Sharon Osbourne
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225934410
2008-07-16T02:26:08Z
66.153.96.7
/* Other */
{{Infobox Celebrity
| name = Sharon Osbourne
| image = Sharon_Osbourne.jpg|220px|centre|right
| caption = Osbourne at the '''Concert Industry Consortium''' conference at the [[Century Plaza Hotel]],<br />[[Los Angeles, California]], (2007).
| Birth_name = Sharon Rachel Levy
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1952|10|9|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Brixton]], [[London]], [[England]]
| death_date =
| death_place =
| occupation = [[Panelist]],<br />[[Television personality]]
| salary =
| networth =
| spouse = [[Ozzy Osbourne]] (1982–)
| website = http://www.sharonosbourne.com
| footnotes =
| children = [[Kelly Osbourne]],<br>[[Jack Osbourne]],<br>[[Aimee Osbourne]]
}}
'''Sharon Rachel Osbourne''' (née '''Levy''', previously '''Arden'''; born [[9 October]] [[1952]]) is an [[England|English]] [[music manager]] and [[music promoter|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 (UK)|The X Factor]]'' and ''[[America's Got Talent]]''. Her autobiography, ''Extreme'', has sold in excess of two million copies.<ref name="DonArdenGuardian">''[http://www.guardian.co.uk/obituaries/story/0,,2133861,00.html Don Arden]'' — guardian.co.uk. Retrieved [[August 13]], [[2007]].</ref>
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]]''.<ref name="wealth"> ''[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]].</ref> Sharon and husband, [[Ozzy Osbourne]], are currently ranked as the 724th richest people in Britain with an estimated joint wealth of £110 million.<ref>[http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/specials/rich_list/article3796126.ece Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne] — timesonline.co.uk. Retrieved [[May 9]] [[2008]].</ref> Sharon Osbourne previously revived Ozzy's [[heavy metal music|metal]] career and she stands as the founder of [[Ozzfest]].<ref name="interview:Eminemsings">''[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]].</ref>
==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.<ref name="interview:Eminemsings"/> When Ozzy was fired from Black Sabbath in 1979, Sharon Osbourne took over his management from the Arden organization<ref name="interview:Eminemsings"/> and then started to date Ozzy.<ref name="interview:Eminemsings"/> Proving to be as hardworking and ruthless as her father,<ref name="interview:Eminemsings"/> 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.<ref name="interview:Eminemsings"/>
===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 [[heavy metal|metal]] acts. In 1996 she created the successful [[Ozzfest]] summer touring festival.<ref name="interview:Eminemsings"/> 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).<ref>''[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6337761.stm Osbourne makes Ozzfest shows free]'' — news.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved [[March 2]], [[2007]].</ref> Ozzfest grossed $20 million each year<ref name="interview:Eminemsings"/> and is credited with launching the careers of [[Marilyn Manson (band)|Marilyn Manson]], [[Limp Bizkit]] and [[Slipknot (band)|Slipknot]].<ref name="interview:Eminemsings"/> 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.<ref name="interview:Eminemsings"/>
===Sharon 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]]<ref name="interview:Eminemsings"/>, [[Motörhead]], [[Electric Light Orchestra|ELO]] and [[Gary Moore]]. Osbourne also claimed to have worked briefly with [[Queen (band)|Queen]] before being fired by [[Freddie Mercury]]. In the late 1990s Osbourne co-managed a band called Cube, with [[Cud (band)|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!"<ref name="interview:Eminemsings"/> She has also turned down career guidance requests from [[Fred Durst]], [[Guns N' Roses]] and [[Courtney Love]].<ref name="interview:Eminemsings"/>
== Television career ==
=== ''The Osbournes'' ===
Osbourne gained celebrity status as one of the stars of [[MTV]]'s [[reality television|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 [[MTV Europe|British affiliate]] has been airing the show since 2003. The show brought MTV its highest ever ratings in both America and Britain.<ref>''[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]].</ref>
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 (UK)|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''.<ref name="wealth"/>
=== ''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<ref>''[http://www.people.com/people/article/0,26334,627474,00.html 'Sharon Osbourne Show' Faces the Ax]'' — people.com. Retrieved [[June 17]], [[2007]].</ref> and critics panned her inability to perform the basic tasks required of a talk show host, such as reading [[cue card]]s and conducting interviews. The show was canceled in early 2004 after one season.<ref>''[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]]</ref>
=== ''The X Factor'' ===
Osbourne had been a judge and mentor on the UK reality TV talent show ''[[The X Factor (UK)|The X Factor]]'' from 2004, every year, through to 2007. In the [[The X Factor (UK series 1)|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 (band)|G4]], with Steve winning. Osbourne's outburst against Steve on the night of the final is widely credited with helping him to win,<ref>''[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]].</ref> although according to her autobiography he was well ahead at all stages of the voting.<!-- Commented out because image was deleted: [[Image:XFactorJudges.jpg|thumb|200px|left|Sharon Osbourne (left) on ''The X Factor'' with Louis Walsh and Simon Cowell]] -->
