Apollonia Kotero
Encyclopedia
Apollonia Kotero, born Patricia Kotero on August 2, 1959, is an actress, singer, former model and talent manager. Kotero, born in Santa Monica, California
, is of Mexican
descent. Apollonia is perhaps best known for co-starring in Prince
's 1984 film Purple Rain
and for having been the lead singer in the girl group Apollonia 6
.
beauty competition and a stint as a cheerleader for the Los Angeles Rams in the 1980s, Kotero began acting in film and television shows such as CHiPs
, Tales of the Gold Monkey
, Fantasy Island
, Matt Houston
, and Knight Rider. In 1982, she appeared in the videos for "The Other Woman" by Ray Parker, Jr.
and "Shakin'
" by Eddie Money
. She appeared in the 1984 TV movie The Mystic Warrior
as the Native American woman "Wicahpi."
, then leader of the girl group
Vanity 6
, resigned from its membership before Prince's 1984 film Purple Rain was made, Kotero landed the movie's female lead role. Vanity 6, which was renamed Apollonia 6
for this movie, also featured supporting singers Brenda Bennett
and Susan Moonsie
. Apollonia 6 went on a worldwide tour to promote their hit single "Sex Shooter
".
Apollonia had originally recorded a version of the song "Manic Monday
" for the 1984 Apollonia 6
album. Written and composed by Prince, the song would later become a worldwide hit single for girl group The Bangles
. Prince's song "Take Me with U
" featured vocals by Apollonia and it reached #25 on the Top 40 chart in the U.S.
Apollonia left Prince's camp in 1985 to appear on the television series Falcon Crest
, playing for ten consecutive weeks "Apollonia", the girlfriend of the character played by teenage heartthrob Lorenzo Lamas
. She performed several solo songs, including "Red Light Romeo" written and composed by songwriter Jon Lind
.
. Containing high energy dance music, three singles were released from the album: "Since I Fell For You", "The Same Dream", and "Mismatch".
Apollonia went on to star in films such as Ministry of Vengeance (1989), Back To Back (1990), Black Magic Woman (1991) and two Italian productions: La Donna di una Sera (1991) and Cattive Ragazze (1992). She returned to television on shows such as Sliders
and Air America
(which co-starred Lorenzo Lamas, her former co-star in Falcon Crest, in 1986), and also hosted The Jazz Channel's Latin Beat program. During this period an exercise video entitled Go For It was also released. Apollonia could also be seen on E!
's Celebrity Homes and MTV Cribs
, with friend Carmen Electra
, The Test and Rendezview.
In 2005, Apollonia formed a multi-media entertainment company, Kotero Entertainment, which formed partnerships with a number of producers to produce a children's animated television series, as well as feature films. Kotero Entertainment also commenced to manage young talent such as television and film star Sascha Andres and young pop singer Nikki Barreras, also known as Nikki B.
On December 1, 2007, Kotero appeared at a Project Angel Food
charity event in Beverly Hills, CA.
In 2009, Kotero recorded with Greg Dulli's The Twilight Singers
on a cover of "When Doves Cry
" for Spin
magazine's 25th anniversary tribute to the Purple Rain
album, entitled Purplish Rain
.
for ten years, from 1987 to 1997. During the 1980s, before she and Bernhardt married, Apollonia was linked to Prince
, Lorenzo Lamas
, and David Lee Roth
.
Santa Monica, California
Santa Monica is a beachfront city in western Los Angeles County, California, US. Situated on Santa Monica Bay, it is surrounded on three sides by the city of Los Angeles — Pacific Palisades on the northwest, Brentwood on the north, West Los Angeles on the northeast, Mar Vista on the east, and...
, is of Mexican
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
descent. Apollonia is perhaps best known for co-starring in Prince
Prince (musician)
Prince Rogers Nelson , often known simply as Prince, is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and actor. Prince has produced ten platinum albums and thirty Top 40 singles during his career. Prince founded his own recording studio and label; writing, self-producing and playing most, or all, of...
