List of Italian-American entertainers

This is a list of Italian American entertainers.

Composers and conductors

Fashion models

Theater directors

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 (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
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 (born 1928), former adult 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
Denise Di Novi (born 1956), film producer
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
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 at Pixar Animation Studios
Russo brothers, film and television directors
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
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

Television personalities

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
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
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
Annette Funicello (1942–2013), singer and actress, Walt Disney's most popular Mouseketeer
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^[1]
Kelly Monaco (born 1976), model, actress, and reality television contestant
Rachael Ray (born 1968), Emmy-winning television personality and author
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^[2]
Maria Sansone (born 1981), host of "the 9" on YAHOO! and special events for TV Guide Network
Will Sasso (born 1975), actor, podcaster; American citizen of Canadian birth

Musicians

See also List of Sicilian-American jazz musicians.

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
Vinny Appice, heavy metal drummer
Veronica Ballestrini, singer-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; 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, 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, as well as his music for solo drum kit
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
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^[3]
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
Russ Columbo (1908–1934), born Ruggiero Eugenio di Rodolpho Colombo, composer, singer, violinist and actor, known 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
John Corigliano, composer.
John Corigliano Sr., violinist concertmaster of New York Philarmonic Orchestra.
Alessandro Cortini, rock star, keyboardist for 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 (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
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
Al Di Meola, jazz fusion guitarist
Orlando DiGirolamo, jazz musician
Mike DiMeo, former singer of Riot and Masterplan
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, lead singer of the band Godsmack, of full Italian descent
Faith Evans, singer
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
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
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
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)
Scott LaFaro, jazz musician
Eddie Lang, guitarist
Mario Lanza^[5]
Nick LaRocca, jazz musician
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, 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
Mike Mangini, drummer of Dream Theater
Dean Martin (1917–1995), singer and film actor, one of the most famous music artists of the 1950s period^[6]
Fred Mascherino, guitarist and backing vocalist of Taking Back Sunday
Natalie Merchant, singer and songwriter, father is of Italian descent
Chieli Minucci, smooth jazz guitarist
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
Mitchel Musso, musician, actor, star of Disney's Hannah Montana; part Italian on father's side
Jerry Only, born Gerald Caiafa, guitarist, 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
Art Pepper, jazz musician
Joe Perry (born 1950), lead guitarist and contributing songwriter for the rock band Aerosmith^[7]
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), Italian-American jazz musician, singer, and actor
Greg Puciato, vocalist for The Dillinger Escape Plan and Killer Be Killed
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
Rocca, 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 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
Richie Sambora (born 1959), born Richard Stephen Sambora in Perth Amboy, New Jersey; nicknamed "The King of Swing"; rock guitarist, singer and songwriter; lead guitarist for rock band Bon Jovi; 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 1936), born Giovanni Dominico Scafone Jr. in Ontario, Canada, 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 with Mötley Crüe
DJ Skribble, DJ and producer
Jamie Spaniolo, rapper
Bruce Springsteen, rock star, songwriter; Italian on his mother's side
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 ^[8]
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 (born 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 (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), born Frank Vincent Zappa, composer, guitarist, singer and satirist; had a prolific 33-year musical career, releasing over 60 albums; father Francis Zappa was from Partinico, Sicily; mother Rose Marie Colimore was of 3/4 Italian (1/4 Sicilian) and 1/4 French descent
Neil Zaza, neo-classical melodic guitarist

