Sharon Osbourne

Infobox Celebrity
name = Sharon Osbourne

|220px|centre|right
caption = Osbourne at the Concert Industry Consortium conference at the Century Plaza Hotel,
Los Angeles, California, (2007).
Birth_name = Sharon Lauren Levy
birth_date = Birth date and age|1952|10|9|df=y
birth_place = Brixton, London, England
death_date =
death_place =
occupation = Music manager and television personality
salary =
networth =
spouse = Ozzy Osbourne (1982–)
website = http://www.sharonosbourne.com
footnotes =
children = Kelly Osbourne,
Jack Osbourne,
Aimee Osbourne

Sharon Rachel Osbourne (née Levy, previously Arden; born 9 October 1952) is an English music manager and promoter, television personality and presenter.

She came into public prominence after appearing in "The Osbournes", a reality television show that followed her family's daily life. Osbourne later became a judge on the talent shows "The X Factor" and "America's Got Talent". Her autobiography, "Extreme", has sold in excess of two million copies." [http://www.guardian.co.uk/obituaries/story/0,,2133861,00.html Don Arden] " — guardian.co.uk. Retrieved August 13, 2007.]

After the success of "The Osbournes", hosting her own chat shows and securing advertising contracts, Osbourne was ranked as the 60th richest woman in Britain on the 2007 "Sunday Times Rich List". " [http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/specials/rich_list/rich_list_search/?urllink=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/richlist/person/0,,48264,00.html Women‘s Rich List] " — business.timesonline.co.uk. Retrieved June 18, 2007.] Sharon and husband, Ozzy Osbourne, are currently ranked as the 724th richest people in Britain with an estimated joint wealth of £110 million. [ [http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/specials/rich_list/article3796126.ece Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne] — timesonline.co.uk. Retrieved May 9 2008.] Sharon Osbourne previously revived Ozzy's metal career and she stands as the founder of Ozzfest." [http://www.guardian.co.uk/friday_review/story/0,3605,495951,00.html 'Eminem sings about killing his wife. My husband actually tried to do it'] " — guardian.co.uk. Retrieved July 24, 2007.]

Music manager

Sharon met future husband Ozzy Osbourne at the age of 17 while working for her father, Don Arden, who managed Black Sabbath and was often accused of using violent tactics by his artists. When Ozzy was fired from Black Sabbath in 1979, Sharon Osbourne took over his management from the Arden organization and then started to date Ozzy. Proving to be as hardworking and ruthless as her father, Osbourne coordinated the recruitment of a technically gifted backing band, these members were Randy Rhoads, Bob Daisley, and Lee Kerslake for the recording of "The Blizzard of Ozz" and, by engaging proven songwriters, helped Ozzy launch what became a highly successful solo career. It was rumoured that Osbourne employed some of her father's tactics where one promoter was kneed in the groin after failing to produce due payments, and Osbourne single-handedly ruined a company's computer system after they sold illegal merchandise.

Ozzfest

:"See also: Ozzfest"A series of high selling albums and world tours followed through the 1980s, eventually making Ozzy one of the world's most popular metal acts. In 1996 she created the successful Ozzfest summer touring festival. It went on to become a prime rock occasion and celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2006. In 2007, she took the decision to make Ozzfest tickets free, as she wanted everyone to have an equal opportunity to attend a concert. The tickets had previously reached prices of £76 ($150). [" [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6337761.stm Osbourne makes Ozzfest shows free] " — news.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved March 2, 2007.] Ozzfest grossed $20 million each year and is credited with launching the careers of Marilyn Manson, Limp Bizkit and Slipknot. Prior to the founding of Ozzfest, Osbourne approached Lollapalooza, another rock festival, to request that Ozzy play at that year's festival, only to be rejected and told that Ozzy was "uncool". It was then that she decided to launch her own festival.

haron Osbourne Management

In light of Osbourne's success managing Ozzy, she branched out into managing other acts by creating Sharon Osbourne Management. The new company, with Osbourne as its sole employee, managed artists such as Coal Chamber, The Smashing Pumpkins, Motörhead, ELO and Gary Moore. Osbourne also claimed to have worked briefly with Queen before being fired by Freddie Mercury. In the late 1990s Osbourne co-managed a band called Cube, with Cud guitarist Mike Dunphy. Cube were signed to Polydor Records but had limited success. Never one to mince words, in 2000 she made news by severing her relationship with The Smashing Pumpkins and then announcing in a statement: "...I must resign due to medical reasons... Billy Corgan was making me sick!" She has also turned down career guidance requests from Fred Durst, Guns N' Roses and Courtney Love.

