Biography
Who is Dana Rosemary Scallon?
Early life and real name
Dana Rosemary Scallon was born Rosemary Brown in London, Ireland, on August 30, 1951. She was one of seven children born to Robert and Sheila Brown, with her father working as a porter, barber, and trumpeter. The family moved back to Derry when she was five years old, where she grew up in the Creggan housing estate and Bogside.
As a child, she attended Thornhill College, a girls' Catholic school in Derry. Community members nicknamed her Dana because she practiced judo moves. At the age of six, she won her very first talent contest, setting the stage for her future in the entertainment industry.
Eurovision victory and music career
Before turning 16, Dana signed with Rex Records and released her debut single. In March 1970, she performed All Kinds of Everything at the Eurovision Song Contest held in Amsterdam. Representing Ireland, she won the competition with 32 points before an audience of millions.
The winning track became a worldwide million-seller and shot to number one in multiple charts. Following this success, Dana released several albums and singles throughout the 1970s, including Please Tell Him That I Said Hello and It's Gonna be a Cold Cold Christmas. She also faced vocal cord surgery in 1976 but successfully returned to live performances.
Political career
Dana entered the political arena in 1997 by running as an independent candidate in the Irish presidential election. Although that initial attempt was unsuccessful, she continued her political pursuits. In 1999, she was elected as a Member of the European Parliament for Connacht Ulster.
She served in the European Parliament from 1999 until 2004. Later, she ran again as an independent candidate in the 2011 Irish presidential election, though she was eliminated on the first count.
Family and personal life
Dana Rosemary Scallon is married to Kevin Scallon. Together with her husband, she co-wrote the chart-topping religious song Totus Tuus, which was inspired by Pope John Paul II visiting Ireland in September 1979.
Outside of her music and political work, she appeared as an actor in the 1971 children's adventure film Flight of the Doves, playing the role of a tinker girl alongside actors Ron Moody and Jack Wild.
Birthday and age
Dana Rosemary Scallon was born on August 30, 1951, which makes Dana 75 years old today. That birthday falls under the Virgo sign. Dana shares the date with 26 other famous people.
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