Songwriters

Francesca Battistelli (born 1985), gospel music songwriter and performer
Michael Bradley, songwriter, singer, artist, former lead singer for the rock band Paul Revere & the Raiders; 3/4 Italian
Rivers Cuomo (born 1970), member of Weezer
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")
Rick DePiro jazz organist,jazz pianist, country singer-songwriter, record producer
Bob Gaudio, songwriter principally for Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons
Christina Grimmie, singer and songwriter, known for her participation in the NBC singing competition The Voice
James V. Monaco, early American songwriter "You Made Me Love You"
Laura Nyro, songwriter; Italian father, Northern Irish mother
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
Frankie Avalon (born 1940), born Francis Avallone, singer, popular in the late 50s and 60s; actor in beach party movies
Kelsea Ballerini (born 1993), country music singer
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, singer, 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 popular in the 50s and early 60s
Keith Caputo, vocalist for Life of Agony, as well as a solo artist
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
Lou Christie (born 1943), born Luigi Alfredo Giovanni Sacco 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 (born 1970), Weezer
Victor Damiani
Vic Damone (born 1928), born Vito Rocco Farinola, singer
James Darren (born 1936), born James Ercolani, actor, singer, teen idol
Diana DeGarmo (born 1987), runner-up on American Idol (Season 3); half Italian^[9]
Johnny Desmond (1920–1985), born Giovanni Alfredo De Simone, popular singer
Tommy DeVito (born 1936), musician and singer, best known as a member and the lead guitarist of the rock band The Four Seasons
Ani DiFranco (born 1970), Grammy Award-winning singer, guitarist, songwriter (Italian American on her father's side)
Dion DiMucci (born 1939), better known as Dion
Kara Dioguardi, singer of Italian and Albanian heritage
Jimmy Durante (1893–1980), singer, actor, comedian
Eamon, Italian mother (née Zizzo), Irish father
Kristine Elezaj
Fabian Forte (born 1942), singer, teen idol, actor popular in the late 50s and 60s
Sergio Franchi (1926–1990), born Sergio Franci Galli, singer, actor, television performer, Broadway musicals, Las Vegas performer
Connie Francis (born 1936), born Concetta Rosemarie Franconero, singer
Frankee, born Nicole Francine Aiello, singer
Annette Funicello (1942–2013), singer, actress, Mickey Mouse Club and beach party movies
Frank Gari (born 1942), late 1950s singer; 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
Bob Gaudio (born 1942), singer, songwriter, and record producer from the Bronx, New York; shot to 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, forming the band that became the Four Seasons
Sonny Geraci (born 1947), singer, from Cleveland, Ohio, lead vocalist of the Outsiders and Climax; had two gold records, Time Won't Let Me, 1966, and Precious & Few, 1972, Number One Top Forty Hit, Cashbox Magazine
Mikalah Gordon (born 1988), singer and eleventh-place finalist on the fourth season of American Idol^[10]
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 (born 1926), born Armando Greco, singer
Francesca Gregorini (born 1968), born Countess Francesca McKnight Donatella Romana Gregorini di Savingnano di Romagna, singer and songwriter; daughter of Jewish/Irish American model Barbara Bach and Italian businessman Augusto Gregorini, and stepdaughter of Ringo Starr
Selena Gomez, Italian on mother's side
Frank Guarrera (1923–2007), opera baritone
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 (born 1930), born Maria Grazia Morgana Messina, jazz singer
Julius La Rosa (born 1930), singer popular in the 1950s; was fired on the air by Arthur Godfrey on his live television show
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, RCA Victor recording star, operatic tenor, and Hollywood movie star
Cyndi Lauper, part Italian^[11]
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
Dean Martin (1917–1995), born Dino Crocetti, singer and film actor, one of the most famous music artists of the 1950s^[12]
Deana Martin, singer, actress, and author; daughter of Dean Martin
Al Martino (born 1927), born Alfred Cini in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Nick Massi (1935–2000), born Nicholas Macioci, bass singer for the Four Seasons, born in Newark, New Jersey
Don Mclean (born 1945), singer-songwriter popular in the 1970s, known for "American Pie"; Italian mother
Tim McGraw (born 1967), country music singer and actor, mother is of Italian descent
Liza Minnelli (born 1946), singer, actress; Italian father
Lou Monte (1917–1989)
Mýa
Stacie Orrico (born 1986), contemporary Christian music/pop singer^[13]
Nicola Paone (1915–2003), singer-songwriter
Gretchen Parlato (born 1976), jazz singer
Johnny Rivers (born 1942), born John Ramistella, popular rock singer songwriter guitarist popular in the 1960s and 1970s
Jimmy Roselli (1925–2011), singer
Bobby Rydell (born 1942), born Robert Ridarelli, singer, popular in the 50s and 60s
Haley Scarnato
Frank Sinatra (1915–1998), born in Hoboken, became one of the most popular singers of the 20th century
Frank Sinatra, Jr., son of Frank Sinatra
Nancy Sinatra, daughter of Frank Sinatra
Britney Spears, born Britney Jean Spears, is an American recording artist and entertainer. Her grandmother Lilian Irene Portelli was a Sicilian immigrant.
Gwen Stefani, singer and musician, best known as lead singer of pop/ska band No Doubt; Italian father
Connie Stevens (born 1938), born Concetta Rosalie Ann Ingoglia, singer and actress
John Tartaglia (born 1978), singer, actor, dancer and puppeteer who began performing part-time with Sesame Street's puppetry team at age 16
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 in the Italian First Ward of Newark, New Jersey; 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
Franco Ventriglia (1922–2012), born Francesco Ventriglia, opera singer, sang bass in every major European opera house in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s
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
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
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

