List of Italian-American entertainers
This is a list of Italian American entertainers.
To be included in this list, the person must have a Wikipedia article showing they are Italian American or must have references showing they are Italian American and are notable.
Composers and conductors
Fashion models
- Brian Bianchini
- Gia Carangi (1960–1986)
- Anthony Catanzaro
- Charles Dera
- Christine Dolce
- Adrianne Curry
- Clint Mauro
- Jonathon Prandi
- Isabella Rossellini
- Elettra Rossellini Wiedemann
Theater directors
- Gerard Alessandrini
- Michael Bennett
- Lawrence Carra
- Michael Cassara
- Bart DeLorenzo
- Frank Ferrante
- Leonard Foglia
- Albert Innaurato
- Joe Mantello
- Tom Palumbo
- John Rando
Movie directors and producers
- Joseph Barbera (1911-2006), Oscar and Emmy winning animation director and producer (Hanna-Barbera Productions)
- 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 (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 highly popular films of the 1930s and 1940s
- David Chase (1945 - ), creator of The Sopranos
- Michael Cimino (1939 - ), film director - The Deer Hunter
- Francis Ford Coppola (1939 - ), five time Academy Award winning film director, producer, and screenwriter
- Roman Coppola (1965 - ), film and music video director
- Sofia Coppola (1971 - ), director, actress, producer
- Frank Coraci (1966 - ), film director
- Gerard Damiano (1928 - ), former adult film director
- Brian De Palma (1940 - ), movie director
- Tom DeSanto (1968 - ), film producer
- Danny DeVito (1944 - ), actor, director, and Oscar-nominated producer
- Denise Di Novi (1956 - ), film producer
- Abel Ferrara (1951 - ), film director
- Vincent Gallo (1962 - ), movie actor and director starring in a number of independent movies. Gallo is 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/actor.
- Greg Mottola, 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 in Pixar Animation Studios
- Damon Santostefano
- Martin Scorsese (1942 - ), iconic Academy Award-winning film director
- Tina Sinatra (1948 - ), movie producer and former actress
- Quentin Tarantino (1963 - ), film director, actor, and Oscar-winning screenwriter
- Stanley Tucci (1960 - ), actor, writer, film producer and film director
- Maurizio Vasco (1955 - ), director, writer, independent producer
- Thomas Vitale, Senior Vice President of Programming & Original Movies for the Sci Fi Channel
Television personalities
- Carmine Gotti Agnello (1986 - ), reality TV star
- John Gotti Agnello (1987 - ), reality TV star
- Frank Gotti Agnello (1990 - ), reality TV star
- Adam Carolla (1964 - ), comedic radio and television personality
- Neil Cavuto (1958 - ), television host and commentator hosting Your World with Neil Cavuto and Cavuto on Business on the Fox News Channel
- Stephen Colletti (1986 - ), reality TV star
- Giada De Laurentiis (1970 - ), chef, writer, TV Personality and the current host of the Food Network programs Everyday Italian, Behind the Bash, Giada's Weekend Getaways and Giada in Paradise.
- Robert De Laurentiis television director
- Victoria Gotti (1962 - ), star of Growing Up Gotti on the A&E Network
- Tony Danza (1951 - ), actor and talk show host
- Gary Dell'Abate (1961 - ), producer of The Howard Stern Show and co-host of The Wrap-Up Show
- Giuliana DePandi (1975 - ), host of E! News
- Annette Funicello (1942–2013), singer and actress, Walt Disney's most popular Mouseketeer
- Jimmy Kimmel (1967 - ), television comedy talk-show host and producer
- Jay Leno[1] (b. 1950), comedian, known as host of The Tonight Show and the Jay Leno Show
- Kelly Monaco (1976 - ), model, actress, and reality television contestant
- Rachael Ray (1968 - ), Emmy-winning television personality and author
- Leah Remini(1970 - ), actress
- Kelly Ripa (1970 - ), actress and talk show host
- Jai Rodriguez (1979 - ), actor and culture guide on Queer Eye for the Straight Guy[2]
- Maria Sansone (1981 - ), host of "the 9" on YAHOO! and special events for TV Guide Network
- Will Sasso (1975 - ), actor, podcaster, chief engineer of laughter and cheer, gladiator helmet head. (American citizen of Canadian birth)
Musicians
- See also List of Sicilian-American jazz musicians
- Mitchel Musso, Disney "Hannah Montana" Star. part Italian on father's side.
