Drea de Matteo, best known for her iconic role as Adriana La Cerva on HBO’s groundbreaking series The Sopranos, is back in the spotlight—but not for the reasons you might expect. In a candid interview, she opened up about her unique perspective on Hollywood, her latest creative ventures, and her fond memories from the show that catapulted her to fame. Let’s dive into what she had to say!
Life Beyond the Red Carpet
For many actors, the Hollywood scene can feel like a game—filled with red carpets, glamorous parties, and networking. But for de Matteo, that’s not her vibe. She shared with Fox News Digital that she’s never been one to play the Hollywood celebrity game.
“I don’t own fancy purses and s— like that or walk red carpets. I don’t mingle with famous people. I don’t, it’s just not my world. So, for me to walk away from it, not a big deal.”
Not the Hollywood Type
It’s refreshing to hear someone in her position express such authentic feelings. De Matteo explained that while she’s had her share of success—winning an Emmy and earning critical acclaim—she’s always felt like an outsider in Tinseltown.
She emphasized that the celebrity lifestyle was never her goal. “I’ve done a few acting parts, and I’ve done a good job, but I was never really in the industry,” she stated. This perspective made stepping back from Hollywood easier for her, as she never truly felt like she belonged.
A New Creative Outlet: Jewelry Design
While Hollywood may not be her scene, de Matteo is channeling her creativity into a new venture: a jewelry collection as part of her ULTRAFREE clothing line. This new direction is a personal project that resonates with her unique style and vision.
The Tombstone Collection
Her latest line includes a fun concept: tombstone jewelry.
“In case you forget who you are, just take a look down there,” she quipped about the nameplates that accompany her designs.
Each piece can be customized with charms that offer personal significance, like crosses or even gun pendants—a nod to her past and the edgy aesthetics she embodies. De Matteo highlighted the importance of these symbols:
“It can be a cross, it could be the Star of David, but it could be a Hamsa. It could be any symbol, any religious symbol. But the guns are fun.”
This playful yet meaningful approach to jewelry design allows de Matteo to express herself in ways that resonate more authentically than the Hollywood lifestyle ever could.
Reflections on ‘The Sopranos’
No conversation about Drea de Matteo is complete without a dive into her time on The Sopranos. The show remains a cultural phenomenon, and her character, Adriana, continues to be a fan favorite.
A Hilarious Behind-the-Scenes Moment
De Matteo shared a hilarious anecdote from the set that showcases her down-to-earth nature. In one scene, she and co-star Michael Imperioli were supposed to appear high. To make it authentic, they decided to smoke some weed before filming.
“We were freaking out,” she recalled, remembering how they struggled to navigate the set. Makeup artists were putting red dye in their eyes, and they felt completely out of their element.
The genuine chaos of that day added a layer of authenticity to their performances, which is something that fans continue to appreciate.
Defending James Gandolfini’s Legacy
De Matteo also expressed her feelings about the portrayal of late co-star James Gandolfini in the new documentary Wise Guy: David Chase and the Sopranos. She felt that the film didn’t do justice to Gandolfini’s legacy, particularly emphasizing the negative aspects of his life.
“He was the hero of the network. He did more wonderful things than the missteps that they needed to highlight,” she argued.
De Matteo passionately defended Gandolfini, saying he was nothing like his on-screen character, Tony Soprano. She wants his legacy to be celebrated for the hard work and brilliance he brought to the role rather than reduced to his personal struggles.
The Cultural Impact of ‘The Sopranos’
The influence of The Sopranos cannot be overstated. With a staggering 13.2 million viewers at its peak and 21 Emmy Awards, the show changed television forever. De Matteo’s role as Adriana was pivotal, showcasing a complex character who navigated her own ambitions within the mob world.
Why ‘The Sopranos’ Still Resonates
Even years after its finale, the themes and characters of The Sopranos continue to resonate with new audiences. De Matteo believes that the show’s raw and unfiltered portrayal of life—complete with its highs and lows—contributes to its lasting appeal.
From its exploration of family dynamics to the psychological complexities of its characters, The Sopranos remains a touchstone for quality storytelling in television.
Conclusion
Drea de Matteo’s perspective on Hollywood, her new creative pursuits, and her heartfelt memories from The Sopranos remind us of the diverse paths artists can take. While the glitz and glamour of Hollywood may not be her scene, she finds fulfillment in authenticity—whether through jewelry design or recalling the incredible moments from her time on a groundbreaking series.
Her insights offer a refreshing take on the entertainment industry, proving that staying true to oneself is the most important thing.
