Selena Marie Gomez ( sə-LEE-nə GOH-mez; born July 22, 1992) is an American singer, actress, and producer. Born and raised in Texas, Gomez began her career by appearing on the children's television series Barney & Friends (2002–2004). In her teens, she rose to prominence for her role as Alex Russo in the Emmy Award–winning Disney Channel television series Wizards of Waverly Place (2007–2012). Alongside her television career, Gomez has starred in the…