Drea de Matteo Biography

Fast Facts

• Won Best Actress for "R Xmas" at the 2002 New York International Independent Film & Video Festival
• One of her primary caretakers when she was growing up was her nanny, and after the Nicaraguan woman had a heart transplant, de Matteo began to care for her instead
• Originally wanted to become a director instead of an actress
• Her role in "The Sopranos" was originally supposed to be a one-time appearance, but her performance was so compelling that casting agents made her a regular
• Played Italian Americans on "Joey," "Desperate Housewives" and "The Sopranos․" the television series that brought her into the spotlight
• Owned a New York City clothing boutique called Filth Mart that specialized in rock-chic styles
• Got tattoos of her mother's, father's and grandmother's names