- Ariana Grande, from the Broadway musical 13 and the Nickelodeon series Victorious
- Sal Abruscato, American hard rock/heavy metal drummer, known for his work with early Type O Negative and Life of Agony
- Roberto Alagna, operatic tenor
- Steve Albini (1962 - ), indie rock musician, producer
- Trey Anastasio, leader of jam band Phish
- Vinny Appice, heavy metal drummer
- Veronica Ballestrini, sing-songwriter
- Frankie Banali, drummer, Quiet Riot
- 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, has an Italian mother
- Bizzy Bone, born Bryon McCane, rapper from the group Bone Thugs N Harmony, part Italian on mother's side.
- Patrick Bonfrisco, drummer, Enewetak.
- Jon Bon Jovi (1962 - ), born John Francis Bongiovi, rock star, actor
- Chris Botti, jazz trumpeter. Italian on father's side.
- Terry Bozzio, (1950 - ) drummer best known for his stint with Frank Zappa, as well as his music for solo drum kit
- George Greeley, Pianist, film & television composer, conductor, recording artist.
- Jeff Buckley, (1966 - 1997) rock musician with distinctive vocal and compositional abilities. Grandmother was of Italian descent.
- Tim Buckley, (1947 - 1975) folk/jazz/rock artist (and father of the musician Jeff Buckley). Mother was of Italian descent.
- Pete Candoli, jazz trumpeter
- Conte Candoli, jazz trumpeter
- Freddy Cannon, (1940 - ), born Frederick Anthony Picariello, was an American rock and roll singer. He had three top ten hits.
- Chris Carrabba, Lead singer of Dashboard Confessional and former lead singer of Further Seems Forever
- Harry Wayne Casey, Italian on his mother's side. Leader of K.C. & the Sunshine Band. Credited for inventing the boogie disco band sound.
- Micheal Castaldo, singer, songwriter and producer.
- Suzette Charles, singer, entertainer, former Miss America[3]
- Gary Cherone, former lead singer of Extreme and Van Halen.
- Lou Christie (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 both in jazz circles for his virtuosity and his stint with Frank Zappa
- Louie Clemente, born in Lioni, Italy, Luciano Angelo Di Clemente original drummer of thrash metal band Testament.
- Russ Columbo (1908–1934), born Ruggiero Eugenio di Rodolpho Colombo, composer, singer, violinist and actor, perhaps most famous for his signature tune, "You Call It Madness, But I Call It Love", and the legend surrounding his early death[4]
- Chick Corea, jazz pianist virtuoso - played with Miles Davis
- Alessandro Cortini, rock star, keyboardist (Nine Inch Nails)
- Don Costa, pop music arranger
- Dan Costello, guitarist, played with The DeFranco Family
- Peter Criss, born George Peter John Criscuola, drummer, formerly of KISS
- Jim Croce
- Warren Cuccurullo, guitarist for Frank Zappa, Missing Persons and Duran Duran
- Rivers Cuomo, (Weezer), born June 13, 1970.
- Alan Dale (1926–2002), born Aldo Sigismondi, was a singer of traditional popular and rock'n'roll music.
- Bobby Darin (1936–1973), born Walden Robert Cassotto, was one of the most popular rock and roll teen idols of the late 1950s.
