List of Italian-American entertainers
This is a list of Italian American entertainers.
Composers and conductors
- Trey Anastasio
- Angelo Badalamenti
- Joe Bonamassa
- Jon Bon Jovi
- Chris Botti
- Chick Corea
- Lou Christie
- Glen Danzig
- Bobby Darin
- Norman Dello Joio
- Nicolas Flagello
- Bill Conti
- Don Costa
- Lady Gaga
- Ariana Grande
- George Greeley
- Chris Isaak
- Alicia Keys
- Cyndi Lauper
- Guy Lombardo
- Henry Mancini
- Chuck Mangione
- Giorgio Moroder
- Ennio Morricone
- Francesco Maria Scala
- Dario Marianelli
- Natalie Merchant
- Tom Morello
- Joe Perry
- Louis Prima
- Bobby Rydell
- Joe Satriani
- Bruce Springsteen
- Nikki Sixx
- Taylor Swift
- Steven Tyler
- Jerry Vale
- Frankie Valli
- Weird Al Yankovic
- Frank Zappa
Fashion models
- Brian Bianchini
- Gia Carangi (1960–1986)
- Anthony Catanzaro
- Adrianne Curry
- Charles Dera
- Christine Dolce
- Clint Mauro
- Jonathon Prandi
- Isabella Rossellini
- Elettra Rossellini Wiedemann
- Anais Zanotti
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 (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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