List of Italian-American entertainers

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is a list of Italian American entertainers.

Composers and conductors[]

  • Alfredo Antonini
  • Trey Anastasio
  • Frankie Avalon
  • Angelo Badalamenti
  • Josefina Benedetti
  • Joe Bonamassa
  • Jon Bon Jovi
  • Chris Botti
  • Teddy Castellucci
  • John Corigliano
  • Dean Martin
  • Chick Corea
  • Lou Christie
  • Glen Danzig
  • Bobby Darin
  • Norman Dello Joio
  • Carmen Dragon
  • JoAnn Falletta
  • John Ferritto
  • Nicolas Flagello
  • Dominic Frontiere
  • Michael Giacchino
  • Madonna
  • Vittorio Giannini
  • Bill Conti
  • Don Costa
  • Lady Gaga
  • Ariana Grande
  • George Greeley
  • Chris Isaak
  • Alicia Keys
  • Cyndi Lauper
  • Guy Lombardo
  • Henry Mancini
  • Chuck Mangione
  • Giorgio Moroder
  • Francesco Maria Scala
  • Dario Marianelli
  • Natalie Merchant
  • Tom Morello
  • Tony Bennett
  • Joe Perry
  • John Petrucci
  • Louis Prima
  • Suzi Quatro
  • L. Scinti Roger
  • Bobby Rydell
  • Ray Sinatra
  • Joe Satriani
  • Robert Spano
  • Nikki Sixx
  • Terig Tucci
  • Arturo Toscanini
  • Steven Tyler
  • Steve Vai
  • Jerry Vale
  • Frankie Valli
  • Weird Al Yankovic
  • Frank Zappa
  • Frank Sinatra

Fashion models[]

Theater directors[]

Movie directors and producers[]

  • Emile Ardolino (1943-1993), filmmaker, choreographer and producer
  • Annabelle Attanasio (born 1993), actress and filmmaker, daughter of producer Paul Attanasio
  • Paul Attanasio (born 1959), screenwriter and film and television producer
  • Joseph Barbera (1911–2006), Oscar and Emmy-winning animation director and producer (Hanna-Barbera Productions)
  • Greg Berlanti (born 1972), writer, producer and film director, known for his work on the television series Dawson's Creek and Riverdale
  • Frank Borzage (1893–1962), film director and actor famed for his mystical romanticism
  • Albert R. Broccoli (1909–1996), producer of all but one of the first 17 James Bond movies
  • Barbara Broccoli (born 1960), producer, daughter of producer Albert R. Broccoli
  • Nicolas Cage, actor, director and producer
  • Frank Capra (1897–1991), film director and a major creative force behind a number of popular films of the 1930s and 1940s
  • David Chase (born 1945), creator of The Sopranos
  • Michael Cimino (1939–2016), film director, The Deer Hunter
  • Chris Columbus (born 1958), film director, Home Alone
  • Francis Ford Coppola (born 1939), five-time Academy Award-winning film director, producer, and screenwriter
  • Roman Coppola (born 1965), film and music video director
  • Sofia Coppola (born 1971), director, actress, producer
  • Frank Coraci (born 1966), film director
  • Gerard Damiano (1928–2008), former adult film director
  • Barbara De Fina (born 1949), film director
  • Brian De Palma (born 1940), movie director
  • Tom DeSanto (born 1968), film producer
  • Danny DeVito (born 1944), actor, director, and Oscar-nominated producer
  • Tom Savini (born 1946) actor, prosthetic makeup artist, director
  • Denise Di Novi (born 1956), film producer
  • Anthony C. Ferrante, film director
  • Abel Ferrara (born 1951), film director
  • Vincent Gallo (born 1962), movie actor and director starring in independent movies; also a recognized painter, male fashion model, musician, motorcycle racer and breakdancer
  • Gregory La Cava (1892–1952), film director of the 1930s
  • Walter Lantz (1899–1994), Oscar-winning animation director and producer, creator of Woody Woodpecker
  • John R. Leonetti, director, cinematographer
  • Matthew F. Leonetti, cinematographer
  • Garry Marshall, TV and film producer, director, writer, and actor
  • Vincente Minnelli, director
  • Greg Mottola, director
  • Nicholas Pileggi (born 1933), film director
  • Michael Polcino, animation director
  • Robert Pulcini, film director
  • Guido Quaroni, computer modeler and computer animation maker at Pixar Animation Studios
  • Frank Renzulli, actor, writer and producer
  • Lou Romano, member of the Art Department at Pixar Animation Studios
  • Russo brothers, film and television directors
  • Aaron Russo, film producer
  • SallyAnn Salsano, executive producer, known for Jersey Shore
  • Damon Santostefano
  • Martin Scorsese (born 1942), iconic Academy Award-winning film director
  • Tina Sinatra (born 1948), movie producer and former actress
  • Quentin Tarantino (born 1963), film director, actor, and Oscar-winning screenwriter
  • Marlo Thomas (born 1937), actress, producer, author, and social activist
  • Stanley Tucci (born 1960), actor, writer, film producer and film director
  • Maurizio Vasco (born 1955), director, writer, independent producer
  • Thomas Vitale, Senior Vice President of Programming & Original Movies for the Sci Fi Channel
  • Robert Zemeckis, filmmaker and screenwriter