- Glenn Danzig, born Glenn Anzalone, former lead singer/ one of the founders for the Misfits
- Maria DeCrescenzo, solo vocalist and background singer with K.C. and the Sunshine Band
- 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
- Orlando DiGirolamo, jazz musician
- Mike DiMeo, former singer of Riot and Masterplan
- Al Di Meola, jazz fusion guitarist
- Dion DiMucci, doo wop, rock and roll, blues and gospel music singer
- Ronnie James Dio (1942–2010), heavy metal singer
- Joe Dolce
- Micky Dolenz, singer and drummer for "The Monkees"
- Charlie Dominici, ex-Dream Theater vocalist, founding member of Dominici
- Sully Erna, born Salvatore Erna is of full Italian descent, lead singer of the band Godsmack
- Faith Evans, singer
- Nick Falcon, psychobilly guitarist, founding member of The Young Werewolves
- Joe Farrell, jazz saxophonist, born Joseph Firrantello
- Josh Farro, lead guitarist for Paramore
- Zac Farro, drummer for Paramore
- Sam Fogarino, drummer for Interpol
- Johnny Frigo, jazz violinist and bassist
- John Frusciante, guitarist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers
- Steve Gadd, world famous jazz and session drummer.
- Davey Havok (b. 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, his 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, A well-known pianist. Her mother is Italian (Augello)
- Scott LaFaro, jazz musician
- Nick LaRocca, jazz musician
- Mario Lanza[5]
- DJ Green Lantern (born James D'Agostini), Hip-Hop DJ, His father is Puerto Rican but his mother is Italian.
- Adam Lazzara, lead singer of Taking Back Sunday
- Carmen Lombardo, vocalist and composer
- Dave Lombardo, drummer of Slayer
- Guy Lombardo, born Gaetano Alberto "Guy" Lombardo, bandleader and violinist
- Lebert Lombardo, trumpeter (Louis Armstrong named Lebert as one of his favorite trumpeters)
- Victor Lombardo, saxophonist
- Joe Long, born Joseph LaBracio, bass guitarist and vocal arranger for The Four Seasons.
- Dean Martin (1917–1995), singer and film actor, known as one of the most famous music artists from the 1950s period
- Fred Mascherino, guitarist & backing vocals of Taking Back Sunday
- Mike Mangini, drummer of Dream Theater
- Natalie Merchant, singer & songwriter, her father is of Italian descent.
- Anna Moffo (1932–2006), lyric-coloratura soprano
- Joe Morello, drummer for Dave Brubeck Quartet
- Tom Morello, guitarist for Rage Against the Machine
- Sal Mosca, jazz pianist
- Tony Mottola, guitarist
- Chieli Minucci, smooth jazz guitarist
- Jerry Only, born Gerald Caiafa, guitarist, current lead singer for the Misfits
- 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 among others
- Art Pepper, jazz musician
- Joe Perry (1950 - ), lead guitarist and contributing songwriter for the rock band Aerosmith[6]
- John Petrucci, metal guitarist, founding member of Dream Theater
- 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),an Italian-American jazz musician, singer, and actor
- Greg Puciato, vocalist for The Dillinger Escape Plan and Killer Be Killed
- Ruggiero Ricci (1918–2012), violin virtuoso
- Johnny Rivers, born John Ramistella, early Rock'N Roll singer of many hit records.
- Rocca (Italian-American rapper)
- Leon Roppolo (1902–1943), prominent early jazz clarinetist and composer. His compositions include the jazz standards "Farewell Blues", "Milenberg Joys", "Gold Leaf Strut", "Tin Roof Blues" and "Make Love to Me".
- Matt Rubano, bassist of Taking Back Sunday
- William Russo, jazz musician
- Bobby Rydell, born Robert Louis Ridarelli in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, (April 26, 1942) was a "teen idol" in the early days of Rock and Roll.
- Melanie Safka, her mother is of Italian descent.
- Richie Sambora, (born Richard Stephen Sambora on July 11, 1959 in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, nickname:The King of Swing), is an American rock guitarist, singer and song writer who is the lead guitarist for rock band Bon Jovi. His father was Italian.
