Drea De Matteo Opens Up About Rejecting Hollywood, Pandemic Struggles, And Her New Podcast

From "The Sopranos" to New Beginnings

Drea de Matteo, the iconic star of "The Sopranos," has never been one to follow the traditional Hollywood path. In a recent chat with Fox News Digital, she revealed her lack of interest in pursuing a career in acting. "After ‘The Sopranos,’ I really had no interest in doing it anymore. I did it to pay bills when I needed to," she confessed. Her new venture, "The Ultrafree Podcast," marks a fresh chapter as she steps away from the entertainment industry's relentless pace.

"I always knew that when I needed to pay the bills, it would happen," De Matteo explained, highlighting her pragmatic approach to acting.

Facing the Pandemic's Unforeseen Challenges

Like many, De Matteo faced unexpected hurdles when the pandemic hit. She shared how her and her boyfriend's lives "fell apart during COVID" – he left his band, and she was forced to join OnlyFans to prevent her home from foreclosure. "The breaking point was when I had to join OnlyFans to save my home," the actress explained, detailing the financial strain brought on by the pandemic and government mandates.

Her candid discussion about her stance on vaccines during this time led to professional setbacks. "I’m not allowed to do it anymore really because I … I guess I was too, I don't know, transparent," she admitted, acknowledging the impact of her outspoken views.

Launching "The Ultrafree Podcast"

De Matteo's new podcast, launching soon, emerged from these challenging circumstances. Initially, she intended to create a podcast on OnlyFans to tackle political topics without censorship. "Thank God we never did it," she remarked, relieved that "ULTRAFREE" could evolve beyond its original concept. Through the podcast, she aims to spark conversations about what she describes as "team humanity."

Despite the hurdles, De Matteo remains unfazed by public opinion, focusing instead on her family. "I don't care what anybody thinks. You know, I care about my kids and that's it," she stated. As she embarks on this new journey, she hopes to bring a unique perspective to the podcasting world without relying on celebrity guests.

Moving Forward with Resilience

The actress also shared insights into her professional journey amidst the controversy. She faced dismissals from her agent and manager, who distanced themselves from her OnlyFans decision. Yet, her resilience shone through. "He didn't get rid of me over it all, but he wasn't willing to help me on any level, and I was in a bad place," she reflected, signaling her decision to part ways with her manager.

Drea de Matteo's story is one of determination and authenticity, as she navigates personal and professional changes with unwavering resolve. Her upcoming podcast promises to challenge the norm, inviting listeners to explore new ideas in a world where asking questions is key.