Television career

"The Osbournes"

Osbourne gained celebrity status as one of the stars of MTV's reality show, "The Osbournes", which was known nationwide and followed her family's daily life. As the person who negotiated with MTV to screen the show, she is often credited with bringing about her husband's emergence from heavy metal icon into mainstream celebrity. The show began airing in early 2002, and when, in July 2002, Osbourne was diagnosed with cancer, she insisted that filming should continue. The final episode of the show aired in the US on March 21, 2005. MTV's British affiliate has been airing the show since 2003. The show brought MTV its highest ever ratings in both America and Britain. [" [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/tv_and_radio/2015052.stm Ozzy returns for second series] " — news.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved August 16, 2007.]

The Osbornes' Beverly Hills home (made famous on the show) has since been sold and the Osbournes have taken up residence in another home in Beverly Hills. Her Beverly Hills home was later seen in "The X Factor" during series two. The show saw that Osbourne was responsible for the livelihood of 12 dogs and employs a dog walker named Cherie. From the mid 1990s until the end of "The Osbournes" in 2005, she was primarily based in Los Angeles with the rest of her family. Osbourne earned an estimated £11.5 million from "The Osbournes".

"The Sharon Osbourne Show" (US version)

In 2003 Osbourne became the host of her own television talk show, "The Sharon Osbourne Show", which was syndicated to various US channels and also shown in the UK on Sky One. The show was meant to be a reflection of her personality and home life – similar to her reality show but with the inclusion of guest interviews and performances. During the episodes, she conducted some of her interviews on a giant bed.

However, it was never very successful in the ratings [" [http://www.people.com/people/article/0,26334,627474,00.html 'Sharon Osbourne Show' Faces the Ax] " — people.com. Retrieved June 17, 2007.] and critics panned her inability to perform the basic tasks required of a talk show host, such as reading cue cards and conducting interviews. The show was canceled in early 2004 after one season. [" [http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/a19065/british-humour-ended-osbournes-show.html British humour ended Osbourne's show] " — digitalspy.co.uk. Retrieved August 13, 2007]

"The X Factor"

Osbourne was a judge and mentor on the UK reality TV talent show "The X Factor" every year, from 2004 through to 2007. In the first series she mentored the 16–24s and chose Roberta Howett, Cassie Compton and Tabby Callaghan to represent her in the live rounds of the show. The best placed of these was Tabby, who finished third overall. The final was contested between Simon Cowell's act Steve Brookstein and Louis Walsh's act G4, with Steve winning. Osbourne's outburst against Steve on the night of the final is widely credited with helping him to win, [" [http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/pages/live/articles/showbiz/showbiznews.html?in_article_id=331265&in_page_id=1773&in_a_source= Sharon: The rock of the Osbournes unXpurgated] " — mailonsunday.co.uk. Retrieved August 15, 2007.] although according to her autobiography he was well ahead at all stages of the voting.

In the second series she mentored the 25-and-overs, and selected Andy Abraham, Brenda Edwards, Chico Slimani and Maria Lawson to contest the final rounds. Andy Abraham finished in second place to Louis Walsh's act Shayne Ward. During this series, the judges were again required to bring the selected candidates to their homes. Osbourne chose her Beverly Hills home as a suitable location, which saw Osbourne inviting her neighbours and husband Ozzy Osbourne to attend live performances by the candidates. During Chico's performance, he jumped into her functioning fountain with a live microphone, and proceeded to splash water.

Osbourne also appeared in the spin-off show "". She was not required to choose her celebrity singing contestants but was selected to manage the 16–24s which were made up of Nikki Sanderson, Matt Stevens and Michelle Marsh. During the show, with Osbourne being a close friend of Victoria Beckham, she engaged in a feud with contestant Rebecca Loos, [" [http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/topstories/tm_objectid=17161978&method=full&siteid=94762&headline=x-factor-row---sharon-v-rebecca-round-two-name_page.html X-FACTOR ROW - SHARON v REBECCA ROUND TWO] " — mirror.co.uk. Retrieved August 13, 2007.] due to her recent claim of having an affair with David Beckham. [" [http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/xfactor/a33784/rebecca-loos-hits-back-at-osbourne.html Rebecca Loos hits back at Osbourne] " — digitalspy.co.uk. Retrieved August 13, 2007.] Osbourne insulted Loos after one of her performances saying, "You should try doing tomorrow's performance with your knickers on because it will help warm up your voice. You have a very bad vibe that comes from you." [" [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzSYDWsuz9g Sharon Osbourne vs Rebecca Loos] " — youtube.com. Retrieved February 20, 2007.] After the incident, it took a lot of persuading to convince Loos to stay in the competition after being publicly humiliated.