- 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 (born Giovanni Dominico Scafone Jr., January 24, 1936, Windsor, Ontario, Canada) is a Canadian/American singer and songwriter.
- John Serry, Sr. (1915–2003), born Giovanni Serrapica, concert accordionist, composer, arranger, educator & father of John Serry, Jr.
- Nikki Sixx, born Frank Carlton Serafino Feranna, rock star (Mötley Crüe)
- Twiggy Ramirez, born Jeordie Osbourne White, rock star, bassist (Marilyn Manson)
- DJ Skribble, DJ and producer
- Jamie Spaniolo, rapper
- Bruce Springsteen, rock star, songwriter (Italian on his mother's side)
- Decoy, (Italian American Rapper) born Nicholas Eduard Galluzzo to Italian-French mother and Italian father
- Joseph Tarsia
- Johnny Thunders, born John A. Genzale, rock musician.
- Mark Tremonti, guitarist
- Lennie Tristano, jazz pianist and composer
- Steven Tyler (1948- ), born Steven Tallarico, rock star, songwriter (Italian on his father's side)
- Steve Vai, guitar virtuoso
- Francis Valentino, Drummer
- Steven Van Zandt (1950- ), musician, songwriter, arranger, record producer, actor, and radio disc jockey (The Sopranos)[7]
- Ronnie Vannucci, drummer for The Killers
- Zacky Vengeance, guitarist for the band, Avenged Sevenfold
- Tony Visconti, rock music producer (based in Britain)
- Doyle Wolfgang Von Frankenstein, born Paul Caiafa, former guitarist for the Misfits
- Chris Vrenna (1967- ), producer and drummer
- 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 (1959- ), parodist and comedy musician (Mother's side is Italian)
- Timi Yuro, soul and R&B singer
- Dweezil Zappa, rock guitarist
- Frank Zappa (1940–1993), born Frank Vincent Zappa, composer, guitarist, singer and satirist. In his 33-year musical career, he proved to be one of the most prolific musicians ever, releasing over 60 albums during his life. His father Francis Zappa was from Partinico, Sicily. His mother Rose Marie Colimore was of 3/4 Italian (1/4 Sicilian) and 1/4 French descent.
- Neil Zaza, neo-classical melodic guitarist
- Z-Trip, born Zach Sciacca, DJ and producer
Songwriters
- Francesca Battistelli (born 1985), gospel music songwriter and performer
- Rivers Cuomo (Weezer), born June 13, 1970.
- Bob DiPiero, songwriter, Nashville Songwriter Hall of Fame and 1998 Nashville Music Award Songwriter of the Year (has written numerous hits, including "American Made" and "The Girl's Gone Wild")
- Bob Gaudio songwriter principally for Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.
- James V. Monaco early American songwriter "You Made Me Love You".
- Laura Nyro songwriter (Italian father)
- Harry Warren (1893–1981), born Salvatore Guaragna, wrote more hit songs than anyone in early 20th century America.
- Michael Bradley songwriter singer artist and is a former lead singer for the American rock band Paul Revere & the Raiders. he is 75% Italian.
Singers
- Al Alberts, born Al Albertini, singer and musician known for work with The Four Aces
- Romina Arena, Pop Classical Crossover Singer
- Frankie Avalon ( b. 1940 ) Singer, popular in late 50s and 60s Actor (Beach Party Movies) Born Francis Avallone
- Kaci Battaglia, singer
- Tony Bennett, born Anthony Dominick Benedetto, singer.
- Sonny Bono (1935–1998), born Salvatore Phillip Bono, singer, actor, and politician
- Eddie Brigati ( b. 1945 ) Singer - composer for the 60s rock band The Young Rascals
- Gioia Bruno, born Carmen Gioia Bruno, singer.