Television personalities[]

  • Farrah Abraham (born 1991), reality TV star
  • Aquaria (born: Giovanni Palandrani, 1996), drag queen
  • Maria Bello (born 1967), actress
  • Carmine Gotti Agnello (born 1986), reality TV star
  • Frank Gotti Agnello (born 1990), reality TV star
  • John Gotti Agnello (born 1987), reality TV star
  • Adam Carolla (born 1964), comedic radio and television personality
  • Neil Cavuto (born 1958), television host and commentator hosting Your World with Neil Cavuto and Cavuto on Business on the Fox News Channel
  • Stephen Colletti (born 1986), reality TV star
  • Deena Cortese (born 1987), reality TV star, known for Jersey Shore
  • Tony Danza (born 1951), actor and talk show host
  • Giada De Laurentiis (born 1970), chef, writer, TV personality, host of the Food Network programs Everyday Italian, Behind the Bash, Giada's Weekend Getaways and Giada in Paradise
  • Pauly DelVecchio (born 1980), reality TV star, known for Jersey Shore
  • Robert De Laurentiis, television director
  • Gary Dell'Abate (born 1961), producer of The Howard Stern Show and co-host of The Wrap-Up Show
  • Giuliana DePandi (born 1975), host of E! News
  • Jennifer “JWoww” Farley (born 1986), reality TV star, known for Jersey Shore[2]
  • Guy Fieri (born 1968), restaurateur, author and television personality
  • Annette Funicello (1942–2013), singer and actress, Walt Disney's most popular Mouseketeer
  • Sammi “Sweetheart” Giancola (born 1987), reality TV star, known for Jersey Shore
  • Vinny Guadagnino (born 1987), reality TV star, known for Jersey Shore
  • Victoria Gotti (born 1962), star of Growing Up Gotti on the A&E Network
  • Jimmy Kimmel (born 1967), television comedy talk-show host and producer
  • Jay Leno (born 1950), comedian, known as host of The Tonight Show and the Jay Leno Show[3]
  • Ronnie Ortiz-Magro (born 1985), reality TV star, known for Jersey Shore
  • Anthony Melchiorri (born 1966), reality TV star
  • Alyssa Milano (born 1972), actress, producer and former singer. Star of Who's the Boss?
  • Kelly Monaco (born 1976), model, actress, and reality television contestant
  • Danny Pintauro (born 1976), actor best known for his role as Jonathan Bower on the popular American sitcom Who's the Boss?
  • Angelina Pivarnick (born 1986): reality TV star, known for Jersey Shore
  • Rachael Ray (born 1968), Emmy-winning television personality and author
  • Gina Carano (born 1982), model, former MMA fighter and actress
  • Leah Remini (born 1970), actress
  • Kelly Ripa (born 1970), actress and talk show host
  • Jai Rodriguez (born 1979), actor and culture guide on Queer Eye for the Straight Guy[4]
  • Andy Samberg (born 1978), actor, comedian, writer, producer and musician
  • Dave Filoni (born 1974), director, producer, writer and voice actor
  • Maria Sansone (born 1981), host of "The 9" on Yahoo! and special events for TV Guide Network
  • Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino (born 1982), reality TV star, known for Jersey Shore
  • Will Sasso (born 1975), actor, podcaster; American citizen of Canadian birth
  • Kim Zolciak (born 1978), reality TV star

Musicians[]