In series three of "The X Factor" in 2006, she was mentoring the 25-and-overs, and selected Ben Mills, Dionne Mitchell, Robert Allen and Kerry McGregor. Kerry and Dionne were voted out in a double elimination on October 28, Robert was voted out on November 18 and Ben was voted out on December 9, sending Osbourne out of the competition. During the filming of the third series, Osbourne lived at the Dorchester Hotel in central London.

Osbourne was criticised for her outbursts on the show, where before a live show in series three she reportedly spoke out against "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?" presenter Chris Tarrant, who was in the show's audience prior to filming. Tarrant had made a joke about Ozzy Osbourne to which Sharon Osbourne took offence, but most of her outburst focused on criticising Tarrant's recent infidelity to his wife Ingrid from whom he was in the process of separating. [" [http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/xfactor/a39608/sharon-osbourne-clashes-with-tarrant.html Sharon Osbourne Clashes with Tarrant] " — digitalspy.co.uk. Retrieved February 20, 2007.] It was rumoured that Simon Cowell, fellow judge and creator of the show, was displeased with her performance in series three, and was thinking of replacing her and Louis Walsh for the next series. [" [http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/article/ds41056.html Osbourne to be axed from 'X Factor'?] " — digitalspy.co.uk. Retrieved December 27, 2006.] However, it was confirmed that Osbourne had been contracted to return for the fourth series of the show. [" [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6432249.stm Walsh to step down from X Factor] " — news.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved March 8, 2007.]

She then appeared in the fourth series as of August 18, 2007 along with judges Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and the new judge, Dannii Minogue. [" [http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/xfactor/a59324/minogue-friedman-join-the-x-factor.html Minogue, Friedman join 'The X Factor'] " — June 4, 2007. Retrieved August 15, 2007.] She mentored the girls category during the show and subsequently chose Alisha Bennett, Emily Nakanda and Kimberley Southwick to represent her in the live rounds of the competition. [" [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/showbiz/showbiznews.html?in_article_id=486336&in_page_id=1773 'Reject' groups Futureproof and Hope emerge as early favourites to win X Factor] " — dailymail.co.uk. Retrieved October 8, 2007.] In the first week of the live finals on 20 October, two of Osbourne's acts were in the bottom two. Osbourne responded by saying "What I did was no good - and I think I'm going home now."" [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/showbiz/showbiznews.html?in_article_id=488834&in_page_id=1773 Sharon's X Factor exit 'sparked by bust-up with Dannii' however] " — dailymail.co.uk. Retrieved October 22, 2007.] and she refused to play a role in the decision about which act should be eliminated. Kimberley Southwick was then voted out by the other three judges, [" [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/showbiz/showbiznews.html?in_article_id=488834&in_page_id=1773 Bubbly Kimberley booted off X Factor] " — dailymail.co.uk. Retrieved October 21, 2007.] while Osbourne claimed that she was quitting the show. However on "The Paul O'Grady Show" aired on October 23, 2007 Osbourne confirmed she would return on the next episode and stated that it is part of her personality to say things in the heat of the moment and not to contrive anything that she says. Two weeks into the live shows, a number of happy slapping videos of Emily Nakanda appeared in the media, apparently showing her beating another teenage girl. [" [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7075263.stm X Factor Emily pulls out of show] " — news.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved November 10 2007.] This led to Nakanda being withdrawn from "The X Factor" due to the media attention the videos brought. [" [http://www.heatworld.com/Article.aspx?articleid=2945&title=News+Flash%3A+Emily's+out+%E2%80%93+it's+official.ece News Flash: Emily's out – it's official] " — heatworld.com. Retrieved November 2 2007.] On November 17 Alisha Bennett was voted out of the competition, leaving Osbourne with no acts half way through the competition. [" [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7100547.stm Singer Alisha voted off X Factor] " — news.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved November 19 2007.]

On 6 June 2008 it was announced in a statement on behalf of Osbourne that she has decided to step down as an "X Factor" judge after four series on the show. [" [http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/tv_and_radio/article4082059.ece Sharon Osbourne leaves the X Factor] " — timesonline.co.uk. Retrieved June 6 2008.] The statement read "Sharon would like to thank the wonderful British public for their enormous support during what's been an exciting ride. She would also like to take this opportunity to thank Simon Cowell and ITV while wishing them all the best for the next series." [" [http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2008/jun/06/itv.television2?gusrc=rss&feed=media Sharon Osbourne quits The X Factor] " — guardian.co.uk. Retrieved June 6 2008.] A spokesman from ITV commented "She has been a tremendous judge and mentor on the programme, but we respect her wish to leave and wish her the very best." [" [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7440432.stm Osbourne quits as X Factor judge] " — news.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved June 6 2008.] Osbourne was replaced by Cheryl Cole.

