Drea de Matteo, a name that resonates with fans of The Sopranos and Sons of Anarchy, has carved out a lasting legacy in Hollywood. From her unforgettable role as Adriana La Cerva in The Sopranos to her ventures in film and television, de Matteo has enjoyed a career that has earned her not only fame but a significant fortune. Her talent, resilience, and ability to adapt to various roles have kept her in the spotlight for over two decades. Today, we’ll explore Drea de Matteo’s career trajectory, key financial ventures, and how these have contributed to her estimated net worth.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Andrea Donna de Matteo |
| Known As | Drea de Matteo |
| Date of Birth | January 19, 1972 |
| Place of Birth | Queens, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Actress, Entrepreneur |
| Years Active | 1996–present |
| Famous Roles | Adriana La Cerva in The Sopranos |
| Wendy Case in Sons of Anarchy | |
| Gina Tribbiani in Joey | |
| Education | Tisch School of the Arts, New York University |
| Awards | Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress (2004) |
| Notable TV Shows | The Sopranos, Sons of Anarchy, Desperate Housewives |
| Notable Films | Swordfish, Assault on Precinct 13 |
| Net Worth | Approximately $10 million (as of 2023) |
| Spouse/Partner | Formerly engaged to Shooter Jennings |
| Children | 2 |
| Business Ventures | Co-owned Filth Mart (clothing store in LA) |
| Notable Real Estate | Owned homes in NYC (East Village) and LA (Laurel Canyon) |
| Social Media Presence | Active on Instagram and Twitter |
Early Life and Entry into Acting
Andrea Donna de Matteo, known as Drea de Matteo, was born on January 19, 1972, in Queens, New York. Raised in a working-class Italian-American family, de Matteo was always surrounded by rich cultural experiences, which would later influence her acting. Growing up in an Italian neighborhood, she gained an authentic understanding of the close-knit, sometimes tough familial dynamics, which she would later bring to life in her most iconic role.
De Matteo’s original plan wasn’t to become an actress; she initially aspired to be a director. She attended the prestigious Tisch School of the Arts at New York University, where she studied filmmaking. However, she soon realized her passion for acting after spending time in front of the camera rather than behind it. She started auditioning for various roles in the 1990s, working her way up the industry ladder.
Her breakthrough moment came in 1999 when she was cast as Adriana La Cerva in HBO’s critically acclaimed series The Sopranos. This role would prove to be a career-defining moment, and a pivotal point in both her life and financial standing.
Drea de Matteo’s Breakthrough with The Sopranos
The Sopranos was one of the most successful and influential television series of all time, and for de Matteo, landing the role of Adriana La Cerva was a game-changer. Adriana, the girlfriend of mobster Christopher Moltisanti, was a complex character, blending vulnerability and loyalty with a heartbreaking fate. De Matteo’s portrayal of Adriana earned her widespread praise, and in 2004, she won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her work on the show.
The success of The Sopranos not only bolstered her acting credentials but also significantly boosted her financial status. At its peak, de Matteo was earning between $75,000 and $100,000 per episode, a considerable sum that contributed significantly to her growing net worth. Given that The Sopranos ran for six seasons with 86 episodes, de Matteo’s earnings from the series alone were substantial.
Beyond her salary, the show’s lasting popularity has ensured that de Matteo continues to benefit financially from residuals and syndication deals. As The Sopranos remains a staple of pop culture, streaming services like HBO Max have reignited interest in the series, ensuring that de Matteo still receives income from her work on the show more than a decade after its conclusion.
Post-Sopranos Career: Diversifying Her Roles
After The Sopranos ended in 2007, Drea de Matteo took on various roles to avoid being typecast as the Italian-American mobster’s girlfriend. She wanted to demonstrate her versatility as an actress and explore different genres. While some actors struggle to find success post-breakthrough roles, de Matteo proved she had the range to excel in a variety of formats.
One of her most notable roles came in the form of Wendy Case, a recurring character on Sons of Anarchy, a biker drama series that aired from 2008 to 2014. Playing Wendy, the troubled ex-wife of lead character Jax Teller, de Matteo brought an emotional depth and complexity to the show, earning her further critical acclaim. Her work on Sons of Anarchy introduced her to a whole new audience and kept her in the public eye, allowing her to continue building her wealth through acting.
In addition to Sons of Anarchy, de Matteo appeared in popular TV series like Desperate Housewives and Joey (the Friends spin-off). Although Joey did not achieve the level of success that its parent show did, de Matteo’s role as Gina Tribbiani, Joey’s sassy sister, gave her experience in comedy, further expanding her acting repertoire.
Film Roles and Other Ventures
While de Matteo is best known for her television work, she has also appeared in numerous films, including Swordfish (2001) and Assault on Precinct 13 (2005). Though her film career did not reach the same heights as her television roles, these appearances have contributed to her overall earnings and net worth.
Beyond acting, de Matteo has ventured into business. She co-owned Filth Mart, a rock ‘n’ roll-inspired clothing store in Los Angeles, along with her ex-boyfriend, musician Shooter Jennings. Though the store has since closed, it highlighted de Matteo’s entrepreneurial spirit and interest in the fashion industry. While it’s unclear how much revenue the store generated, her investment in Filth Mart was a testament to her willingness to diversify her income streams.
De Matteo has also explored other financial opportunities, including voiceover work and brand partnerships, which have allowed her to sustain a steady income even when not working on major film or TV projects.
Drea de Matteo’s Real Estate Investments
Another significant aspect of Drea de Matteo’s net worth stems from her real estate investments. Like many Hollywood actors, de Matteo has invested in high-end properties over the years, which have contributed to her financial portfolio.
In 2015, de Matteo made headlines when her New York City apartment was destroyed in a massive gas explosion that affected several buildings in the East Village. While this was a personal and financial setback, it didn’t entirely derail her overall net worth. De Matteo’s resilience during this difficult time was admired by many, and she eventually rebuilt her life in a new home.
De Matteo has also owned properties in Los Angeles, including a home in the trendy Laurel Canyon area, which she reportedly sold for a healthy profit. Real estate continues to be a significant part of her financial success, allowing her to build wealth outside of her acting career.
Drea de Matteo’s Net Worth: A Financial Overview
As of 2023, Drea de Matteo’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. This figure is a combination of her earnings from television and film roles, residuals from The Sopranos, income from other TV projects, business ventures, and real estate investments.
Her ability to maintain a successful career in Hollywood for over two decades, while avoiding major financial pitfalls, has allowed her to build a stable financial foundation. The ongoing popularity of The Sopranos, combined with her continued presence in television and film, ensures that de Matteo’s net worth will remain strong in the coming years.
Conclusion
Drea de Matteo’s career is a testament to her talent, determination, and ability to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of Hollywood. From her iconic role in The Sopranos to her work in Sons of Anarchy and other projects, de Matteo has demonstrated remarkable versatility as an actress. Beyond acting, her business ventures and real estate investments have allowed her to diversify her income and build a substantial net worth.