In the [[The X Factor (UK series 2)|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 ''[[The X Factor: Battle of the Stars]]''. 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 (rugby player)|Matt Stevens]] and [[Michelle Marsh (model)|Michelle Marsh]]. During the show, with Osbourne being a close friend of [[Victoria Beckham]], she engaged in a feud with contestant [[Rebecca Loos]],<ref>''[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]].</ref> due to her recent claim of having an affair with [[David Beckham]].<ref>''[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]].</ref> 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."<ref>''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzSYDWsuz9g Sharon Osbourne vs Rebecca Loos]'' — youtube.com. Retrieved [[February 20]], [[2007]].</ref> After the incident, it took a lot of persuading to convince Loos to stay in the competition after being publicly humiliated.
In [[The X Factor (UK series 3)|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? (UK game show)|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 Tarrant|Ingrid]] from whom he was in the process of separating.<ref>''[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]].</ref> 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.<ref>''[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/article/ds41056.html Osbourne to be axed from 'X Factor'?]'' — digitalspy.co.uk. Retrieved [[December 27]], [[2006]].</ref> However, it was confirmed that Osbourne had been contracted to return for the fourth series of the show.<ref>''[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]].</ref>
She then appeared in the [[The X Factor (UK series 4)|fourth series]] as of [[August 18]], [[2007]] along with judges Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and the new judge, [[Dannii Minogue]].<ref>''[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]].</ref> 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.<ref>''[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]].</ref> 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."<ref name="sparked">''[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]].</ref> 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,<ref>''[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]].</ref> while Osbourne claimed that she was quitting the show.<ref name="sparked"/> 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.<ref>''[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]].</ref> This led to Nakanda being withdrawn from ''The X Factor'' due to the media attention the videos brought.<ref>''[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]].</ref> On [[November 17]] Alisha Bennett was voted out of the competition, leaving Osbourne with no acts half way through the competition.<ref>''[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7100547.stm Singer Alisha voted off X Factor]'' — news.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved [[November 19]] [[2007]].</ref>
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.<ref>''[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]].</ref> 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."<ref>''[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]].</ref> 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."<ref>''[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7440432.stm Osbourne quits as X Factor judge]'' — news.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved [[June 6]] [[2008]].</ref> Osbourne was replaced by [[Cheryl Cole]].
===''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.<ref>''[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]].</ref>
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.<ref>''[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]].</ref>
However, ratings appeared to decrease after Channel 4 moved its game show ''[[Deal or No Deal (UK 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.<ref>''[http://www.24dash.com/showbiz_slapdash/10058.htm 'All-time low' for Sharon Osbourne's new teatime]'' — 24dash.com. Retrieved [[September 15]], [[2006]].</ref>
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 has recently joined the judging panel on the second series of ''[[America's Got Talent]]'', along with [[Piers Morgan]] and [[David Hasselhoff]], replacing the singer [[Brandy (singer)|Brandy]].<ref>''[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]].</ref>
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.<ref>''[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]].</ref>
=== Other ===
On January 2003, Osbourne and the rest of her family hosted the 30th Annual [[American Music Awards]].<ref name="AMAs">{{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}}</ref><ref name="CNBC">{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref name="Patricia Heaton">{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref>''[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]].</ref> She has co-hosted one of the ''[[Royal Variety Performance]]s'' 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 ''[[Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties]]''.