Osbourne is rumoured to be returning to The X Factor for the sixth series in 2009, replacing bitter rival, and increasingly unpopular judge Dannii Minogue, who was one of the main reasons as to why Osbourne left the show before the 2008 series. [" [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1069169/X-Factor-Louis-Dannii-axed-series-make-way-Sharons-return.html X Factor Louis: 'Obviously Dannii would be the one to go – having Sharon and Cheryl Cole on theshow together is too good an opportunity to miss.'] " — dailymail.co.uk. Retrieved October 5, 2008.]

"The Sharon Osbourne Show" (ITV)

In 2006, UK TV network ITV commissioned a new Sharon Osbourne chat show, initially to be called "Mrs Osbourne Presents", but eventually just named "The Sharon Osbourne Show". Osbourne signed a deal with ITV for a reputed £2 million. [" [http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/a29911/sharon-osbourne-signs-gbp2m-itv-chat-deal.html Sharon Osbourne signs £2m ITV chat deal?] " — digitalspy.co.uk. Retrieved June 17, 2007.]

The show began on Tuesday August 29, 2006, and was scheduled to run for six weeks in the 5 pm weekday timeslot. The premiere episode proved a close competition as the show received 1.9 million viewers with 17% share – 400,000 viewers (and 3% share) ahead of "Richard & Judy" on Channel 4. Her second show attracted 2.1 million viewers. [" [http://media.guardian.co.uk/overnights/story/0,,1861129,00.html 'Mrs O' sees off Richard and Judy] " — media.guardian.co.uk. Retrieved August 31, 2006.]

However, ratings appeared to decrease after Channel 4 moved its game show "Deal Or No Deal", hosted by Noel Edmonds, into the timeslot, with Sharon managing 1.2m viewers compared to "Deal Or No Deal"'s 2.9m. [" [http://www.24dash.com/showbiz_slapdash/10058.htm 'All-time low' for Sharon Osbourne's new teatime] " — 24dash.com. Retrieved September 15, 2006.] Channel 4's "The New Paul O'Grady Show" returned on Monday September 25, 2006 with 2.3 million viewers compared to Osbourne's 1.6 million.

"America's Got Talent"

Osbourne joined the judging panel on the second series of "America's Got Talent", along with Piers Morgan and David Hasselhoff, replacing the singer Brandy. [" [http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/ustv/a45481/sharon-osbourne-to-judge-us-talent-show.html Sharon Osbourne to judge US talent show] " — digitalspy.co.uk. Retrieved June 17, 2007.]

The season premiered in the United States on June 5, 2007. In her first episode, Osbourne came into a conflict with Piers Morgan when she felt he judged a child contestant too harshly. She threatened to leave the show in the middle of filming, saying "I didn’t sign up for this", but was talked out of it. The incident was shown on air. [" [http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/showbiz/a60807/osbourne-slams-morgans-appalling-behaviour.html Osbourne slams Morgan's "appalling" behaviour] " — digitalspy.co.uk. Retrieved June 17, 2007.]

Other

On January 2003, Osbourne and the rest of her family hosted the 30th Annual American Music Awards.cite web|title = Osbournes to Host American Music Awards|url = http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,624981,00.html|publisher = People Magazine|accessdate = 2008-06-25] cite web|title = The Osbournes to Host American Music Awards in January |url = http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6308021/displaymode/1176/|publisher = MSNBC|accessdate = 2008-06-25] The night was marked with constant "bleeping" due to some of the lewd and raunchy remarks made by both Ozzy and Sharon. Additionally, the night was met with some controversy, as critics panned their hosting and presenter Patricia Heaton walked out midway in disgust.cite web|title = Heaton walks out of music awards show because of lewd tone |url = http://www.patriciaheatononline.com/ama.htm|publisher = Cleveland Plain Dealer|accessdate = 2008-06-25] Sharon later joked about the incident on her talk show, saying that she and Ozzy were banned from ABC ever since.

Osbourne has appeared as a guest star in an episode of the NBC comedy "Will & Grace" where she played a bartender in the spring episode "No Sex N' in the City" in 2004. In October 2004, Osbourne announced that she and husband Ozzy would be teaming up for yet another MTV show entitled "Battle for Ozzfest", in which a group of unsigned bands battle it out for a spot on the 2005 Ozzfest tour.

In January 2005 she was contracted to feature in a television advertising campaign for Wal-Mart's UK supermarket chain, ASDA and later in 2007, Osbourne became the new face of "Galabingo" when she was featured in television advertisements promoting the gambling website. [" [http://www.galacoral.co.uk/MediaCentre_355.htm Mrs O Is Feeling The Buzz With Galabingo.co.uk] " — galacoral.co.uk. Retrieved February 28, 2007.] She has co-hosted one of the "Royal Variety Performances" with Jonathan Ross. Osbourne appeared in "Days of Our Lives", "It's a Boy Girl Thing" and has also provided a voice for a character in "".

