Drea de Matteo, an American actress of Italian descent, is best known for her roles in various television series. Her exceptional performances in supporting roles have garnered her critical acclaim and prestigious awards, including an Emmy and a Golden Globe. Learn more about this talented star on queenski.com.
A Rapid Rise to Fame
Born on January 19, 1972, in Queens, Drea de Matteo grew up in a wealthy family; her father was a furniture manufacturer, and her mother was a playwright and drama teacher. De Matteo, of Italian heritage, pursued her education at the Tisch School of the Arts at NYU. Initially aiming to become a director, she shifted her focus to acting while studying. She further honed her acting skills at the HB Studio in New York.
De Matteo made her screen debut in the independent film Meet Prince Charming (1999) before auditioning for The Sopranos, a crime and psychological drama about an Italian-American mafia family. Initially cast for a single episode, her impressive performance led producers to expand her role. Her charm and acting prowess made her a standout in the complex role of a gangster’s girlfriend. In 2004, she won an Emmy for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. That same year, she landed a role in Joey. De Matteo’s career flourished as she took on numerous roles, showcasing her talent and charisma.
Notable Roles
- Adriana La Cerva in The Sopranos (1999–2007): De Matteo portrayed the girlfriend and later fiancée of Christopher Moltisanti, protégé of mafia boss Tony Soprano. Despite materialistic tendencies and a superficial facade, Adriana’s loyalty to Christopher and her struggles with domestic violence added depth to her character.
- Wendy Case in Sons of Anarchy (2008–2014): De Matteo played Wendy Case, the ex-wife of SAMCRO leader Jax Teller and mother of his son.
- Gina Tribbiani in Joey (2004–2006): A spinoff of Friends, this sitcom followed Joey Tribbiani’s adventures in Los Angeles, with de Matteo playing his sister Gina.
- Angie Bolen in Desperate Housewives (2004–2012): Angie Bolen was a bold and outspoken addition to the iconic series in its sixth season, contrasting with the show’s more reserved characters.
Personal Life
De Matteo was in a long-term relationship with musician Shooter Jennings from 2001 to 2013, with whom she has two children. In 2015, she got engaged to bass guitarist Michael Devin. A self-proclaimed introvert with a love for parties, she also owned a vintage rock-and-roll clothing store on Manhattan’s Lower East Side.
Challenges and Resilience
Due to her refusal to get vaccinated during the COVID-19 pandemic, de Matteo lost acting roles and eventually her savings. When her bank account dwindled to $10, she turned to OnlyFans at the age of 52, selling exclusive photos. Within five minutes of registering on the platform, she raised enough to save her home from foreclosure and support her children and father, who has dementia. The actress later launched her own streetwear brand, ULTRAFREE, using the earnings from her new venture.
De Matteo’s journey exemplifies resilience and adaptability, making her not only a beloved actress but also an inspiring figure of determination.