Drea de Matteo, best known for her role as Adriana La Cerva in the iconic HBO series *The Sopranos*, is sharing an intriguing chapter of her life that diverges from her well-established acting career. The 54-year-old actress has embraced a new venture on the adult subscription platform OnlyFans, a move initially made out of necessity but which has since evolved into a platform for creative expression and financial independence.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Drea-de-Matteo-020926-1-7fea460af3184ae7a1696649b68e3a94.jpg)
De Matteo, who first joined the cast of *The Sopranos* 27 years ago, reflected on her unexpected journey into the world of adult content. At the time of her signing up for OnlyFans during the challenges posed by the pandemic and the SAG-AFTRA strike in 2023, she faced the threat of losing her home. “At first I was petrified,” she confessed, revealing her fears about potential backlash from taking such a bold step at this stage in her career.
Initially concerned about the implications of her decision for her children, whom she shares with ex-husband Shooter Jennings, de Matteo found unexpected support from them. Her children encouraged her to embrace the venture, telling her to experiment with content like selfies and the simple act of showing her feet. “The kids were the ones who were like, ‘Do this. Show your feet. Do selfies!’” she recalled. This family encouragement provided her with the confidence needed to navigate her new role.
The actress’s leap into OnlyFans has proven financially fruitful. De Matteo disclosed that she earned an astounding $75,000 in just 75 minutes after her debut on the platform, enabling her to settle the lien on her home. She noted that a significant portion of her subscribers are fans from her *Sopranos* days. “But I was 50 at that time. Now I’m 54. It’s like Granny Sports Illustrated!” she joked, revealing her surprise at how much she enjoys embracing this new side of her work.
In a more adventurous move, de Matteo recently ventured into her first full nude shoot, something she had never previously done on television. “I actually went for it, and it was fine,” she reflected, highlighting her evolving attitude towards body image and expression. This new kind of creativity not only allows her to stay fit but has also reinvigorated her love for performance.
Alongside her OnlyFans venture, de Matteo is launching a new podcast titled *Ultrafree*. The podcast aims to foster a spirit of curiosity over conformity and unity rather than division, focusing on subject matters that champion personal autonomy. This theme of autonomy has been a recurring element in her life and work. In 2021, her choice to decline the COVID-19 vaccine led to a professional split with her agent, marking a contentious point in her journey.
“I never condemned anybody for going for it,” she said, addressing the controversy surrounding her vaccination stance. However, she expressed her discontent with critics who judged her decision. An outspoken figure for many years, de Matteo added that she has moved away from being highly engaged in the political sphere. Having backed Donald Trump in his 2024 campaign, she conveyed her frustration about the current state of politics. “We tried the left, we tried the right, and now we’re back to where we originally were, which is non-voting,” she commented.
De Matteo’s openness about her decisions and her new pursuits is reflective of her resilient spirit. She continues to navigate the complexities of fame and motherhood while exploring unchartered territories in her personal and career journeys. As she continues to thrive in this unconventional avenue, her life serves as a testament to adaptability and the ongoing evolution of identity, both as an artist and a mother.
In summary, Drea de Matteo is embracing change and defying expectations, expertly balancing her past acclaim as an Emmy-winning actress with new ventures that prioritise financial freedom and personal expression. With her podcast and OnlyFans account, she is not only redefining her own narrative but also challenging societal norms regarding age, body positivity, and the authenticity of personal choices.