On Friday June 15, 2007, Osbourne guest hosted "The Friday Night Project" with Justin Lee Collins and Alan Carr. Osbourne also made a cameo appearance on June 23, 2007 in an episode of the science fiction series "Doctor Who". The episode "The Sound of Drums" saw her appearing in a spoof party political broadcast, which featured testimonials from British celebrities such as Osbourne and the band McFly showing their support for Mr Saxon to become Prime Minister. [" [http://freemaagyeman.com/news/2007/06/19/vote-saxon-trailer/ "Celebrity Trailer"] " — freemaagyeman.com. Retrieved June 20, 2007.] Osbourne has appeared frequently on Children in Need in order to raise money for charity.

On 20 February, 2008 she co-hosted the 28th edition of the BRIT Awards at Earls Court in London, along with her husband Ozzy Osbourne and her daughter, Kelly Osbourne. [" [http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article2970757.ece Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne to host Brit Awards] " — timesonline.co.uk. Retrieved February 9 2008.] During the awards Sharon Osbourne caused controversy and sparked complaints by calling Vic Reeves, who was presenting one of the awards, a "piss head" and a "bastard" after he appeared to be drunk, although he claimed that he was having trouble reading the autocue. [" [http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/brit_awards/article3410012.ece Brit Awards result in flood of Ofcom complaints] " — timesonline.co.uk. Retrieved February 21 2008.]

Osbourne is also going to host the next series of VH1's "". [" [http://www.reuters.com/article/entertainmentNews/idUSN2135254020080521 Sharon Osbourne to teach etiquette for VH1 show] " — reuters.com. Retrieved May 21 2008.]

On the 22nd August 2008, Sharon Osbourne took part in the 2008 MediaGuardian Edinburgh International Television Festival in Scotland. [" [http://www.mgeitf.co.uk/news/detail.asp?id=4524 http://www.mgeitf.co.uk/news/detail.asp?id=4524] " — mgeitf.co.uk. Retrieved June 18 2008.]

Autobiographies

Sharon Osbourne's first autobiography, "Extreme" (co-authored by Penelope Dening), was published in October 2005 and tells of her difficult childhood growing up with her father, Don Arden, and also documents the highs and lows of her marriage to husband Ozzy Osbourne, shedding light on areas of her life previously not commented on. Domestic violence, drug abuse, alcoholism, affairs, bribery, colon cancer, robberies, a plane crash, therapy and cosmetic surgery are also documented in the autobiography.

Published by Time WarnerBooks, it went straight to Number 1 on the "Sunday Times" Bestseller List (UK) where it remained for 15 weeks and sold over 621,000 copies in hardback, becoming the biggest-selling autobiography since British records began, beating the previous record set by David Beckham's autobiography by 100,000 copies. [" [http://books.guardian.co.uk/news/articles/0,,1686294,00.html Osbourne's book shows it has the X-factor] " — guardian.co.uk. Retrieved August 12, 2007.] "Both the heroic vulgarity and the love are vividly captured in this pungent and distinctive autobiography," opined the "Sunday Times", whilst the "Irish Times" considered it to be "truly unputdownable".

In March 2006 it won Biography of the Year at the British Book Awards. The autobiography has proceeded to sell in excess of two million copies which has become the most successful female autobiography ever.

In the follow up to her award-winning bestseller "Extreme", "Survivor" was released in the UK on the 4 October 2007.

In the summer of 2008, it was announced that the Osbourne family would reunite to host a variety show on Fox. The show will begin to air in early 2009 and it will be produced by Fremantle Media N. America.