- Harry Wayne Casey (b. 1940 ) Italian Mother - Leader of K.C. and the Sunshine Band
- Freddy Cannon ( b. 1940 ) born Frederick Anthony Picariello Jr. rock and roll singer popular in 50s and early 60s
- Keith Caputo, Vocalist for Life of Agony, as well as a solo artist.
- Micheal Castaldo — singer, songwriter, producer, entrepreneur
- Felix Cavaliere (b. 1942 ) singer - songwriter - 60s rock band The Young Rascals
- Lou Christie, born Luigi Alfredo Giovanni Sacco on February 19, 1943 in Glenwillard, Pennsylvania).
- Perry Como (1912–2001), born Pierino Ronald Como
- Don Cornell (1919–2004), born Luigi Francesco Varlaro, a popular singer of the 1940s and 1950s.
- Jim Croce (1943–1973), born James Joseph Croce.
- Rivers Cuomo ( b. 1970 ), (Weezer)]
- Victor Damiani
- Vic Damone ( b. 1928 ) Singer born Vito Rocco Farinola
- Diana DeGarmo ( b. 1987 ) runner-up on American Idol (Season 3)[8]
- James Darren ( b. 1936) born James Ercolani - Actor, Singer, Teen Idol
- Johnny Desmond(1920–1985), born Giovanni Alfredo De Simone, was a popular singer.
- Tommy DeVito, (born June 19, 1936) is a musician and singer, best known as a member and the lead guitarist of the rock band The Four Seasons.
- Ani DiFranco(b, 1970 ), Grammy Award-winning singer, guitarist, songwriter (Italian American on her father's side)
- Dion DiMucci (b. 1939), better known as Dion.
- Jimmy Durante (1893-1980 ) Singer, Actor, Comedian
- Eamon, Italian mother (née Zizzo), Irish father
- Kristine Elezaj
- Jessicka (born Jessica Fodera in Brooklyn)
- Fabian Forte ( b. 1942) Singer, Teen idol, actor popular late 50s and 60s
- Sergio Franchi (1926-1990), born Sergio Franci Galli, Singer, actor, television performer, Broadway musicals, Las Vegas performer.
- Connie Francis ( b. 1936), born Concetta Rosemarie Franconero, singer.
- Frankee, Nicole Francine Aiello, singer
- Annette Funicello (1942-2013) Singer - actress (mickey Mouse Club - Beach Party Movies)
- Lady Gaga ( b. 1986 ), born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta,is a singer and songwriter.
- Bob Gaudio ( b. 1942) is a singer, songwriter, and record producer from the Bronx, New York. He shot to musical fame at the age of 15 as a member of the Royal Teens when he co-wrote the hit "Short Shorts". For years afterward he seemed destined to be a one-hit wonder until he met Frankie Valli, Tommy DeVito, and Nick Massi, all from Newark, New Jersey, forming the band that became the Four Seasons.
- Frank Gari (b. 1942) late 1950s singer, and founder of Gari Communications, a news music company that created The CBS Enforcer Collection and the Eyewitness News Theme for ABC O&O and affiliated local newscasts.
- Mikalah Gordon (b. 1988) singer and eleventh-place finalist on the fourth season of American Idol[9]
- Eydie Gorme (1928-2013 ) Father was from Sicily
- Lou Gramm (b. 1950) born Louis Andrew Grammatico -Rock Vocalist for Foreigner
- Ariana Grande
- Buddy Greco (b. 1926) Singer born Armando Greco
- Francesca Gregorini, (born Countess Francesca McKnight Donatella Romana Gregorini di Savingnano di Romagna in 1968) is a singer and songwriter. She is the daughter of Jewish/Irish American model Barbara Bach and Italian businessman Augusto Gregorini, and stepdaughter of Ringo Starr. Until 2004, she was engaged to actress Portia de Rossi.
- Selena Gomez, Italian on mother's side.
- Frank Guarrera (1923-2007), opera baritone
- Phyllis Hyman (1949–1995), jazz and R&B singer; her father is Cuban/Italian and her mother was African American.
