Madonna takes name from the material world
To most people she might be known only by her first name, but Madonna Louise Veronica Ciccone has added one more handle to her very long moniker.
In conjunction with her study of the Kabbalah, she has taken on the Hebrew name of Esther. Of course, Madonna’s inspiration clearly was not only that of the biblical Esther, but also these famous Esthers throughout entertainment history. Consider these eerie similarities:
Biblical Esther – A woman of limited means who went on to become the queen of Persia and save a nation of Jews from annihilation.
Madonna/Esther – A woman of limited means who went on to become the queen of dance pop and save a nation of tabloids from a lack of good copy.
Aunt Esther (LaWanda Page) from “Sanford and Son” – Riled up junkman Fred Sanford’s comic outrage with her saucy retorts, causing him to feign heart attack.
Madonna/Esther – Riled up holy man Pope John Paul II‘s moral outrage with her saucy stage antics and embrace of Jewish mysticism Esther Rolle “Florida” on “Good Times” – Gap-toothed, widowed matron soldiered on in the face of poverty, grief for late husband James and evil superintendent Bookman.
Madonna/Esther – Gap-toothed Gap pitchwoman dresses up like a soldier, grieves for poverty-stricken children and criticizes evil leaders during her “Re-Invention” tour.
Esther Williams, champion swimmer/film star – Made a splash as “America’s Mermaid” in “aqua musicals” of the ’40s and ’50s, helping to popularize synchronized swimming; autobiography caused a scandal when she revealed a former lover was fond of dressing in women’s clothing; although very popular with audiences, not considered one of the great film actresses by critics.
Madonna/Esther – Made a splash as “America’s Boytoy” in “music videos” of the ’80s and ’90s helping to popularize synchronized voguing;” Sex” book caused a scandal when it revealed Madonna not fond of wearing any clothing; although very popular with audiences, not considered one of the great film actresses by critics.
Article by Sarah Rodman, Boston Herald