's 1984 film Purple Rain
Purple Rain (film)
Purple Rain is a 1984 film directed by Albert Magnoli and written by Magnoli and William Blinn. Prince makes his film debut in this movie, which was developed to showcase his particular talents, hence, the film contains several extended concert sequences. The film grossed more than US$80 million at...
and for having been the lead singer in the girl group Apollonia 6
Apollonia 6
Apollonia 6 was a 1980s female singing trio created by Prince as a continuation/succession of a previous group, Vanity 6.-Formation and Purple Rain:...
.
Early career
Kotero initially pursued fame and fortune via work as an actress, singer and model. After winning the Miss San PedroSan Pedro, Los Angeles, California
San Pedro is a port district of the city of Los Angeles, California, United States. It was annexed in 1909 and is a major seaport of the area...
beauty competition and a stint as a cheerleader for the Los Angeles Rams in the 1980s, Kotero began acting in film and television shows such as CHiPs
CHiPs
CHiPs is an American television drama series produced by MGM Studios that originally aired on NBC from September 15, 1977, to July 17, 1983. CHiPs followed the lives of two motorcycle police officers of the California Highway Patrol...
, Tales of the Gold Monkey
Tales of the Gold Monkey
Tales of the Gold Monkey is a 1982 television show broadcast by ABC. Most critics saw it as the network's attempt to capitalize on the fame of the movie Raiders of the Lost Ark the previous year, in the same vein as Bring 'Em Back Alive on CBS...
, Fantasy Island
Fantasy Island
Fantasy Island is the title of two separate but related American fantasy television series, both originally airing on the ABC television network.-Original series:...
, Matt Houston
Matt Houston
Matt Houston is an American crime drama series that aired on ABC from 1982 to 1985. Created by Lawrence Gordon, the series was produced by Aaron Spelling.-Synopsis:...
, and Knight Rider. In 1982, she appeared in the videos for "The Other Woman" by Ray Parker, Jr.
Ray Parker, Jr.
Ray Erskine Parker, Jr. , is an American guitarist, songwriter, producer and recording artist. Parker is known for writing and performing the theme song to the motion picture Ghostbusters, for his solo hits, and performing with his band Raydio as well as the late Barry White.-Early life and...
and "Shakin'
Shakin'
"Shakin" is a song by American rock singer, Eddie Money, from his album No Control in 1982. It was co-written by Eddie Money, Elizabeth Myers, and Ralph Carter, and released as a single, reaching #63 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and #9 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks.The video for the single...
" by Eddie Money
Eddie Money
Eddie Money is an American rock guitarist, saxophonist and singer-songwriter who found success in the 1970s and 1980s with a string of Top 40 hits and platinum albums...
. She appeared in the 1984 TV movie The Mystic Warrior
The Mystic Warrior
The Mystic Warrior is a 1984 TV movie about a band of Native American Sioux and the efforts of one man to save his people from destruction through the use of mysterious powers handed down by ancestors. The movie was originally a nine hour mini-series entitled "Hanta Yo" to be aired in 1980, instead...
as the Native American woman "Wicahpi."
Prince and Purple Rain
When Prince's girlfriend Denise "Vanity" MatthewsVanity (performer)
Denise Katrina Matthews , better known as Vanity, but sometimes credited as Denise Matthews-Smith or D.D. Winters, is a Canadian-born former singer, songwriter, dancer, actress, and model from the 1980s until the early mid-90s...
, then leader of the girl group
Girl group
A girl group is a popular music act featuring several young female singers who generally harmonise together.Girl groups emerged in the late 1950s as groups of young singers teamed up with behind-the-scenes songwriters and music producers to create hit singles, often featuring glossy production...
Vanity 6
Vanity 6
Vanity 6 was a female vocal trio assembled by Prince in the early 1980s.They released one studio album, which blended the sounds of pop, New Wave, dance music, R&B, and funk.-Formation:...
, resigned from its membership before Prince's 1984 film Purple Rain was made, Kotero landed the movie's female lead role. Vanity 6, which was renamed Apollonia 6
Apollonia 6
Apollonia 6 was a 1980s female singing trio created by Prince as a continuation/succession of a previous group, Vanity 6.-Formation and Purple Rain:...
for this movie, also featured supporting singers Brenda Bennett
Brenda Bennett
Brenda Bennett is an American singer from Boston, Massachusetts who married the musician Prince's set-designer Roy Bennett, and then became Prince's "wardrobe mistress." Brenda's maiden name is Brenda Mosher. She started off in a CBS Records band called Tombstone Blues Band...
and Susan Moonsie
Susan Moonsie
Susan Moonsie is an American musician best known for her association with Prince and his girl-group Vanity 6.-Early life:Moonsie, the daughter of a conservative school teacher, hailed from Minneapolis, Minnesota. She was one of Prince's high school girlfriends.-Career:Moonsie became a member of...
