Deena Nicole Cortese
Deena Nicole Buckner (née Cortese; born January 12, 1987) is an American reality television personality who appeared on the MTV reality show Jersey Shore from 2010 to 2012 and Jersey Shore: Family Vacation.
Early life
Cortese was born in the New Egypt section of Plumsted Township, New Jersey to Italian American parents, John (1949-2016)[1] and Joan Cortese.[2] Cortese graduated from New Egypt High School where she did both cheer and dance, and briefly attended Brookdale Community College.[3] Cortese also has a sister, Joanie Maiorella, who was seen in multiple episodes throughout season five of Jersey Shore.
Career
Cortese was a cast member on the reality TV series Jersey Shore. Deena had originally auditioned for season 1 but was rejected;[4] however, she was cast by MTV when Angelina Pivarnick left the show after season two, and Snooki suggested her as a replacement.[5] She joined the cast in season three, which filmed in Seaside Heights, New Jersey.
In 2014, Cortese appeared on Couples Therapy.
In 2018, Cortese returned to MTV as one of the cast members of Jersey Shore Family Vacation.
Personal life
In November 2016, Cortese became engaged to Christopher Buckner.[6] They were married on October 28, 2017. In 2018, Deena revealed that she and her husband were expecting their first child, a son. Deena gave birth to Christopher John "CJ" Buckner on January 5, 2019.[7] They reside in Jackson Township, New Jersey.[8]
Filmography
| Year | Production | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010–2012 | Jersey Shore | Herself | Castmate |
| 2010 | When I Was 17 | Herself | Guest |
| 2011 | Silent Library | Herself | Cameo |
| 2012–2014 | Snooki & Jwoww | Herself | Appeared in 4 episodes. |
| 2013 | Couples Therapy | Herself | Main |
| 2018–present | Jersey Shore: Family Vacation | Herself | Main |
| 2018 | Celebrity Fear Factor | Herself | Contestant |
References
- ^ "Former 'Jersey Shore' Star Deena Nicole Cortese's Father Passes Away!". OK! Magazine. June 6, 2016.
- ^ "The 'Jersey Shore' cast is barely over half Italian-American". ELDORADO.
- ^ "Deena Had All The Moves When She Was 17 (Video Clip)". MTV.
- ^ TMZ Staff (August 4, 2010). "'Jersey Shore' -- New Girl Is a Season 1 Reject". TMZ. Retrieved August 16, 2010.
- ^ "'Jersey Shore' star Snooki helped Deena Nicole Cortese become new cast member". Holt, Bob. NewJerseyNewsroom.com. July 29, 2010. Archived from the original on July 21, 2011. Retrieved August 23, 2011.
- ^ Vuipo, Mike (November 20, 2016). "Jersey Shore star gets engaged". Retrieved November 20, 2016.
- ^ Falcone, Dana Rose (October 28, 2017). "Jersey Shore's Deena Cortese Is Married — See the Pics!". Retrieved October 28, 2017.
- ^ Jordan, Chris. "MTV 'Jersey Shore': Jackson cast member Deena Cortese shows off baby bump". Asbury Park Press. Retrieved January 11, 2019.