Drea de Matteo, born Andrea Donna de Matteo on January 19, 1972, in Queens, New York, is an American actress renowned for her dynamic roles in television dramas and films. Raised in a Catholic Italian-American family, she is the daughter of Donna, a playwright and playwriting teacher, and Albert de Matteo, a furniture manufacturer. Her upbringing in a creative environment, coupled with her cultural heritage, significantly influenced her artistic pursuits.
Early Life and Education
De Matteo spent her early years in Whitestone, Queens, before her family relocated to Manhattan’s Upper East Side. She attended the Loyola School, a private Catholic institution, and later pursued higher education at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in film production. Initially aspiring to become a film director, she also honed her acting skills at the HB Studio, where her mother was a faculty member.
Career Breakthrough with “The Sopranos”
De Matteo’s acting career gained momentum with her portrayal of Adriana La Cerva on HBO’s critically acclaimed series “The Sopranos” (1999–2006). Her compelling performance as the ambitious yet ill-fated girlfriend of mobster Christopher Moltisanti earned her the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 2004. This role not only showcased her acting prowess but also solidified her status in the entertainment industry.
Subsequent Television Roles
Following her success on “The Sopranos,” de Matteo continued to make significant contributions to television:
- “Joey” (2004–2006): She starred as Gina Tribbiani, the vivacious sister of Matt LeBlanc’s character, in this “Friends” spin-off.
- “Sons of Anarchy” (2008–2014): De Matteo took on the role of Wendy Case, the estranged wife of the protagonist, Jax Teller. Her portrayal added depth to the series, leading to her promotion to a series regular in its final season.
- “Desperate Housewives” (2009–2010): She played Angie Bolen, a character with a mysterious past, during the sixth season of this popular series.
- “Shades of Blue” (2016–2018): De Matteo appeared as Detective Tess Nazario alongside Jennifer Lopez in this crime drama, further demonstrating her versatility as an actress.
Film Endeavors
In addition to her television work, de Matteo has appeared in various films, including:
- “Swordfish” (2001): A crime thriller where she played Melissa.
- “Assault on Precinct 13” (2005): A remake of the classic action film, in which she portrayed Iris Ferry.
- “Dark Places” (2015): She co-starred as Krissi Cates in this mystery thriller based on Gillian Flynn’s novel.
Personal Life
De Matteo’s personal life has been marked by notable relationships and experiences:
- Relationships: She began dating musician Shooter Jennings in 2001. The couple got engaged in 2009 and have two children together: daughter Alabama Gypsy Rose Jennings and son Waylon Albert Jennings. Although they eventually parted ways without marrying, de Matteo later became engaged to Whitesnake bassist Michael Devin in 2015.
- Entrepreneurship: In 1997, de Matteo co-founded Filth Mart, a vintage clothing store in Manhattan’s East Village, with her then-boyfriend Michael Sportes. The store, known for its rock ‘n’ roll aesthetic, closed in 2004.
- Adversity: In March 2015, de Matteo lost her apartment of 22 years in a tragic gas explosion that destroyed several buildings in Manhattan’s East Village. This personal loss was a significant event in her life.
Recent Developments
In recent years, de Matteo has navigated various challenges and ventures:
- OnlyFans Account: Facing professional setbacks, partly due to her stance against COVID-19 vaccine mandates, de Matteo launched an OnlyFans account in August 2023. She revealed that this platform provided her with financial stability during a difficult period, allowing her to pay off her mortgage and support her family. Her decision to join OnlyFans garnered media attention and sparked discussions about the evolving nature of income sources for artists.
- Family Involvement: In July 2024, de Matteo disclosed that her 13-year-old son, Waylon, assists in editing her OnlyFans content. This revelation highlighted the collaborative dynamics within her family and sparked conversations about the implications of involving minors in such endeavors.
- Mother’s Passing: In May 2024, de Matteo’s mother, Donna, passed away at the age of 82. Donna was a prolific playwright and a significant influence on de Matteo’s career. Her passing was a profound loss for the actress, who has expressed intentions to honor her mother’s legacy through future projects.
Legacy and Impact
Drea de Matteo’s career reflects a commitment to portraying complex, authentic characters across various genres. Her performances have resonated with audiences, earning her critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. Beyond her acting endeavors, de Matteo’s resilience in facing personal and professional challenges underscores her strength and adaptability. As she continues to explore new ventures and honor her artistic roots, de Matteo remains a compelling figure in the entertainment industry.