- Alicia Keys
- Morgana King (b. 1930 ) Jazz Singer born Maria Grazia Morgana Messina
- Frankie Laine (1913 -2007 ), born Frank Paul LoVecchio, one of the most successful singers in history.
- Mario Lanza, (1921–1959), born Alfred Arnold Cocozza, RCA Victor recording star, operatic tenor and Hollywood movie star.
- Julius La Rosa (b. 1930) Singer popular in 1950s was fired on the air by Arthur Godfrey on his live television show
- Cyndi Lauper (part Italian)[10]
- Demi Lovato, she also has Mexican ancestry.
- Madonna (born Madonna Louise Ciccone) is a singer, song-writer, record producer and film director from Michigan, daughter of Italian father and French-Canadian mother.
- Sanjaya Malakar, American Idol season six finalist (half-Italian through his mother)
- Dean Martin (born Dino Crocetti 1917–1995) singer and film actor, known as one of the most famous music artists from the 1950s period
- Deana Martin singer, actress, and author. Daughter of Dean Martin.
- Al Martino, born October 7, 1927 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as Alfred Cini.
- Nick Massi, (born Nicholas Macioci, September 19, 1935 - December 24, 2000) was the bass singer for the Four Seasons, born in Newark, New Jersey.
- Don Mclean (b. 1945) Italian Mother - Singer songwriter poplular in 1970s "American Pie"
- Tim McGraw (b. 1967), country music singer and actor, mother is of Italian descent.
- Liza Minnelli (b. 1946) Singer -actress - Italian Father
- Lou Monte, (1917–1989)
- Mýa
- Stacie Orrico (b. 1986) contemporary Christian music/pop singer[11]
- Nicola Paone (1915–2003), singer-songwriter
- Gretchen Parlato (b. 1976) Jazz Singer
- Jimmy Roselli (1925–2011 ) Singer
- Johnny Rivers (b. 1942) Born John Ramistella - Popular rock singer songwriter guitarist popular in 1960s and 1970s
- Bobby Rydell (b. 1942), singer, popular in 50s and 60s, born Robert Ridarelli
- Haley Scarnato
- Frank Sinatra (1915–1998), Born in Hoboken, became one of the most popular singers in the 20th century
- Frank Sinatra, Jr.
- Nancy Sinatra
- Gwen Stefani, singer/musician, best known as lead singer of pop/ska band No Doubt (Italian father)
- Connie Stevens (b. 1938) born Concetta Rosalie Ann Ingoglia - Singer and Actress
- John Tartaglia (b. 1978) singer, actor, dancer and puppeteer who began performing part-time with Sesame Street's puppetry team at age 16
- Marc Terenzi (b. 1978), pop star, songwriter
- Pia Toscano (b. 1988), Contestant on the tenth season of American Idol.
- Steven Tyler (b. 1948) Born Steven Tallarico - Italian Grandfather - Rock Vocalist for Aerosmith
- Jerry Vale (1930-2014 ) Singer born Genaro Louis Vitaliano
- Frankie Valli, (born May 3, 1937 in the Italian First Ward of Newark, New Jersey as Francis Stephen Castelluccio) is best known as lead singer of The Four Seasons, one of the biggest music acts of the 1960s, which continued from then to the 1970s disco scene to the present day.
- Timi Yuro, born Rosemarie Timotea Aurro (1940–2004)
- Frank Zappa (1940-1993) Rock Singer-Guitarist
Stand-up comedians
- Bryan Callen
- Mario Cantone (1959 - ) comedian, writer, actor
- Pat Cooper born Pasquale Caputo
- Chris D'Elia
- Nick DiPaolo
- Adam Ferrara
- Janeane Garofalo half Italian, comedian, actor, liberal political activist and writer.
- Chris Hardwick half Italian, comedian, TV host, & musician
- Pat Henry comedian, born Patrick Henry Scarnato, long time opening act for Frank Sinatra
- Richard Jeni born Richard John Colangelo
- Lisa Lampanelli, three quarters Italian
- Artie Lange, half Italian, comedian, actor, radio personality, and author best known for his tenures with the The Howard Stern Show and the comedy sketch series MADtv.
