Apōllonia Kotero (born Patricia Kotero on August 2, 1959, in Santa Monica, California ) is an American swimsuit model, actress and singer of Spanish and Italian descent. She joined Prince's entourage after the departure of Vanity, as lead in the film Purple Rain and as lead singer of recording group Apollonia 6.

Kotero had taken part in nationwide audition to find a replacement for Vanity before being cast by Prince in the role that had originally been given to Vanity. It was at this time that Prince gave Kotero the stage name, Apollonia, and she also inherited Vanity's former lead role in Prince's girl group, with original members Brenda Bennett and Susan Moonsie. Purple Rain eventually became a huge success Read more...