See also List of Sicilian-American jazz musicians.
  • Madonna, pop singer, known as the Queen of Pop since the 1980's
  • Sal Abruscato, hard rock/heavy metal drummer, known for his work with early Type O Negative and Life of Agony
  • Roberto Alagna, operatic tenor
  • Steve Albini (born 1962), indie rock musician, producer
  • Trey Anastasio, leader of jam band Phish
  • John "DOC" Anello, Leader of Swing Machine Big Band, Singer, Sax player
  • Phil Anselmo, heavy metal singer, a former leading member of Pantera.
  • Vinny Appice, heavy metal drummer
  • Frankie Avalon, (born 1940) trumpet, singer, and actor
  • Veronica Ballestrini, singer-songwriter
  • Frankie Banali, drummer, Quiet Riot
  • Joey Belladonna, heavy metal singer
  • Remo Belli (1927 – 2016), jazz drummer
  • Frank Bello, heavy metal bass player for Anthrax
  • Louie Bellson, born Luigi Ballassoni, big band drummer
  • Charlie Benante, heavy metal drummer for Anthrax
  • Tony Bennett, born Anthony Benedetto
  • Corbin Bleu, singer and actor in High School Musical; Italian mother
  • Joe Bonamassa, blues rock musician, singer, and songwriter.
  • Jon Bon Jovi (born 1962), born John Francis Bongiovi, rock star, actor
  • Bizzy Bone, born Bryon McCane, a rapper from the group Bone Thugs N Harmony, part Italian on mother's side
  • Patrick Bonfrisco, drummer, Enewetak
  • Chris Botti, jazz trumpeter; Italian on father's side
  • Terry Bozzio (born 1950), drummer best known for his stint with Frank Zappa
  • Jeff Buckley (1966–1997), rock musician with distinctive vocal and compositional abilities; grandmother of Italian descent
  • Tim Buckley (1947–1975), folk, jazz, and rock artist; father of the musician Jeff Buckley; mother of Italian descent
  • Sam Butera, jazz saxophonist
  • Conte Candoli, jazz trumpeter
  • Pete Candoli, jazz trumpeter
  • Freddy Cannon (born 1940), born Frederick Anthony Picariello, rock and roll singer, had three top ten hits
  • Chris Carrabba, lead singer of Dashboard Confessional and former lead singer of Further Seems Forever
  • Harry Wayne Casey, leader of K.C. & the Sunshine Band; credited for inventing the boogie disco band sound; Italian on his mother's side
  • Micheal Castaldo, singer, songwriter and producer
  • Suzette Charles, singer, entertainer, former Miss America[5]
  • Gary Cherone, former lead singer of Extreme and Van Halen
  • Lou Christie (born 1943), born Lugee Alfredo Giovanni Sacco on February, singer-songwriter
  • Dr. Chud, born David Calabrese, former drummer for the Misfits
  • John Cocuzzi, jazz musician
  • Vinnie Colaiuta, drummer famous in jazz circles for his virtuosity and his stint with Frank Zappa
  • Louie Clemente, born Luciano Angelo Di Clemente in Lioni, Italy, original drummer of thrash metal band Testament
  • Jerry Colonna (1904-1986) actor, entertainer, singer, trombonist
  • Russ Columbo (1908–1934), composer, singer, violinist and actor[6]
  • Chick Corea, jazz pianist virtuoso, played with Miles Davis
  • John Corigliano Sr., violinist concertmaster of New York Philharmonic Orchestra
  • Alessandro Cortini, rock star, keyboardist for Nine Inch Nails
  • Don Costa, pop music arranger
  • Ashley Costello, singer, New Years Day
  • Dan Costello, guitarist, played with The DeFranco Family
  • Ward Costello (1919–2009), actor/composer/lyricist
  • Peter Criss, born George Peter John Criscuola, drummer, formerly of KISS
  • Jim Croce, folk and rock singer-songwriter
  • Warren Cuccurullo, guitarist for Frank Zappa, Missing Persons and Duran Duran
  • Rivers Cuomo (born 1970), member of Weezer
  • Alan Dale (1926–2002), born Aldo Sigismondi, singer of traditional popular and rock'n'roll music
  • Glenn Danzig, born Glenn Anzalone, former lead singer and one of the founders of the Misfits
  • Bobby Darin (1936–1973), born Walden Robert Cassotto, one of the most popular rock and roll teen idols of the late 1950s
  • Decoy, born Nicholas Edward Galluzzo, also known as Nicholas Edward Case; Italian-French mother and Italian father; rapper and singer
  • Pietro Deiro, accordionist
  • Buddy DeFranco, jazz musician
  • Tony DeFranco, lead singer and guitarist of The DeFranco Family
  • Chris DeGarmo, ex-guitarist of 1980s rock band Queensrÿche
  • Joey DeMaio, bassist, main songwriter and one of the founding members of the heavy metal band Manowar