- Jay Leno (1950 - ) half Italian, comedian, former host of The Tonight Show & host of The Jay Leno Show & current host of The Tonight Show
- Joe Rogan, three quarters Italian, comedian, former host of Fear Factor
- Ray Romano actor, stand-up comedian, screenwriter and voice actor, best known for his roles on the sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond
- Chris Rush
- Judy Tenuta half Italian, entertainer, actress, comedian, author, producer, and accordionist.
- Dom Irrera
- Jackie Vernon (Ralph Verrone) (1924-1987), stand-up comic and the cartoon voice of Frosty the Snowman.
Adult movie stars
- Amy Adams
- Ariana
- Lisa Ann, of Sicilian-Italian descent
- Kaitlyn Ashley, half German
- Carmella Bing
- Lizzy Borden, Janet Romano-Zicari
- Charley Chase
- Dee, also Puerto Rican and Indian
- Nikki Delano
- Jewel De Nyle, half Italian, part English and Spanish
- Ava Devine, part Italian, Chinese and Spanish
- Daniela Diamond
- Leo Giamani
- Tommy Gunn
- Jenna Jameson, half Italian (father), born Jennifer Massoli, part English, Irish and German
- Ariana Jollee, half Russian Jewish, half Italian
- Kinzie Kenner, half Italian, half English
- Gina La Marca, Penthouse Pet of the Year 1995.
- Shy Love, half Italian, half Puerto Rican
- Gina Lynn, half Italian, half Puerto Rican
- Mariah Milano
- Olivia O'Lovely, part Italian, Spanish, Chilean and French
- Romi Rain
- Bella Reese
- Regan Reese
- Raven Riley, half Italian, half Cherokee
- Bonnie Rotten
- Joey Stefano (1968–1994)
- Michael Stefano
- Flower Tucci, part Italian, Irish and Swedish
- Angelina Valentine
- Ricki White
Adult models
- Jesse Capelli - adult model with Penthouse and Club magazines.
- Aria Giovanni - adult model with Penthouse, Hustler, and Club magazines.
Professional wrestlers
- Hulk Hogan (On father's side. Birth name is Terry Bollea)
- Lou Albano
- Ashley Massaro, former WWE wrestler.
- John Cena, half Italian (father of Italian descent)
- Primo Carnera
- Rico Chiapparelli
- Joy Giovanni, briefly worked for WWE on SmackDown! in 2005, winning female Rookie of the Year.
- Sal Graziano, former ECW wrestler
- Steve Lombardi
- Mike Awesome, Mother of Italian descent. Former ECW & WCW wrestler
- Joey Marella was a professional wrestling referee. He was the son of legendary wrestler Gorilla Monsoon.
- Gorilla Monsoon, born Robert Otto Marella.
- Lisa Moretti (born 1961 as Lisa Mary Moretti), best known by her stage name of Ivory, 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.
- Mark Copani, half-Italian, half-Arab wrestler best known for his Muhammad Hassan character in WWE.
- Paul Roma
- Tommy Dreamer
- Eve Torres, former WWE wrestler
- The Bella Twins, half Italian, current WWE wrestlers
- Romeo Roselli
- Steven Richards, Father of Italian descent
- Mike Rotundo best known as "Irwin R Schyster", wrestled with the WWF from 1991 to 2004.
- Bruno Sammartino (born 1936 as Bruno Leopoldo Franceso Sammartino), former professional wrestler.
- Peter Senerca former professional wrestler also known as Tazz.
- Nunzio, born James Maritato, professional wrestler.
- "Macho Man" Randy Savage, born Randy Mario Poffo, son of Angelo Poffo, brother to Lanny Poffo.
- Santino Marella, born Anthony Carelli, current WWE wrestler under Raw Brand.
