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 is currently on Jersey Shore: Family Vacation.
Deena Nicole Cortese | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 12, 1987 New Egypt, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Education | Brookdale Community College |
| Years active | 2010–present |
| Known for | Jersey Shore Jersey Shore: Family Vacation |
| Spouse |
Christopher Buckner (m. 2017) |
| Children | 2 |
Early life and education
editCortese 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's older sister, Joanie Maiorella, was put up for adoption and lived down the road from them. Cortese learned this when she was seven-years-old and met her sister thereafter. Maiorella appeared in several episodes throughout season five of Jersey Shore.
Cortese attended New Egypt High School, where she participated in both cheerleading and dance. After graduating, she briefly attended Brookdale Community College in Middletown Township, New Jersey.[3]
Career
editCortese was a cast member on the reality TV series Jersey Shore. Deena had originally auditioned for season 1, but declined an offer to participate due to a family emergency;[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, which is still running and she currently remains on the show.
Personal life
editIn November 2016, Cortese became engaged to Christopher Buckner.[6] They were married on October 28, 2017.[7] In 2018, Cortese revealed that she and her husband were expecting their first child, a son. Cortese gave birth to Christopher John "CJ" Buckner, named after her husband, Chris, and after her late father John, who died on January 5, 2016. In October 2020, she revealed that she and her husband were expecting their second child in May 2021 and later revealed to be a boy.[8][9] Cortese gave birth to Cameron Theo Buckner on May 1, 2021.[10] The couple recently had two homes in Jackson Township, New Jersey, and moved to another town after they had their second child.
Filmography
edit| Year | Production | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010–2012 | Jersey Shore | Herself | Main cast (seasons 3–6) |
| 2010 | When I Was 17 | Herself | Guest |
| 2011 | Silent Library | Herself | Cameo appearance |
| 2012–2014 | Snooki & Jwoww | Herself | Appeared in 4 episodes |
| 2013 | Couples Therapy | Herself | Main (Season 5) |
| 2018–present | Jersey Shore: Family Vacation | Herself | Main |
| 2018 | Celebrity Fear Factor | Herself | Contestant |
| 2020 | Celebrity Family Feud | Herself | Season 7, Episode 4 |
References
edit- ^ "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.[dead link]
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Jersey Shore star gets engaged". November 20, 2016. Archived from the original on November 20, 2016.
- ^ "Jersey Shore's Deena Cortese Marries Christopher Buckner". October 28, 2017. Archived from the original on October 29, 2017.
- ^ "We're so excited to announce we're expecting Baby Buckner #2 May 1, 2021 🥰". instagram.com. October 15, 2020. Archived from the original on December 24, 2021.
- ^ "See Jersey Shore's Pregnant Deena Cortese Reveal Sex of 2nd Child". November 2, 2020. Archived from the original on November 2, 2020.
- ^ "Jersey Shore's Deena Cortese Welcomes Second Baby, Son Cameron, with Husband Chris Buckner". People. May 2, 2021. Archived from the original on May 2, 2021.