Awards and recognition

*In 2002, Sharon Osbourne and husband Ozzy were invited to the White House Correspondents' Association dinner by Fox News Channel correspondent Greta Van Susteren for that year's event.
*Sharon Osbourne and Ozzy Osbourne were honoured for their contribution to the music industry at a ceremony in London when the couple won a Silver Clef award. [" [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/5088652.stm Osbournes win Silver Clef honour] " — news.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved February 23, 2007.]
*Osbourne was voted "the most amazing woman of 2003", according to a poll published by a website for women. Sharon took almost a third of the votes cast in the poll by Handbag.com. More than 7,000 votes were cast in a range of categories. [" [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/3236480.stm Osbourne wins 'amazing' poll] " — news.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved February 23, 2007.]
*During Osbourne's time battling cancer, she attended an award ceremony to collect a gong for the success of her family's television show "The Osbournes". She attended the Creative Arts Emmys in Los Angeles with her daughter Kelly Osbourne, to receive the best reality television show award. [" [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/tv_and_radio/2259943.stm Ozzy's wife collects Emmy award] " — news.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved February 23, 2007.]
*In late 2004, Osbourne attended the Woman of the Year awards in London to collect an award that she had previously won at the 2002 event, but was not able to attend due to illness.
*Osbourne was voted Freemans Celebrity Mum of the Year in 2006, fending off competition from Jordan, Kate Moss and the Duchess of Cornwall. [" [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/showbiz/showbiznews.html?in_article_id=380732&in_page_id=1773 Sharon is crowned Mum of the Year] " — dailymail.co.uk. Retrieved August 13, 2007.]
*In 2006, Osbourne's autobiography won Biography of the year at the British Book Awards. [" [http://www.britishbookawards.co.uk/bba/pnbb_history2006.asp? British Book Awards] " — britishbookawards.co.uk. Retrieved March 24, 2007.]
*There is a wax figure of Osbourne at Madame Tussauds.
*She is a honorary board member of the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. [ [http://www.multiplemyeloma.org/foundation/1.05.php MMRF Honorary Board] ]

Personal life

Osbourne was born in Brixton, London, the daughter of Jewish music promoter and rock and roll entrepreneur Don Arden [" [http://jewishbreakingnews.blogspot.com/2007/10/sharon-osbourne-bans-brother-from.html Sharon Osbourne Bans Brother From Father's Grave] " — jewishbreakingnews.blogspot.com. Retrieved October 15, 2007.] (born Harry Levy), and his wife Hope, an Irish Catholic. Osbourne is the wife and manager of Black Sabbath vocalist Ozzy Osbourne, and together they have three children, Aimee, Kelly and Jack Osbourne. After colon cancer claimed Osbourne's friend, Reagan Erin Marcato, in July 2002, she told the BBC that she had adopted Marcato's 18-year-old son Robert, [" [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/showbiz/2193672.stm Osbournes adopt bereaved boy] " — news.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved August 16, 2007.] but she denied legally adopting him five years later when he was sent to live with his father after a nervous breakdown. [" [http://www.palmbeachpost.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/palmbeach/jose/entries/2008/01/30/the_osbourne_family_kicks_baby.html The Osbourne family kicks ‘Baby’ out of feathered nest] " — palmbeachpost.com. Retrieved June 11 2008.] Robert had been a school friend of Aimee and Kelly for six years.

On the "Sunday Times Rich List 2006", Osbourne was listed as the 44th richest woman in Britain and the 60th richest woman on the 2007 list. In the overall British list in 2006, Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne appeared together as the 554th richest people with a combined wealth of £100 million. [" [http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/specials/rich_list/ Rich List: Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne] " — business.timesonline.co.uk. Retrieved February 20, 2007.] They are currently ranked as the 700th richest people in Britain maintaining the previous wealth estimate of £100 million. [" [http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/specials/rich_list/rich_list_search/?urllink=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/richlist/person/0,,47686,00.html Britain's Rich List: Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne] " — timesonline.co.uk. Retrieved August 12, 2007.]

Osbourne was quoted in "The Guardian" newspaper on December 9, 2006 as having sent her own excrement in Tiffany boxes on more than one occasion to people she felt had unreasonably criticised her or her family." [http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,,1968047,00.html Revealed: how Sharon Osbourne dumps on her critics] " — guardian.co.uk. Retrieved February 20, 2007.] When a journalist criticised Jack and Kelly who were in their early teens, Osbourne sent a box of excrement with a note saying "I heard you've got an eating disorder. Eat this." Other reports state that she has sent faeces of family members, including that of her children. [" [http://www.lse.co.uk/ShowbizNews.asp?Code=BA116622X&headline=sharon_osbournes_messy_revenge__ Sharon Osbournes' Messy Revenge] " — lse.co.uk. Retrieved March 30, 2007.]

Parents

Osbourne's father, Don Arden, was a rock and roll entrepreneur and managed Black Sabbath and sacked Ozzy Osbourne from the group. He then resented his daughter for dating Ozzy and managing his career, and therefore let savage dogs on her on her next visit. She was pregnant at the time and subsequently lost the baby. She soon lost contact with her father and did not speak to him for 20 years." [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml;jsessionid=NOLRROPUFAB5NQFIQMFSFFOAVCBQ0IV0?view=DETAILS&grid=&xml=/news/2007/07/24/db2402.xml Don Arden ] " — telegraph.co.uk. Retrieved August 13, 2007.]