. Apollonia 6 went on a worldwide tour to promote their hit single "Sex Shooter
Sex Shooter
"Sex Shooter" is a song written by Prince for his protégés, girl group Apollonia 6. It appeared on the band's only album, Apollonia 6 and was released as a single in 1984.The song was performed by Apollonia 6 in the film Purple Rain...
".
Apollonia had originally recorded a version of the song "Manic Monday
Manic Monday
"Manic Monday" is a song by the American pop rock band The Bangles, and the first single released from their second studio album Different Light . It was written by Prince, using the pseudonym "Christopher". Originally intended for the group Apollonia 6 in 1984, he offered the song to The Bangles...
" for the 1984 Apollonia 6
Apollonia 6 (album)
Apollonia 6 is the only studio album released by R&B vocal trio and Prince-protégés Apollonia 6.The album was initially to be the second release by the Prince-formed group Vanity 6, but when lead singer Vanity departed Prince's camp, the musician hired Patricia Kotero and named her "Apollonia",...
album. Written and composed by Prince, the song would later become a worldwide hit single for girl group The Bangles
The Bangles
The Bangles are an American all-female band that originated in the early 1980s, scoring several hit singles during the decade.-Formation and early years :...
. Prince's song "Take Me with U
Take Me with U
"Take Me With U" is a song by Prince and The Revolution, and the final U.S. single released from their album, Purple Rain. It is a pop song notable for the drum solo and finger cymbals that open the song and repeat again toward the end....
" featured vocals by Apollonia and it reached #25 on the Top 40 chart in the U.S.
Apollonia left Prince's camp in 1985 to appear on the television series Falcon Crest
Falcon Crest
Falcon Crest is an American primetime television soap opera which aired on the CBS network for nine seasons, from December 4, 1981 to May 17, 1990. A total of 227 episodes were produced....
, playing for ten consecutive weeks "Apollonia", the girlfriend of the character played by teenage heartthrob Lorenzo Lamas
Lorenzo Lamas
Lorenzo Lamas y de Santos is an American actor. Lamas is known for playing Lance Cumson on the popular 1980s soap opera Falcon Crest, Reno Raines on the 1990s crime drama Renegade, and Hector Ramirez on the daytime soap opera The Bold and The Beautiful...
. She performed several solo songs, including "Red Light Romeo" written and composed by songwriter Jon Lind
Jon Lind
Jon Lind is an American songwriter and performer.- Biography :Jon Lind was raised in New York City. He studied classical guitar at the Mannes College of Music. His first break was in the 1970s where he worked with Bob Cavallo. At this period he met Maurice White who recorded two of his songs. He...
.
Later career
In 1988, Apollonia released her first solo album, entitled Apollonia, on Warner Bros. RecordsWarner Bros. Records
Warner Bros. Records Inc. is an American record label. It was the foundation label of the present-day Warner Music Group, and now operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of that corporation. It maintains a close relationship with its former parent, Warner Bros. Pictures, although the two companies...
. Containing high energy dance music, three singles were released from the album: "Since I Fell For You", "The Same Dream", and "Mismatch".
Apollonia went on to star in films such as Ministry of Vengeance (1989), Back To Back (1990), Black Magic Woman (1991) and two Italian productions: La Donna di una Sera (1991) and Cattive Ragazze (1992). She returned to television on shows such as Sliders
Sliders
Sliders is an American science fiction television series. It was broadcast for five seasons, beginning in 1995 and ending in 2000. The series follows a group of travelers as they use a wormhole to "slide" between different parallel universes. The show was created by Robert K. Weiss and Tracy Tormé...
and Air America
Air America (TV series)
Air America is an American action/adventure television series starring Lorenzo Lamas, and premiering on October 4, 1998. The series is not based on the 1990 film Air America.-Plot:...
