Drea de Matteo was born and raised in Queens, New York, a borough known for its rich history and cultural diversity. Queens, the largest borough in terms of land area, has a population of over 2.2 million people and is the most racially diverse county in the United States12. The borough's history dates back to the early 1600s with settlements by the Dutch and later the British, and it became part of New York City in 189814. Queens has evolved from a rural area to a bustling urban center, home to significant landmarks such as JFK International Airport and the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center24. This vibrant and diverse environment likely influenced de Matteo's upbringing and career, providing a rich cultural backdrop for her early life.

Drea de Matteo's breakthrough role came with her portrayal of Adriana La Cerva on HBO's critically acclaimed series "The Sopranos." Her performance as the girlfriend of Christopher Moltisanti, played by Michael Imperioli, earned her widespread recognition and an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. Adriana's character arc, marked by her struggles with loyalty and betrayal, became one of the most compelling storylines in the series, showcasing de Matteo's ability to bring depth and nuance to her role. This role not only solidified her status as a talented actress but also opened doors for future opportunities in both television and film124.

After her success on "The Sopranos," Drea de Matteo transitioned to other television roles, including a significant part in the "Friends" spin-off, "Joey." In "Joey," she played Gina Tribbiani, Joey's older sister, who is a single mother and hairdresser. Her character is known for her strong personality and protective nature towards her son, Michael Tribbiani, played by Paulo Costanzo12.

Other notable TV roles include:

• "Sons of Anarchy": De Matteo portrayed Wendy Case, the ex-wife of the main character, Jax Teller. Wendy's character arc involves struggles with addiction and her complex relationship with Jax and their son.

• "Desperate Housewives": She played Angie Bolen, a character with a mysterious past who moves to Wisteria Lane with her family. Angie's storyline is central to the sixth season of the series.

• "Shades of Blue": De Matteo appeared as Tess Nazario, a member of a tight-knit group of NYPD officers led by Jennifer Lopez's character. The show explores themes of corruption and loyalty within the police force.

These roles have allowed de Matteo to showcase her versatility as an actress, taking on diverse characters across different genres and solidifying her presence in the television industry.