  • Liberty DeVitto, rock drummer for Billy Joel
  • Tommy DeVito (musician)
  • Al Di Meola, jazz fusion guitarist
  • Vince DiFiore, trumpeter and keyboardist
  • Ani DiFranco, singer/songwriter
  • Orlando DiGirolamo, jazz musician
  • Mike DiMeo, former singer of Riot and Masterplan
  • Dion DiMucci, leading doo wop, rock and roll, and blues artist of the 1950s and 60s
  • Ronnie James Dio (1942–2010), heavy metal singer
  • Joe Dolce, Australian born singer/songwriter, poet and essayist
  • Micky Dolenz, singer and drummer for The Monkees
  • Charlie Dominici, ex-Dream Theater vocalist, founding member of Dominici
  • Sully Erna, born Salvatore Erna, lead singer of the band Godsmack, of full Italian descent
  • Faith Evans, singer
  • Queen Naija, singer, (African American and Italian mother)
  • Nick Falcon, psychobilly guitarist, founding member of The Young Werewolves
  • Joe Farrell, born Joseph Firrantello, jazz saxophonist
  • Josh Farro, lead guitarist for Paramore
  • Zac Farro, drummer for Paramore
  • Ted Fio Rito, composer, orchestra leader, and keyboardist
  • Sam Fogarino, drummer for Interpol
  • Lita Ford, singer and guitarist, formerly of The Runaways
  • Johnny Frigo, jazz violinist and bassist
  • John Frusciante, guitarist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers
  • Steve Gadd, world-famous jazz and session drummer
  • Theodore L. Gargiulo (1915–2006), conductor, composer, and musicologist.
  • Bob Gaudio, singer, keyboardist and composer
  • Lady Gaga, singer, actress, songwriter. Mother and Father of Italian descent
  • Stéphane Grappelli, jazz violinist
  • George Greeley, pianist, film and television composer, conductor, recording artist
  • DJ Green Lantern, born James D'Agostini, hip-hop DJ; father is Puerto Rican and mother is Italian
  • Carla Harvey (born 1976), singer for the Butcher Babies
  • Davey Havok (born 1975), born David Paden Passaro, later changed to David Paden Marchand, vocalist for AFI
  • Frank Iero, rhythm guitarist for the band My Chemical Romance
  • Chris Impellitteri, guitarist
  • Chris Isaak, songwriter, singer and actor; mother is Italian-American
  • Joe Jonas, member of the band Jonas Brothers; great-grandfather of Italian descent
  • Kevin Jonas, member of the band Jonas Brothers; great-grandfather of Italian descent
  • Nick Jonas, member of the band Jonas Brothers; great-grandfather of Italian descent
  • Alicia Keys, pianist; mother is Italian (Augello)
  • Morgana King, jazz singer
  • Scott LaFaro, jazz musician
  • John LaPorta, jazz clarinetist
  • Eddie Lang, guitarist
  • Mario Lanza, tenor, actor and Hollywood film star [7]
  • Nick LaRocca, jazz musician
  • Adam Lazzara, lead singer of Taking Back Sunday
  • Kenny Loggins, singer-songwriter and guitarist
  • Carmen Lombardo, vocalist and composer
  • Dave Lombardo, drummer of Slayer
  • Guy Lombardo, born Gaetano Alberto "Guy" Lombardo, bandleader and violinist
  • Lebert Lombardo, named by Louis Armstrong as one of his favorite trumpeters
  • Victor Lombardo, saxophonist
  • Joe Long, born Joseph LaBracio, bass guitarist and vocal arranger for The Four Seasons
  • Joe Lovano, jazz saxophonist
  • Lydia Lunch, Musician, poet, actress, spoken word
  • Mike Mangini, drummer of Dream Theater
  • Dodo Marmarosa, jazz pianist
  • Dean Martin (1917–1995), singer and film actor, one of the most famous artists and TV personality of the 20th century period[8]
  • Pat Martino, jazz guitarist
  • Fred Mascherino, guitarist and backing vocalist of Taking Back Sunday
  • Nick Massi (1927–2000), singer and bass guitarist of The Four Seasons
  • Natalie Merchant, singer and songwriter, father is of Italian descent
  • Jo Dee Messina, country music artist
  • Joe Messina, guitarist
  • Lucia Micarelli, violinist
  • Bobby Militello, saxophonist for Dave Brubeck Quartet
  • Chieli Minucci, smooth jazz guitarist
  • Joe Morello, drummer for Dave Brubeck Quartet
  • Tom Morello, guitarist for Rage Against the Machine
  • Sal Mosca, jazz pianist
  • Tony Mottola, guitarist
  • Mitchel Musso, musician, actor, star of Disney's Hannah Montana; part Italian on father's side
  • Vido Musso, jazz clarinetist, saxophonist and bandleader
  • Ken Navarro, contemporary jazz guitarist
  • Jerry Only, born Gerald Caiafa, guitarist, lead singer for the Misfits
  • Frank Palmeri, Emmure singer
