el Rock, and acted in the telenovela Alcanzar una Estrella II (To Reach a Star II). He also had a recurring role on General Hospital for several years.
Ricky Martin on Tour
In September 2025, Martin will perform in Las Vegas with concerts at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace to celebrate Mexican Independence Day. He will also extend his tour to Australia, with a sold-out Melbourne show in early November, followed by stops in Brisbane, Canberra, and Sydney, joined by special guest Rita Ora.
A Proud Advocate for Social Justice
Martin has been an outspoken supporter of the “Protect The Dolls” campaign, which fights for trans rights, and has promoted the initiative on social media. He also helped raise $2.8 million for HIV/AIDS research by performing at the amfAR Palm Beach Gala. In addition, he founded the Ricky Martin Foundation in 2004, which works to combat human trafficking and raise awareness about child exploitation.
His philanthropic efforts have earned him numerous awards, including the 2005 International Humanitarian Award from the International Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Just Getting Started at 53
At 53, Ricky Martin remains in his prime — touring across genres, advocating for social justice, and enjoying life with his children post-divorce. Recently, he graced the cover of the second issue of Numéro Homme Switzerland, looking as dashing as ever. One thing’s for sure: the next chapter of his career is bound to be just as exciting.