(which co-starred Lorenzo Lamas, her former co-star in Falcon Crest, in 1986), and also hosted The Jazz Channel's Latin Beat program. During this period an exercise video entitled Go For It was also released. Apollonia could also be seen on E!
E!
E! Entertainment Television is an American basic cable and satellite television network, owned by NBCUniversal. It features entertainment-related programming, reality television, feature films and occasionally series and specials unrelated to the entertainment industry.E! has an audience reach of...
's Celebrity Homes and MTV Cribs
MTV Cribs
MTV Cribs and CMT Cribs, depending on which channel it airs, is a franchise reality television program that originated on the MTV Networks' MTV. It later aired on its CMT channel that features tours of the houses and mansions of celebrities. The first show aired September 2000...
, with friend Carmen Electra
Carmen Electra
Tara Leigh Patrick , professionally known as Carmen Electra, is an American glamour model, actress, television personality, singer, and dancer...
, The Test and Rendezview.
In 2005, Apollonia formed a multi-media entertainment company, Kotero Entertainment, which formed partnerships with a number of producers to produce a children's animated television series, as well as feature films. Kotero Entertainment also commenced to manage young talent such as television and film star Sascha Andres and young pop singer Nikki Barreras, also known as Nikki B.
On December 1, 2007, Kotero appeared at a Project Angel Food
Project Angel Food
Project Angel Food is a nonprofit agency whose mission is to nourish the body and spirit of men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS, cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. Volunteers and staff cook and deliver free and nutritious meals prepared with love throughout Los Angeles County,...
charity event in Beverly Hills, CA.
In 2009, Kotero recorded with Greg Dulli's The Twilight Singers
The Twilight Singers
The Twilight Singers is an American indie rock band. The group was initially formed as a side project of The Afghan Whigs leader Greg Dulli in 1997...
on a cover of "When Doves Cry
When Doves Cry
A hit cover version by R&B singer Ginuwine was produced by Timbaland in 1996 for Ginuwine's The Bachelor album, Ginuwine's cover uses actual dove sound effects as texture for its jungle music-inspired instrumental track.-Charts:-Other cover versions:...
" for Spin
Spin (magazine)
Spin is a music magazine founded in 1985 by publisher Bob Guccione Jr.-History:In its early years, the magazine was noted for its broad music coverage with an emphasis on college-oriented rock music and on the ongoing emergence of hip-hop. The magazine was eclectic and bold, if sometimes haphazard...
magazine's 25th anniversary tribute to the Purple Rain
Purple Rain (album)
Purple Rain is the sixth studio album by Prince, the first to officially be credited to Prince and The Revolution, and is the soundtrack album to the 1984 film Purple Rain.Purple Rain is regularly ranked among the best albums in pop music history...
album, entitled Purplish Rain
Purplish Rain
Purplish Rain is a compilation of Prince covers put out by Spin magazine for readers of its July 2009 issue. The album contains cover versions of songs from Prince's 1984 Purple Rain album, in the same track order as the original....
.
Personal life
Apollonia was married to writer Kevin BernhardtKevin Bernhardt
Kevin Bernhardt is an American film writer, film actor, television actor, and producer. Bernhardt is presently best known as a screenwriter, with over 20 screenplays produced since the mid-nineties. His dozen lead actor/film roles before that included J.P...
for ten years, from 1987 to 1997. During the 1980s, before she and Bernhardt married, Apollonia was linked to Prince
Prince (musician)
Prince Rogers Nelson , often known simply as Prince, is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and actor. Prince has produced ten platinum albums and thirty Top 40 singles during his career. Prince founded his own recording studio and label; writing, self-producing and playing most, or all, of...
, Lorenzo Lamas
Lorenzo Lamas
Lorenzo Lamas y de Santos is an American actor. Lamas is known for playing Lance Cumson on the popular 1980s soap opera Falcon Crest, Reno Raines on the 1990s crime drama Renegade, and Hector Ramirez on the daytime soap opera The Bold and The Beautiful...
, and David Lee Roth
David Lee Roth
David Lee Roth is an American rock vocalist, songwriter, actor, author, and former radio personality. Roth was ranked nineteenth by Hit Parader on their list of the 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Singers of All Time....
.