  • Daryl Palumbo, singer, frontman for bands Glassjaw, Head Automatica, and Color Film
  • Felix Pappalardi, rock and roll bassist and producer
  • Joe Pass (1929–1994), born Joseph Anthony Jacobi Passalaqua, jazz guitarist
  • John Patitucci, electric and acoustic bass virtuoso; played with Chick Corea and Wayne Shorter
  • Kyle Pavone, We Came As Romans singer
  • Art Pepper, jazz musician
  • Joe Perry (born 1950), lead guitarist and contributing songwriter for the rock band Aerosmith[9]
  • Vincent Persichetti, composer
  • John Petrucci, metal guitarist, founding member of Dream Theater
  • Roxy Petrucci, drummer for Madam X and Vixen
  • Flip Phillips, jazz saxophonist
  • Guy Picciotto, early Emo personality, noted for Rites of Spring and Fugazi
  • Bucky Pizzarelli, classical jazz guitarist
  • John Pizzarelli, jazz guitarist
  • Martin Pizzarelli, jazz double-bassist
  • Mike Portnoy, drummer, founding member of Dream Theater
  • Teddy Powell, born Teodoro Paolella, jazz guitarist, composer and big band leader
  • Louis Prima (1910–1978), Italian-American jazz musician, singer, and actor
  • Suzi Quatro, born Susan Kay Quattrocchi, rock star, bassist singer-songwriter
  • Moxie Raia, born Laura Raia, singer-songwriter
  • Twiggy Ramirez, born Jeordie Osbourne White, rock star, bassist for Marilyn Manson
  • Ruggiero Ricci (1918–2012), violin virtuoso
  • Johnny Rivers, born John Ramistella, early rock'n roll singer with many hit records
  • Adrian Rollini, jazz saxophonist and vibraphonist
  • Tony Romano, jazz guitarist and singer
  • Leon Roppolo (1902–1943), prominent early jazz clarinetist and composer
  • Frank Rosolino, jazz trombonist
  • Matt Rubano, bassist of Taking Back Sunday
  • Pete Rugolo, jazz composer, arranger and record producer
  • Russ - Hip hop rapper of Italian descent
  • William Russo, jazz musician
  • Bobby Rydell (born 1942), born Robert Louis Ridarelli in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, "teen idol" in the early days of rock and roll
  • Melanie Safka, mother is of Italian descent
  • Ralph Santolla, metal guitarist; has a custom Jackson guitar with the Italian flag painted on it
  • Joe Satriani, guitar virtuoso
  • Haley Scarnato, American Idol season 6 contestant
  • Jack Scott (1936–2019), born Giovanni Dominico Scafone Jr. in Ontario, Canada, Canadian/American singer and songwriter
  • Anthony Sepe, former Memphis May Fire rhythm guitarist
  • John Serry, Sr. (1915–2003), born Giovanni Serrapica, concert accordionist, composer, arranger, educator; father of John Serry, Jr.
  • Frank Sinatra, arguably the most famous personality in American history
  • Nikki Sixx, born Frank Carlton Serafino Feranna, rock star with Mötley Crüe
  • DJ Skribble, DJ and producer
  • Jamie Spaniolo, rapper
  • Robert Spano, conductor and pianist
  • Bruce Springsteen, songwriter, guitarist, rock star
  • Gwen Stefani, rock star; frontwoman for the rock band No Doubt
  • Taylor Swift, singer/songwriter; father is part Italian
  • Joseph Tarsia
  • Johnny Thunders, born John A. Genzale, rock musician
  • Mark Tremonti, guitarist
  • Lennie Tristano, jazz pianist and composer
  • Steven Tyler (born 1948), born Steven Tallarico, rock star, songwriter; Italian on his father's side
  • Steve Vai, guitar virtuoso
  • Francis Valentino, drummer
  • Steven Van Zandt (born 1950), musician, songwriter, arranger, record producer, actor (The Sopranos), and radio disc jockey [10]
  • Ronnie Vannucci, drummer for The Killers
  • Zacky Vengeance, guitarist for the band, Avenged Sevenfold
  • Joe Venuti, jazz violinist
  • Tony Visconti, rock music producer (based in Britain)
  • Doyle Wolfgang Von Frankenstein, born Paul Caiafa, former guitarist for the Misfits
  • Chris Vrenna (born 1967), producer and drummer
  • George Wallington, jazz pianist
  • Gerard Way, lead singer for the band My Chemical Romance
  • Mikey Way, bass guitarist for the band My Chemical Romance
  • Dean Ween, born Michael Melchiondo, Ween guitarist
  • "Weird Al" Yankovic (born 1959), parodist and comedy musician; mother's side is Italian
  • Timi Yuro, soul and R&B singer
  • Z-Trip, born Zach Sciacca, DJ and producer
  • Dweezil Zappa, rock guitarist
  • Frank Zappa (1940–1993), composer, guitarist, singer and satirist; Sicilian father and 3/4 Italian mother
  • Neil Zaza, neo-classical melodic guitarist

