What Is Dominic Chianese's Net Worth?
Dominic Chianese is a celebrated Italian-American actor, singer, and musician with a net worth of $10 million. He is best known for his iconic role as Corrado "Junior" Soprano on the critically acclaimed HBO drama "The Sopranos" (1999–2007), a role that earned him two Primetime Emmy nominations. Dominic is also recognized for his portrayal of Johnny Ola in the 1974 film "The Godfather Part II" and for playing Leander Cephas Whitlock on HBO's "Boardwalk Empire" (2011–2013).
Throughout his illustrious career, Chianese has amassed over 50 acting credits. His notable film appearances include "Dog Day Afternoon" (1975), "All the President's Men" (1976), "If Lucy Fell" (1996), "Cradle Will Rock" (1999), and "Mr. Popper's Penguins" (2011). On television, he has appeared in series such as "Ryan's Hope" (1981), "Damages" (2010), "The Good Wife" (2012–2015), and "The Village" (2019). Beyond the screen, Dominic has graced the Broadway stage in numerous productions, including "Oliver!" (1965), "Scratch" (1971), "Richard III" (1979), and "The Rose Tattoo" (1995). He has also released two music albums, "Hits" (2000) and "Ungrateful Heart" (2003), and co-authored the 2018 book "Twelve Angels: The Women Who Taught Me How to Act, Live, and Love" with Matthew Sargent.
Early Life
Dominic Chianese was born on February 24, 1931, in the Bronx, New York. His father was a bricklayer, and his paternal grandfather emigrated from Naples, Italy, to New York City in 1904. Dominic attended the Bronx High School of Science and graduated in 1948. Post-high school, he worked with his father during the day and took night classes, eventually earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech and Theater Studies from Brooklyn College in 1961.
Career
Dominic spent a decade in college while performing in off-Broadway productions and later studied acting at Manhattan's HB Studio. He subsequently worked with the Drug Commission of New York State in a rehabilitation center as a recreational worker. His on-screen acting debut came in a 1964 episode of "East Side/West Side," followed by his first film role in 1972's "Fuzz." In 1974, he gained recognition for his role in "The Godfather Part II," where he starred alongside Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, and Robert De Niro. The film won six of the 11 Academy Awards it was nominated for and was later preserved in the Library of Congress' National Film Registry.
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Dominic reunited with Al Pacino in "Dog Day Afternoon" (1975) and "…And Justice For All" (1979), and appeared in Pacino's directorial debut, the 1996 documentary "Looking for Richard." Throughout the '70s and '80s, Chianese appeared in various films and television series, including "Kojak," "All the President's Men," "Fingers," "On the Yard," "A Time for Miracles," "Ryan's Hope," "Tales from the Darkside," "L.A. Law," and "Law & Order."
In the '90s, Dominic continued to build his filmography with roles in movies like "Q&A" (1990), "Out for Justice" (1991), and "The Public Eye" (1992). He also co-starred with Sarah Jessica Parker and Ben Stiller in "If Lucy Fell" (1996). In 1999, he played a significant role in Tim Robbins-directed "Cradle Will Rock" alongside an ensemble cast including Hank Azaria and Joan Cusack. His most acclaimed role came in "The Sopranos," where he played Corrado 'Junior' Soprano from 1999 to 2007.
In the 2000s, Dominic appeared in films like "Unfaithful" (2002) with Richard Gere and Diane Lane, and had guest roles in "Hope & Faith," and "King of the Corner." In 2007, he played Lenny Sugarman in "The Last New Yorker" and Tommaso Pensara in "Adrift in Manhattan." From 2011 to 2013, he appeared as Leander Cephas Whitlock in "Boardwalk Empire," and from 2012 to 2015, he portrayed Judge Michael Marx in "The Good Wife." Recently, he starred in "Active Adults" (2017) and "The Village" (2019).
(Photo by David Pomponio/FilmMagic)
Personal Life
Dominic has been married three times. His first marriage to Vincenza Jean Vacchio began in 1958. After their divorce, he married Merle Molofsky in 1961, with whom he had three children: Dominic Jr., Sarah, and Rebecca. Dominic Jr. followed in his father's footsteps, appearing in "The Sopranos." In 2008, Chianese married Jane Pittson. He received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 2010, recognizing his significant contributions and philanthropic efforts.
Awards and Nominations
Dominic's role in "The Sopranos" garnered him Primetime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 2000 and 2001. His performance as Junior Soprano also earned him nominations from the Online Film & Television Association and the Monte-Carlo TV Festival. Dominic and his co-stars won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series in 2000 and 2012 for "The Sopranos" and "Boardwalk Empire," respectively.