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 [[testimonial]]s from British celebrities such as Osbourne and the band [[McFly]] showing their support for [[Mr Saxon]] to become [[Prime Minister]].<ref>''[http://freemaagyeman.com/news/2007/06/19/vote-saxon-trailer/ "Celebrity Trailer"]'' — freemaagyeman.com. Retrieved [[June 20]], [[2007]].</ref> 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 [[2008 BRIT Awards|BRIT Awards]] at [[Earls Court]] in London, along with her husband Ozzy Osbourne and her daughter, Kelly Osbourne.<ref>''[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]].</ref> 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]].<ref>''[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]].</ref>
Osbourne is also going to host the next series of [[VH1]]'s ''[[Rock of Love Girls: Charm School]]''. <ref>''[http://www.reuters.com/article/entertainmentNews/idUSN2135254020080521 Sharon Osbourne to teach etiquette for VH1 show]'' — reuters.com. Retrieved [[May 21]] [[2008]].</ref>
Sharon Osbourne will debate why celebrities appear on reality TV shows at this year's MediaGuardian [[Edinburgh International Television Festival]] in [[Scotland]].<ref>''[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]].</ref>
== 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.<ref>''[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]].</ref> "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.<ref name="DonArdenGuardian"/>
In the follow up to her award-winning bestseller ''Extreme'', ''Survivor'' was released in the UK on the [[4 October]] [[2007]].
== 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.<ref>''[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/5088652.stm Osbournes win Silver Clef honour]'' — news.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved [[February 23]], [[2007]].</ref>
*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.<ref>''[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/3236480.stm Osbourne wins 'amazing' poll]'' — news.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved [[February 23]], [[2007]].</ref>
*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.<ref>''[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]].</ref>
*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 (Katie Price)|Jordan]], [[Kate Moss]] and the [[Duchess of Cornwall]].<ref>''[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]].</ref>
*In 2006, Osbourne's autobiography won Biography of the year at the [[British Book Awards]].<ref>''[http://www.britishbookawards.co.uk/bba/pnbb_history2006.asp? British Book Awards]'' — britishbookawards.co.uk. Retrieved [[March 24]], [[2007]].</ref>
*There is a wax figure of Osbourne at [[Madame Tussauds]].
== Personal life ==
Osbourne was born in [[Brixton]], London, the daughter of [[Jew]]ish music promoter and rock and roll entrepreneur [[Don Arden]]<ref>''[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]].</ref> (born Harry Levy), and his wife Hope, an [[Irish Catholic]].<ref name="outofthedarkness"/> Osbourne is the wife and manager of [[Black Sabbath]] vocalist [[Ozzy Osbourne]], and together they have three children, [[Aimee Osbourne|Aimee]], [[Kelly Osbourne|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 Marcato|Robert]],<ref>''[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/showbiz/2193672.stm Osbournes adopt bereaved boy]'' — news.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved [[August 16]], [[2007]].</ref> but she denied legally adopting him five years later when he was sent to live with his father after a nervous breakdown.<ref>''[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]].</ref> 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.<ref>''[http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/specials/rich_list/ Rich List: Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne]'' — business.timesonline.co.uk. Retrieved [[February 20]], [[2007]].</ref> They are currently ranked as the 700th richest people in Britain maintaining the previous wealth estimate of £100 million.<ref>''[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]].</ref>
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.<ref name="dumps">''[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]].</ref> 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."<ref name="dumps"/> Other reports state that she has sent faeces of family members, including that of her children.<ref>''[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]].</ref>
=== 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 dogs savage her on her next visit. She was pregnant at the time and subsequently lost the baby.<ref name="interview:Eminemsings"/> She soon lost contact with her father and did not speak to him for 20 years.<ref name="DonArdenTelegraph">''[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]].</ref>
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.<ref name="outofthedarkness">''[http://www.guardian.co.uk/weekend/story/0,,1966412,00.html "Out of the darkness"]'' — guardian.co.uk. Retrieved [[August 13]], [[2007]].</ref> 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.<ref>''[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]]</ref> In an interview in 2001, she commented that her father has never seen her children and that "he never will".<ref name="interview:Eminemsings"/> 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.<ref name="DonArdenGuardian"/> When asked who she was shouting at, she replied [[Tony Curtis]].<ref name="outofthedarkness"/> They were reunited in 2001 and he then had a role in their reality show ''The Osbournes''.<ref name="DonArdenTelegraph"/> In August 2004 Osbourne stated her father had [[Alzheimer's disease]] and she paid for his care in the last years of his life.<ref name="outofthedarkness"/>