Songwriters[]

  • Francesca Battistelli (born 1985), gospel music songwriter and performer
  • Michael Bradley, songwriter, singer, artist; 3/4 Italian
  • Peter Cincotti (born 1983), singer-pianists and songwriter
  • Rivers Cuomo (born 1970), member of Weezer
  • Bob DiPiero, songwriter, Nashville Songwriter Hall of Fame
  • Bob Gaudio, songwriter, member of The Four Seasons
  • Christina Grimmie, singer and songwriter
  • James V. Monaco, early American songwriter "You Made Me Love You"
  • Laura Nyro, songwriter, Italian father, Northern Irish mother
  • Tony Romeo, songwriter, known for work on The Partridge Family
  • Patti Scialfa, father of Sicilian ancestry
  • Harry Warren (1893–1981), born Salvatore Guaragna, wrote more hit songs than anyone else in early 20th-century America

Singers[]

  • Al Alberts, born Al Albertini, singer and musician known for work with The Four Aces
  • Romina Arena, pop classical crossover singer
  • Billie Joe Armstrong (born 1972), singer, songwriter, musician, actor and record producer
  • Frankie Avalon (born 1940), born Francis Avallone, singer, actor
  • Kelsea Ballerini (born 1993), country music singer
  • Sara Bareilles (born 1979), singer and songwriter
  • Kaci Battaglia, singer
  • Tony Bennett, born Anthony Dominick Benedetto, singer
  • Lory Bianco (born 1963), singer and actress
  • Sonny Bono (1935–1998), born Salvatore Phillip Bono, producer, actor, and politician
  • Eddie Brigati (born 1945), singer, composer for the 60s rock band The Young Rascals
  • Gioia Bruno, born Carmen Gioia Bruno, singer
  • Freddy Cannon (born 1940), born Frederick Anthony Picariello Jr., rock and roll singer
  • Keith Caputo, singer, member of Life of Agony
  • Harry Wayne Casey (born 1940), leader of K.C. and the Sunshine Band; Italian mother
  • Micheal Castaldo, singer, songwriter, producer, entrepreneur
  • Felix Cavaliere (born 1942), singer-songwriter for 60s rock band The Young Rascals
  • Michael Cerveris (born 1960), actor, singer, and guitarist
  • Lou Christie (born 1943), born Luigi Alfredo Giovanni Sacco
  • Perry Como (1912–2001), born Pierino Ronald Como
  • Don Cornell (1919–2004), born Luigi Francesco Varlaro, a popular singer
  • Chrissy Costanza (born 1995), singer-songwriter for Against The Current
  • Jim Croce (1943–1973), singer
  • Rivers Cuomo (born 1970), member of Weezer
  • Victor Damiani
  • Vic Damone (1928–2018), born Vito Rocco Farinola, singer
  • Bobby Darin (1936-1973), born Walden Robert Cassotto, singer
  • James Darren (born 1936), born James Ercolani, actor, singer, teen idol
  • Jimmy Durante (1893–1980), singer, pianist, comedian, and actor
  • Diana DeGarmo (born 1987), runner-up on American Idol (Season 3); half Italian[11]
  • Johnny Desmond (1920–1985), born Giovanni Alfredo De Simone, popular singer
  • Tommy DeVito (1928–2020), musician and singer, member of The Four Seasons
  • Ani DiFranco (born 1970), Grammy Award-winning singer, guitarist, songwriter, Italian American on father's side
  • Dion DiMucci (born 1939), better known as Dion
  • Kara Dioguardi, singer of Italian and Albanian heritage
  • Eamon, Italian mother (née Zizzo), Irish father
  • Lita Ford, also guitarist, born in England; Italian mother
  • Fabian Forte (born 1942), singer, teen idol, actor
  • Sergio Franchi (1926–1990), born Sergio Franci Galli, singer, Broadway and television actor
  • Connie Francis (born 1936), born Concetta Rosa Maria Franconero, singer
  • Frankee, born Nicole Francine Aiello, singer
  • Annette Funicello (1942–2013), singer, actress, Mickey Mouse Club and beach party movies in the 60s
  • Frank Gari (born 1942), late 1950s singer; founder of Gari Communications
  • Bob Gaudio (born 1942), singer, songwriter, and record producer, member of The Four Seasons
  • Sonny Geraci (1946–2017), singer
  • Selena Gomez, Italian on mother's side
  • Mikalah Gordon (born 1988), singer[12]
  • Eydie Gorme (1928–2013), father was from Sicily
  • Lou Gramm (born 1950), born Louis Andrew Grammatico, rock vocalist for Foreigner
  • Ariana Grande
  • Mitch Grassi, member of Grammy Award-winning a cappella group Pentatonix
  • Buddy Greco (1926–2017), born Armando Greco, singer
  • Francesca Gregorini (born 1968), singer and songwriter; daughter of Jewish/Irish American model Barbara Bach and Italian businessman Augusto Gregorini
  • Frank Guarrera (1923–2007), opera baritone
  • Halsey (born 1994), born Ashley Nicolette Frangipane, singer-songwriter
  • Phyllis Hyman (1949–1995), jazz and R&B singer; father is Cuban/Italian and mother was African American
  • Jessicka, born Jessica Fodera in Brooklyn
  • Alicia Keys
  • Morgana King (1930–2018), born Maria Grazia Morgana Messina, jazz singer
  • Julius La Rosa (1930–2016), singer popular in the 1950s
  • Rudy La Scala – singer and composer
  • Lady Gaga (born 1986), born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, singer and songwriter
  • Frankie Laine (1913–2007), born Frank Paul LoVecchio, one of the most successful singers in history
  • Mario Lanza (1921–1959), born Alfred Arnold Cocozza, recording star, operatic tenor, film actor
  • Cyndi Lauper, part Italian[13]
  • Demi Lovato, singer, also has Mexican ancestry
  • Madonna, born Madonna Louise Ciccone in Michigan, singer, songwriter, record producer and film director, daughter of Italian father and French-Canadian mother
  • Sanjaya Malakar, American Idol season six finalist; half-Italian through his mother
  • Pablo Manavello – Italian-born Venezuelan composer, guitarist, singer and songwriter
  • Al Martino, singer
  • Guy Marks (1923-1987) (Mario Scarpa) actor, comedian, singer and impressionist
  • Dean Martin (1917–1995), born Dino Crocetti, singer and film actor[8]
  • Deana Martin, singer, actress, and author; daughter of Dean Martin
  • Al Martino (1927–2009), born Alfred Cini in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  • Nick Massi (1935–2000), born Nicholas Macioci, bass singer for the Four Seasons
  • Don Mclean (born 1945), singer-songwriter; Italian mother
  • Tim McGraw (born 1967), country music singer and actor, mother is of Italian descent
  • Liza Minnelli (born 1946), singer, actress; Italian father
  • Anna Moffo (1932–2006), lyric-coloratura soprano
  • Lou Monte (1917–1989)
  • Stacie Orrico (born 1986), contemporary Christian music/pop singer[14]
  • Nicola Paone (1915–2003), singer-songwriter
  • Gretchen Parlato (born 1976), jazz singer
  • Johnny Rivers (born 1942), born John Ramistella, popular rock singer, songwriter and guitarist
  • Jimmy Roselli (1925–2011), singer
  • Bobby Rydell (born 1942), born Robert Ridarelli, singer
  • Haley Scarnato
  • Frank Sinatra (1915–1998)
  • Frank Sinatra, Jr. (1944–2016), son of Frank Sinatra
  • Nancy Sinatra, daughter of Frank Sinatra
  • Britney Spears, recording artist, grandmother was a Sicilian immigrant
  • Bruce Springsteen, (born 1949), mother of Italian ancestry
  • Gwen Stefani, singer and musician, Italian father
  • Connie Stevens (born 1938), born Concetta Rosalie Ann Ingoglia, singer and actress
  • Susan Tedeschi (born 1970), blues and soul singer and songwriter
  • John Tartaglia (born 1978), singer, actor, dancer and puppeteer
  • Marc Terenzi (born 1978), pop star, songwriter
  • Pia Toscano (born 1988), contestant on the tenth season of American Idol
  • Steven Tyler (born 1948), born Steven Tallarico - Italian Grandfather - Rock Vocalist for Aerosmith
  • Jerry Vale (1930–2014), born Genaro Louis Vitaliano, singer
  • Frankie Valli (born 1937), born Francis Stephen Castelluccio, member of The Four Seasons
  • Franco Ventriglia (1922–2012), born Francesco Ventriglia, opera singer
  • Zhavia Ward (born 2001)
  • Timi Yuro (1940–2004), born Rosemarie Timotea Aurro
  • Frank Zappa (1940–1993), rock singer, guitarist

