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Apollonia Kotero Biography
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She gained overnight fame and popularity when she was chosen to replace Vanity (a.k.a. Denise Matthews) who recently left Prince’s entourage as well as the movie they were making, Purple Rain. It was Prince who gave her the stage name Apollonia, and eventually she inherited Vanity’s place in Prince’s girl group, along with original members Susan Moonsie and Brenda Bennett. The movie Purple Rain became a massive success such that Apollonia Kotero immediately became a star.
The group released an album in October 1984 carrying the hit single, Sex Shooter. Apollonia 6 became known for going on stage wearing only lingerie. Apollonia recorded a version of the song Manic Monday which was written by Prince. It was popularized and made a worldwide hit by The Bangles. The song was supposed to be in the Apollonia 6 album, but it was rumored that Prince grew to be disinterested with Apollonia 6 that he decided to remove songs that would eventually hit the charts including Manic Monday, The Glamorous Life, and Take Me With U, a duet between Apollonia Kotero and Prince which instead became part of the Purple Rain soundtrack. Take Me With U reached no. 25 in the US Top 40 chart, making it her highest charring single.
Apollonia Kotero left the group in 1985 and landed on a role on the TV series, Falcon Crest. She still used her stage name Apollonia and as well performed several songs on the show. Apollonia Kotero played the role of Lorenzo Lamas’ girlfriend, and was on the show for ten consecutive weeks.
Apollonia Kotero released her first solo album in 1988, entitled Apollonia. The album consisted of dance music, and was produced by hit producers including Ric Wake, Terry Lupton, and Andy Goldmark. She also starred in three classic B-movies, Ministry of Vengeance, Black Magic Woman, and Back to Back.
She took on a semi-retirement from show business after these films. During this time she married actor Kevid Bernhardt of General Hospital, but the two are already divorce. Before Bernhardt, Apollonia Kotero was married to Greg Patchal. While on leave, she also focused on her studies, and eventually earned a film degree in UCLA.
Apollonia Kotero made a slow comeback on television by making guest appearances on TV shows such as Sliders and Air America. She also became visible in media events and film premieres in California. She now works her way behind the scenes by developing ideas for TV shows.
Apollonia Kotero was mentioned in Kanye West’s 2007 hit single, Stronger.
