Dominic Chianese, an Italian-American, is a versatile performer, excelling in acting, singing, and playing music. He gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Corrado “Junior” Soprano on the highly praised HBO series “The Sopranos” (1999-2007), which earned him two Primetime Emmy nominations.
Additionally, he is renowned for his roles as Johnny Ola in the 1974 film “The Godfather Part II” and as Leander Cephas Whitlock on HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire” (2011-2013).
Dominic Chianese Bio Details
Full name: Dominic Chianese
Gender: Male
Date of birth: 24 February 1931
Age: 93 years old (as of 2024)
Zodiac sign: Pisces
Place of birth: The Bronx, New York City, United States
Current residence: New York, United States
Nationality: American
Ethnicity: Italian
Religion: Christianity
Sexuality: Straight
Height: 5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
Weight: 150 lbs (68 kg)
Hair color: Bald
Eye color: Brown
Mother: Angelina Chianese
Father: Gaetano Chianese
Marital status: Married
Partner: Jane Pittson (m. 2003)
Children: 6 (Chianese Jr., Sarah, Rebbeca, Alexander, Leah, and Dominica)
School: Bronx High School of Science
College: Brooklyn College
Profession: Actor, singer, musician
Early Life & Education
Dominic Chianese was born in the Bronx, New York on February 24, 1931. His father was a bricklayer and his grandfather on his father’s side came to New York City from Naples, Italy in 1904.
Dominic was a student at Bronx High School of Science until 1948 when he graduated. Following his graduation, he spent his days working alongside his father and attended evening classes. Eventually, he received a Bachelor of Arts in Speech and Theater Studies from Brooklyn College in 1961.
Career
In the 1950s, Dominic Chianese set out on his career path. While occasionally helping his stonemason father, he realized on a bus that he wanted to pursue singing professionally. During this time, he also took part in off-Broadway theater productions.
Dominic’s introduction to the world of professional acting took place at HB Studio in Manhattan. The experience sparked a passion for drama and musical theatre within him. He later landed his first Broadway role in the production of Oliver!
However, during his time performing Off-Broadway, he also entertained audiences by playing rhythm guitar and singing at various restaurants and taverns.
Chianese’s acting career took off in 1964 when he secured his first television role as Charley in the highly praised show East Side/West Side.
However, it wasn’t until eight years later, in 1972, that he landed his debut film role as Panhandler in Fuzz. But it wasn’t until two years after that that he landed a role that would launch his acting career to new heights.
He was chosen to portray Johnny Ola in The Godfather Part II, considered to be one of the most exceptional crime dramas ever made. His superb portrayal of Johnny Ola established him as a top contender for roles in crime dramas and movies.
Dominic Chianese was chosen for the role of Corrado ‘Junior’ Soprano in the highly acclaimed crime drama, The Sopranos, in 1999. He also portrayed Leander Cephas Whitlock in Boardwalk Empire in 2011. More recently, in 2019, Dominic appeared as John Zack in Inspector Montalbano and Enzo in The Village.
Personal Life
Dominic Chianese has been through four marriages, possibly even six if taking into account his annulments. However, as of 2023, only one of these marriages remains intact. Additionally, he has had six children from his various relationships.
Vincenza Jean Vacchio was Dominic Chianese’s first wife. They got married in 1958 but their marriage ended after a short time. In 1961, Dominic married his second wife, Merle Molofsky. Their marriage also ended in divorce, but not before they had three children together.
In 2003, Dominic tied the knot with Jane Pittson, his third spouse. As of 2023, the couple is still happily married. However, Dominic has acknowledged being married four or six times including the annulled unions, but information about his previous partnerships remains undisclosed.
Dominic Chianese and his wife have six children together. Their names are Chianese Jr., Sarah Chianese, Rebbeca Scarpatti Chianese, Alexander John Gwozdz Chianese, Leah Espy Chianese, and Dominica Roskelly Chianese. Chianese Jr., who was also on The Sopranos in its sixth season, currently resides in New York, USA with his wife.
Net Worth
Throughout his lifetime, Dominic has pursued various careers including acting, music, and singing. He has earned income through salaries, music royalties, album sales, live performances, and endorsements. As of 2024, Chianese’s net worth is projected to be $10 million.