Stand-up comedians[]

  • Bryan Callen
  • Mario Cantone (born 1959), comedian, writer, actor
  • Pat Cooper, born Pasquale Caputo
  • Chris D'Elia
  • Nick DiPaolo
  • Adam Ferrara
  • Janeane Garofalo, comedian, actor, liberal political activist and writer, half Italian
  • Chris Hardwick, comedian, TV host, and musician, half Italian
  • Pat Henry, comedian, born Patrick Henry Scarnato, long-time opening act for Frank Sinatra
  • Dom Irrera
  • Richard Jeni, born Richard John Colangelo
  • Lisa Lampanelli, three quarters Italian
  • Matteo Lane (born 1982), comedian, part Italian
  • Artie Lange, comedian, actor, radio personality, and author best known for The Howard Stern Show and the comedy sketch series MADtv, half Italian
  • Jay Leno (born 1950), comedian, former host of The Tonight Show and host of The Jay Leno Show, half Italian
  • Sebastian Maniscalco
  • , comedian, actor and writer
  • Guy Marks (1923-1987) (Mario Scarpa) actor, comedian, singer and impressionist
  • Tammy Pescatelli
  • Joe Rogan, comedian, former host of Fear Factor, three quarters Italian
  • Ray Romano, actor, stand-up comedian, screenwriter and voice actor, best known for his role on the sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond
  • Chris Rush
  • Judy Tenuta, entertainer, actress, comedian, author, producer, and accordionist; half Italian
  • Jackie Vernon (1924–1987), born Ralph Verrone, stand-up comic and the cartoon voice of Frosty the Snowman
  • Brittany Furlan (born 1986), comedian and internet personality
  • Lou Costello

Adult movie stars[]

  • Lisa Ann, of Sicilian-Italian descent
  • Kaitlyn Ashley, half German
  • Lizzy Borden, born Janet Romano-Zicari
  • Jewel De Nyle, half Italian, part English and Spanish
  • Tommy Gunn
  • Jenna Jameson, born Jennifer Massoli, part English, Irish and German, half Italian (father)
  • Ariana Jollee, half Russian Jewish, half Italian
  • Kendra Lust, half Italian[15]
  • Shy Love, half Italian, half Puerto Rican
  • Gina Lynn, half Italian, part Puerto Rican part Dutch.
  • Raven Riley, half Italian, half Cherokee
  • Bonnie Rotten of Italian, German, Polish, and Jewish descent
  • Dylan Ryder, half Italian, half German
  • Joey Stefano (1968–1994)
  • Michael Stefano
  • Taryn Thomas, of full Italian descent (Sicilian and Neapolitan)