She had a troubled life with her father, who had robbed her, once tried to kill her and also tried to turn Ozzy against her by telling him [Ozzy] that Sharon had tried to seduce him, her own father." [http://www.guardian.co.uk/weekend/story/0,,1966412,00.html "Out of the darkness"] " — guardian.co.uk. Retrieved August 13, 2007.] Osbourne revealed she was surrounded by violence during her childhood and that it was a normal occurrence to see her father threatening someone, or brandishing a firearm. [" [http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/showbiz/a63930/osbourne-reflects-on-childhood-trauma.html Osbourne reflects on childhood trauma] " — digitalspy.co.uk. Retrieved August 13, 2007] In an interview in 2001, she commented that her father has never seen her children and that "he never will". Osbourne had told her children that their grandfather was dead, but they unknowingly saw him for the first time when Osbourne was shouting abuse at him on a street in Los Angeles. When asked who she was shouting at, she replied Tony Curtis. They were reunited in 2001 and he then had a role in their reality show "The Osbournes". In August 2004 Osbourne stated her father had Alzheimer's disease and she paid for his care in the last years of his life.

Osbourne's relationship with her mother was also damaged. Hope Arden was a cold woman who became even stranger after a serious car accident, something which Osbourne said "unhinged her". When Osbourne was informed of her mother's death, she said "Oh, what a shame" and simply put the phone down.

Marriage

Sharon Osbourne (then Arden) met husband Ozzy Osbourne at the age of 17 while working for her father. When Ozzy was sacked from Black Sabbath by Sharon's father Don Arden, Sharon started to date him and took over his management. Ozzy and Sharon were married in Maui, Hawaii on July 4 1982. Their marriage has not been without its trouble or violence. During the early stages of their marriage, they were both fueled by alcohol and drugs and Sharon Osbourne was once arrested for drunk-driving.

The couple used to physically fight regularly and according to Sharon Osbourne they would "beat the shit out of each other". She has described herself as "a beaten woman" when she was at the hands of husband Ozzy where he once knocked out her front teeth. She once retaliated by throwing a full bottle of scotch at his head. The most notorious incident arose in August 1989 when Ozzy was arrested for attempted murder after he had returned from a peace festival in Moscow and tried to strangle Sharon in a haze of alcohol and drugs. After the incident, he spent three months in rehabilitation as a result of his actions, after which time, Sharon Osbourne said she regained her strength in their relationship and did not press charges. [" [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/showbiz/2087861.stm Sharon Osbourne has cancer surgery] " news.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved February 20, 2007.]

Health

In 1999 Osbourne lost 100 pounds (45 kg) after lap-band surgery (Adjustable Gastric Band). Osbourne commented that being large was an essential part of her persona when she worked for her father and that being larger made a more dramatic entrance. On October 26, 2006, she went on the Howard Stern Show and revealed that she gained 15 pounds in the last year, and that she will be having her plastic band removed.

In July 2002 Osbourne was diagnosed with colon cancer. [" [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/showbiz/2087861.stm Sharon Osbourne has cancer surgery] " — news.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved February 20, 2007.] Later, she announced her cancer had spread to her lymph nodes and was more serious than originally thought. [" [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/showbiz/2137777.stm New cancer fear for Osbourne] " — news.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved February 20, 2007.] She survived the disease against a 33% survival prognosis. Despite battling cancer, she insisted that the MTV cameras document her illness during the filming of the second season of "The Osbournes". When Osbourne's hair fell out during her subsequent treatment, her wigs were custom made by Cher's wigmaker. Ozzy Osbourne admitted that he "fell apart" during her treatment and recovery, [" [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/music/4035683.stm Highs and lows of superstar Ozzy] " — news.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved February 20, 2007.] and it was revealed that her son, Jack Osbourne, tried to commit suicide because of his depression stemming from his mother's condition. [" [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/showbiz/3099010.stm Sharon Osbourne 'left Ozzy'] " — news.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved August 15, 2007.]

In August 2004, she founded the Sharon Osbourne Colon Cancer Program at Cedars Sinai Hospital. In addition, she was the honoured guest at the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation's 2003 Fall Gala," [http://www.multiplemyeloma.org/events/8.06.14.html MMRF "Friends for Life" Fall Gala] " — multipleemyeloma.org. Retrieved September 9, 2006.] where she spoke of her struggle against cancer. Osbourne has lent her support to design limited edition T-shirts or vests for the 'Little Tee Campaign' for Breast Cancer Care which donates money for breast cancer research. In December 2004, Osbourne made a public announcement, stating that she was still battling bulimia. [" [http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/pages/live/articles/showbiz/showbiznews.html?in_article_id=331265&in_page_id=1773&in_a_source= Sharon: The rock of the Osbournes unXpurgated] " — mailonsunday.co.uk. Retrieved February 20, 2007.]

