Drea de Matteo, the beloved actress who captivated audiences as Adriana La Cerva on HBO's iconic series "The Sopranos," is making waves yet again. At 54, she has embarked on a bold new venture – OnlyFans. What started as a necessity has now transformed into a thriving career, keeping her not only financially afloat but also creatively fulfilled.
"I thought it was about singers, like an opera drama," Drea recalls with a chuckle when reminiscing about her audition for "The Sopranos." Little did she know, the role would catapult her into stardom. "I still get recognized every single day," she shares, adding with her signature humor, "I even try to sit with my back to people in restaurants, but maybe they recognize the back of my head even more."
"At first I was petrified," Drea admits about joining OnlyFans. "I was like, holy s--t. I just black listed myself. But all I really cared about was the implications it might pose on the kids."
When the pandemic and the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike hit, Drea found herself facing foreclosure. Turning to OnlyFans, initially out of desperation, she found unexpected support from her children. "The kids were the ones who were like, ‘Do this. Show your feet. Do selfies! J. Lo and the Kardashians are always in their bikinis online, why not you?'" she recounts.
And supportive they were, as Drea's gamble paid off in a big way. "I made $75k in 75 minutes and was able to pay off the lien on my house," she reveals. Her followers, mostly fans of "The Sopranos," have embraced her presence on the platform. "But I was 50 at that time. Now I’m 54. It's like Granny Sports Illustrated!" she jokes.
Drea's venture into OnlyFans is not just about paying bills; it's also about funding her new podcast, "Ultrafree." This project, a space for curiosity and unity, explores themes like autonomy – a topic close to Drea's heart. "I never condemned anybody for going for it," she says about choosing not to get the COVID-19 vaccine. "But I also didn't appreciate anyone condemning me."
Her journey is one of resilience and reinvention, proving that age is just a number. With a dynamic career that continues to evolve, Drea de Matteo remains a captivating figure in the entertainment world, blending bold choices with her unmistakable charm.