Adult models[]

Professional wrestlers[]

  • Trent Acid (1980–2010), born Michael Verdi
  • Lou Albano (1933–2009)
  • Mike Awesome, former ECW and WCW wrestler; mother of Italian descent
  • The Bella Twins, current WWE wrestlers, half Italian[16]
  • Primo Carnera (1906–1967)
  • Rhyno, WWE wrestler; Italian immigrant grandparents
  • John Cena, half Italian, father of Italian descent
  • Antonio Cesaro, born Claudio Castagnoli
  • Rico Chiapparelli
  • Mark Copani, wrestler best known for his Muhammad Hassan character in WWE; half Italian, half Arab
  • Ilio DiPaolo
  • Tommy Dreamer
  • Bubba Ray Dudley, born Mark LoMonaco
  • Joy Giovanni, briefly worked for WWE on SmackDown! in 2005, winning female Rookie of the Year
  • Big Sal E. Graziano, former ECW wrestler
  • Hulk Hogan, born Terry Bollea; Italian on father's side
  • Steve Lombardi
  • Joey Marella, professional wrestling referee; son of legendary wrestler Gorilla Monsoon
  • Ashley Massaro, former WWE wrestler
  • Gorilla Monsoon, born Robert Otto Marella
  • Lenny Montana (1926–1992), former professional wrestler known as "The Zebra Kid" and "Chief Chewacki" in the 1960s
  • Lisa Moretti (born 1961), born Lisa Mary Moretti, best known by her stage name of Ivory, professional wrestler
  • Nunzio, born James Maritato, professional wrestler
  • Chuck Palumbo, born Charles Ronald Palumbo, professional wrestler
  • Angelo Poffo
  • Lanny Poffo, known as "Leaping Lanny" or "The Genius"; son of Angelo Poffo; brother to Randy Savage
  • Val Puccio
  • Antonio Pugliese, born Tony Parisi
  • Roman Reigns, Samoan father and Italian mother[17]
  • Paul Roma
  • Romeo Roselli
  • Mandy Rose, professional wrestler[18]
  • Mike Rotunda, known as "Irwin R Schyster", wrestled with the WWF from 1991 to 2004
  • Bruno Sammartino (1935–2018), born Bruno Leopoldo Franceso Sammartino, former professional wrestler
  • "Macho Man" Randy Savage (1952–2011), born Randy Mario Poffo; son of Angelo Poffo; brother of Lanny Poffo
  • Peter Senerchia, former professional wrestler also known as Tazz
  • Bray Wyatt, born Windham Lawrence Rotunda (father of Italian descent), third generation professional wrestler, son of Mike Rotunda, grandson of Blackjack Mulligan, brother of Bo Dallas
  • Vince Russo. Creative writer, and booker at WCW

Entertainers who cannot be categorized[]

  • Toni Basil (born 1943), born Antonia Christina Basilotta, dancer, actress, singer
  • James Berardinelli, film critic
  • Judy Canova (1913–1983), born Juliette Canova, comedian, actress, singer, and radio personality
  • (born 1970), born Giovan Giuseppe Ciccarelli in Ischia, Italy; artistic director, director and actor with Hudson Shakespeare Company; theater and Shakespeare columnist with newjerseystage.com[19] and onstageblog.com.[20]
  • Joe Cino (1931–1967), theater director and cafe owner credited with launching off-off-Broadway
  • Danny Daniels, dancer
  • Joe Dallesandro (born 1948), underground film star and model made famous by Andy Warhol and Paul Morrissey
  • Giancarlo Esposito (born 1958), actor and director
  • Fabian (born 1943), born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; teen idol of the late 1950s and early 1960s; rose to national prominence after performing several times on American Bandstand; born Fabiano Anthony Bonaparte, he adopted the stage name Fabian Forte but has always been known by his first name only
  • Eugene Louis Faccuito, dancer and choreographer
  • Angelo Faticoni, contortionist
  • Rosina Ferrara (1861–1934), model to 19th-century American and British painters, muse of American expatriate artist John Singer Sargent
  • Peter Gennaro, choreographer[21]
  • Frank Lentini (1889–1966), born Francesco A. Lentini, born in Siracusa, Sicily; born with three longer legs, two sets of genitals and one rudimentary foot on his third leg; his primary legs also grew into different lengths; at age nine, he moved to the United States and entered the sideshow business
  • Tom and Ray Magliozzi conductors of radio show Car Talk
  • Anthony Pusateri, choreographer
  • Shane Salerno (born 1972), screenwriter, producer, and director
  • Hank Sanicola (1914–1974), American music manager, publisher, businessman, and pianist[22]

References[]

  1. ^ Jump up to: a b Bulgari Names Lily Aldridge Ambassador for Latest Campaign hollywoodreporter.com
  2. ^ Jersey Shore (27 January 2019). "Snooki & JWoww's DNA Test Results Will Shock You