She has freely admitted to having extensive cosmetic surgery. As well as documenting this in her autobiography, she appeared on "Dr. Phil" and commented on everything that had been surgically changed on her body in order to improve her appearance. She stated that she had had a full rhytidectomy, abdominoplasty, mastopexy, as well as many other procedures, but commented that she would not have any surgery performed on her eyes or lips. [" [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rjjvSOHPvk Sharon comments on her cosmetic surgery] " — youtube.com. Retrieved February 22, 2007.] She has admitted to spending £300,000 on plastic surgery. [" [http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article641628.ece Plastic surgery: the new addiction] " — timesonline.co.uk. Retrieved August 23, 2007.]

Incidents

In 2004, Sharon Osbourne's home in Jordans, Buckinghamshire was burgled where a man stole gems worth £2 million. He managed to get away with the gems despite being put in a headlock by Ozzy Osbourne. Items taken during the burglary included wedding rings, an engagement ring, pearl and diamond necklaces, a large 52 carat (10 g) sapphire ring and two pairs of diamond earrings. After the incident, Osbourne appeared on "Crimewatch" and offered a reward of £100,000 for the return of her valuable jewelry. [" [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/beds/bucks/herts/4097069.stm TV appeal after Osbourne burglary] " — news.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved February 20, 2007.]

In March 2005, there was an incident in the Osbourne's mansion in Buckinghamshire, Jordans. Ozzy and Sharon were forced to flee their mansion when a blaze broke out as they slept. They were not injured but had to be treated for smoke inhalation. [" [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/beds/bucks/herts/4395895.stm Osbournes flee blaze at mansion.] " — news.bbc.co.uk. February 20, 2007.] In 2006 another fire broke out at the Osbourne's mansion; however, none of the family was at home. [" [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/5155696.stm Fire tackled at Osbourne mansion] " — news.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved April 5, 2007.]

Conflict with Iron Maiden at Ozzfest

At Iron Maiden's last Ozzfest performance, on August 20, 2005 at the Hyundai Pavilion at Glen Helen in San Bernardino, California, several negative events took place, believed to be the work of Sharon Osbourne. Osbourne's actions were a retaliation to lead singer Bruce Dickinson slating "The Osbournes" and suggesting that Ozzy had been using an autocue on stage." [http://arts.guardian.co.uk/features/story/0,,1555172,00.html The revenge of Sharon Osbourne] " — guardian.co.uk. Retrieved August 15, 2007.]

During the first Iron Maiden song, several members of the crowd were reported to have started to bombard the British metal band with eggs, bottle caps and ice. During three of Iron Maiden's songs, the P.A. system was switched off, cutting power to Dickinson's microphone and the band's instruments. In audio captured during the concert, it is reported that Dickinson can be heard accusing the festival's organizers of deliberately cutting off the band's power. On Iron Maiden’s departure, Ozzfest founder Sharon Osbourne did command the stage to make a few statements in front of the 40,000 strong audience. She told the audience that while she "absolutely loved Iron Maiden", she thought lead singer Bruce Dickinson was a "prick" and had "disrespected Ozzfest since they began their stint with the tour." Her words were met with booing, and soon after she walked off the stage. [" [http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1508028/20050822/iron_maiden.jhtml?headlines=true Iron Maiden Pelted With Eggs At Final Ozzfest Performance] " — mtv.com. Retrieved October 7, 2006.]

Iron Maiden manager Rod Smallwood issued a statement shortly after the debacle condemning the attack on the band. [" [http://www.knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=3824 Iron Maiden Manager's Official Statement Regarding Ozzfest Feud] " — knac.com]

Popular culture

Osbourne has been referred to many times in popular culture. The popular British comedy "Dead Ringers", features and spoofs Osbourne (played by Jan Ravens) quite prominently alongside her husband (played by Jon Culshaw). She was also spoofed by impressionist Ronni Ancona on "Alistair McGowan's Big Impression" and was also featured in comedy "2DTV". On "Saturday Night Live", Amy Poehler played her in the May 14, 2005 installment of "Celebrity Jeopardy!" Recently she appeared on the Ellen Degeneres Show.

References

External links

* [http://www.xfactor.tv/judges/profile/?scid=8 Sharon Osbourne] at itv.com/xfactor
* [http://www.sharonosbourne.com The Official Sharon Osbourne Website]
* [http://www.mtv.com/onair/osbournes/hub_sharon2.jhtml Sharon Osbourne biography] at mtv.com
* [http://www.mtv.tv/mtv.tv/dynamo/shells/shows.jhtml;?article=30095551 The Osbournes] at mtv.com
*imdb name|id=0651769|name=Sharon Osbourne
* [http://www.cedars-sinai.com/6408.html Sharon Osbourne Colon Cancer Program at Cedars Sinai]