- Lenny Montana(1926–1992), former professional wrestler known as "The Zebra Kid" and "Chief Chewacki" in the 1960s
- Trent Acid (1980–2010), born Michael Verdi.
- Val Puccio
- Antonio Cesaro, born Claudio Castagnoli.
- Bray Wyatt, born Windham Lawrence Rotunda (father of Italian descent), third generation professional wrestler, son of Mike Rotunda, grandson of Blackjack Mulligan, brother to Bo Dallas.
- Ilio DiPaolo
- Antonio Pugliese Tony Parisi
Entertainers who can't be categorized
- Toni Basil (1943 - ), born Antonia Christina Basilotta, dancer, actress, singer
- James Berardinelli, film critic
- Judy Canova, born Juliette Canova, (November 20, 1913 - died August 5, 1983) was a comedienne, actress, singer, and radio personality.
- Jon Ciccarelli, born Giovan Giuseppe Ciccarelli, (1970-) in Ischia, Italy is the artistic director, director and actor with Hudson Shakespeare Company. He also is a theater and Shakespeare columnist with newjerseystage.com[12] and onstageblog.com.[13]
- Joe Cino (1931–1967), theater director and cafe owner credited with launching off-off-Broadway
- Joe Dallesandro (1948 - ), Underground film star and model made famous by Andy Warhol and Paul Morrissey
- Jimmy Durante (1893–1980) Singer, Pianist, Comedian, Actor
- Fabian (entertainer), (born February 6, 1943 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) was a teen idol of the late 1950s and early 1960s. He 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.
- Rosina Ferrara (1861–1934) Model to 19th-century American and British painters, muse of American expatriate artist John Singer Sargent.
- Frank Lentini, born Francesco A. Lentini (1889–1966) was born in Siracusa, Sicily into a large family. He was 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 the age of nine, Lentini moved to the United States and entered the sideshow business.
- Anthony Scillia aka "Tony Mangia" (born July 10, 1982) Radio and Television Personality
- Doug Walker aka "That Guy With The Glasses" (born 17 November 1981 in Naples, Italy[14]) Internet comedian and critic that created Nostalgia Critic
References
- ↑ "CNN Transcript". CNN.
- ↑
- ↑ "Suzette Charles, born Suzette De Gaetano, was the first Italian American to win the Miss America title as the second runner up and replaced Vanessa Williams in the 1984 contest."
- ↑ Noted as one of several Italian Americans at ; "Russ Columbo was born January 14, 1908, in Camden, New Jersey, the twelfth child of Italian immigrants Nicola and Giulia"
- ↑ "ITALIAN AMERICANS IN POPULAR MUSIC...Born Alfred Cucozza in Philadelphia in 1921, Mario Lanza, took his mother's name as his stage name and became the first vocalist to sell 2.5 million albums and the first singer to receive a gold disc for his recording of "Be My Love.""
- ↑ Perry - "The 54-year-old rock guitarist grew up in Hopedale in an Italian-Portuguese family and said a passion for food is “in my blood.'’"
- ↑ Van Zandt - "I am Italian. Springsteen's mostly Italian, too. We're both Italians with Dutch names, one of the many things we have in common. My mother remarried when I was young, and my stepfather adopted me."
- ↑ (half Italian) "Nationality: Mexican/Italian"
- ↑ "TVG: So you're ready to become a Mafia princess? Mikalah: I am. I'm a good Italian girl!"
- ↑ Reed, Lou (August 2001). "Cyndi Lauper and Lou Reed". Interview. Retrieved 8 March 2010.
- ↑ Orrico - "The Italian-American songstress..."
- ↑ Wein, Gary. "New Jersey Stage". www.newjerseystage.com.
- ↑ Peterson, Chris. "Onstage Blog". www.onstageblog.com.
- ↑ http://www.wbez.org/blogs/leah-pickett/2013-11/get-know-man-behind-nostalgia-critic-109210