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.<ref name="outofthedarkness"/> [[Image:Ozzy Osboune.jpg|thumb|Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne]]
=== 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]].<ref name="interview:Eminemsings"/>
The couple used to physically fight regularly and according to Sharon Osbourne they would "beat the shit out of each other".<ref name="interview:Eminemsings"/> 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.<ref name="outofthedarkness"/> She once retaliated by throwing a full bottle of [[scotch whisky|scotch]] at his head.<ref name="outofthedarkness"/> 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.<ref name="interview:Eminemsings"/> 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.<ref>''[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/showbiz/2087861.stm Sharon Osbourne has cancer surgery]'' news.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved [[February 20]], [[2007]].</ref>
=== Health ===
In 1999 Osbourne lost 100 pounds (45 kg) after [[lap-band]] surgery (Adjustable Gastric Band).<ref name="outofthedarkness"/> 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.<ref name="outofthedarkness"/> On [[October 26]], [[2006]], she went on the [[Howard 100|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]].<ref>''[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/showbiz/2087861.stm Sharon Osbourne has cancer surgery]'' — news.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved [[February 20]], [[2007]].</ref> Later, she announced her cancer had spread to her [[lymph node]]s and was more serious than originally thought.<ref>''[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/showbiz/2137777.stm New cancer fear for Osbourne]'' — news.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved [[February 20]], [[2007]].</ref> 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.<ref name="outofthedarkness"/> Ozzy Osbourne admitted that he "fell apart" during her treatment and recovery,<ref>''[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]].</ref> and it was revealed that her son, Jack Osbourne, tried to commit suicide because of his depression stemming from his mother's condition.<ref>''[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/showbiz/3099010.stm Sharon Osbourne 'left Ozzy']'' — news.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved [[August 15]], [[2007]].</ref>
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,<ref name="gala">''[http://www.multiplemyeloma.org/events/8.06.14.html MMRF "Friends for Life" Fall Gala]'' — multipleemyeloma.org. Retrieved [[September 9]], [[2006]].</ref> 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.<ref name="gala"/> In December 2004, Osbourne made a public announcement, stating that she was still battling [[bulimia]].<ref>''[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]].</ref>
She has freely admitted to having extensive [[cosmetic surgery]]. As well as documenting this in her autobiography, she appeared on ''[[Dr. Phil (TV series)|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]].<ref>''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rjjvSOHPvk Sharon comments on her cosmetic surgery]'' — youtube.com. Retrieved [[February 22]], [[2007]].</ref> She has admitted to spending £300,000 on plastic surgery.<ref>''[http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article641628.ece Plastic surgery: the new addiction]'' — timesonline.co.uk. Retrieved [[August 23]], [[2007]].</ref>
=== Incidents ===
In 2004, Sharon Osbourne's home in [[Jordans, Buckinghamshire|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 UK|Crimewatch]]'' and offered a reward of £100,000 for the return of her valuable jewelry.<ref>''[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]].</ref>
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.<ref>''[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]].</ref> In 2006 another fire broke out at the Osbourne's mansion; however, none of the family was at home.<ref>''[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/5155696.stm Fire tackled at Osbourne mansion]'' — news.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved [[April 5]], [[2007]].</ref>
==== 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|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.<ref name="Revenge">''[http://arts.guardian.co.uk/features/story/0,,1555172,00.html The revenge of Sharon Osbourne]'' — guardian.co.uk. Retrieved [[August 15]], [[2007]].</ref>
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.<ref name="Revenge"/> 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.<ref name="Revenge"/> 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.<ref name="Revenge"/> She told the audience that while she "absolutely loved Iron Maiden", she thought lead singer Bruce Dickinson was a "prick"<ref name="Revenge"/> 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.<ref>''[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]].</ref>
Iron Maiden manager [[Rod Smallwood]] issued a statement shortly after the debacle condemning the attack on the band.<ref>''[http://www.knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=3824 Iron Maiden Manager's Official Statement Regarding Ozzfest Feud]'' — knac.com</ref>
== Popular culture ==
Osbourne has been referred to many times in popular culture. The popular British comedy ''[[Dead Ringers (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! (Saturday Night Live)|Celebrity Jeopardy!]]".
== References ==
{{reflist|2}}
== 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]
{{The X Factor}}
{{The Osbournes}}
{{America's Got Talent}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Osbourne, Sharon}}
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[[Category:British people of Irish descent]]
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