Adult movie stars

Lisa Ann, of Sicilian-Italian descent
Ariana
Kaitlyn Ashley, half German
Lizzy Borden, born Janet Romano-Zicari
Charley Chase
Jewel De Nyle, half Italian, part English and Spanish
Nikki Delano
Tommy Gunn
Jenna Jameson, born Jennifer Massoli, part English, Irish and German, half Italian (father)
Ariana Jollee, half Russian Jewish, half Italian
Shy Love, half Italian, half Puerto Rican
Gina Lynn, half Italian, half Puerto Rican
Olivia O'Lovely, part Italian, Spanish, Chilean and French
Regan Reese
Raven Riley, half Italian, half Cherokee
Bonnie Rotten
Dylan Ryder, half Italian, half German
Joey Stefano (1968–1994)
Michael Stefano
Taryn Thomas, of full Italian descent (Sicilian and Neapolitan)
Flower Tucci, part Italian, Irish and Swedish

Adult models

Aria Giovanni, adult model with Penthouse, Hustler, and Club magazines

Professional wrestlers

Trent Acid (1980–2010), born Michael Verdi
Lou Albano
Mike Awesome, former ECW and WCW wrestler; mother of Italian descent
The Bella Twins, current WWE wrestlers, half Italian
Primo Carnera
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
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
Santino Marella, born Anthony Carelli, current WWE wrestler under Raw brand
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
Steven Richards, father of Italian descent
Paul Roma
Romeo Roselli
Mike Rotunda, known as "Irwin R Schyster", wrestled with the WWF from 1991 to 2004
Bruno Sammartino (born 1936), born Bruno Leopoldo Franceso Sammartino, former professional wrestler
"Macho Man" Randy Savage, 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
Roman Reigns, mother of Italian descent

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
Jon Ciccarelli (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^[14] and onstageblog.com.^[15]
Joe Cino (1931–1967), theater director and cafe owner credited with launching off-off-Broadway
Joe Dallesandro (born 1948), underground film star and model made famous by Andy Warhol and Paul Morrissey
Jimmy Durante (1893–1980), singer, pianist, comedian, and actor
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
Rosina Ferrara (1861–1934), model to 19th-century American and British painters, muse of American expatriate artist John Singer Sargent
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
Hank Sanicola (1914–1974), American music manager, publisher, businessman, and pianist^[16]
Anthony Scillia (born 1982), aka "Tony Mangia", radio and television personality
Doug Walker (born 1981), aka "That Guy With The Glasses"; born in Naples, Italy;^[17] Internet comedian and critic; creator of Nostalgia Critic

References

↑ "CNN Transcript". CNN.
↑ http://www.playbill.com/celebritybuzz/article/87674.html
↑ "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.""
↑ http://www.italiansrus.com/articles/subs/crooners.htm
↑ 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."
↑ "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.
↑ http://www.italiansrus.com/articles/subs/crooners.htm
↑ Orrico - "The Italian-American songstress..."
↑ Wein, Gary. "New Jersey Stage". www.newjerseystage.com.
↑ Peterson, Chris. "Onstage Blog". www.onstageblog.com.
↑ Kelley, Kitty (1986). His Way: The Unauthorized Biography of Frank Sinatra. Bantam Books Trade Paperbacks. pp. 362–3. ISBN 978-0-553-38618-9.
↑ http://www.wbez.org/blogs/leah-pickett/2013-11/get-know-man-behind-nostalgia-critic-109210

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