Vanity

Date of Birth: January 4, 1959

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: February 15, 2016

Biography

Vanity, born Denise Katrina Matthews, was a Canadian singer, songwriter, actress, and model best known for her work in the 1980s. She was born on January 4, 1959, in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. Vanity first gained fame as the lead singer of the girl group Vanity 6, which was created by the musician Prince. The group is best known for their hit single “Nasty Girl” released in 1982. After leaving the group, Vanity pursued a solo career and released two albums, “Wild Animal” (1984) and “Skin on Skin” (1986). Apart from her music career, Vanity acted in several films and TV shows, including “The Last Dragon” (1985), “52 Pick-Up” (1986), and “Action Jackson” (1988). In the early 1990s, Matthews renounced her stage name and lifestyle after a near-fatal drug overdose and became a born-again Christian. She then dedicated her life to Christian ministry and evangelism, often sharing her testimony at churches and events. Vanity passed away on February 15, 2016, due to kidney failure, which was a complication from her previous drug use.

5 Interesting Facts about Vanity

1. Vanity was a protégée of the legendary musician Prince, who helped launch her career in the early 1980s.

2. She was originally chosen to play the female lead in the film “Purple Rain” but had to drop out due to personal issues; the role eventually went to Apollonia Kotero.

3. Vanity’s hit single “Nasty Girl” with Vanity 6 was prominently featured in the film “Beverly Hills Cop” (1984).

4. After leaving her music career, she devoted much of her later life to Christian ministry and wrote an autobiography titled “Blame It On Vanity.”

5. Vanity struggled with severe kidney issues later in life and underwent dialysis treatments prior to her passing.