Born in Queens, this ballsy, tattooed actress might have ended up like her tough-talking
Sopranos alter ego if she'd never left the neighborhood. Although de Matteo planned to become a director when she enrolled at New York University, by the time she graduated, she had switched to acting. After a handful of small gigs, she landed her breakthrough role on
The Sopranos, which earned her an Emmy and a lot of magazine photo spreads. In 2004 she left the mob series for a leading part on the sitcom
Joey. While she remains a Big Apple gal at heart, she surprised fans by falling for country musician Shooter Jennings.
Drea de Matteo Fast Facts:
- First name is pronounced "Dray."
- Has numerous tattoos, including a crucifix on her ankle and her mother and father's names on her right arm.
- Appeared in the pilot of The Sopranos as a restaurant hostess; she was later called back to take on the role of Adriana La Cerva.
- Co-owned a clothing store, Filth Mart, in Manhattan's East Village (opened in 1999 but since closed). She also designs clothing.
- Founded Great Dane Productions with her friend Robin Whitehouse.
- Announced she was pregnant with her boyfriend Shooter Jennings' child in May 2007.
- Drea de Matteo Relationships:
- Alabama Gypsyrose Jennings - Daughter
- Albert de Matteo - Father
- Darren de Matteo - Brother
- Donna de Matteo - Mother
- Joe de Matteo - Brother
- Shooter Jennings - Fiancé
- Drea de Matteo Awards:
- 2005 Golden Globe: Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television - Nominee
- 2004 Emmy: Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series - Winner
- College:
- New York University, Tisch School of the Arts, New York, NY (BFA in film production, 1995)
