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 (1987-01-12) January 12, 1987 (age 37)
EducationBrookdale Community College
Years active2010–present
Known forJersey Shore
Jersey Shore: Family Vacation
Spouse
Christopher Buckner
(m. 2017)
Children2

Early life and education edit

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'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 edit

Cortese 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 edit

In 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 late father who died, John, on January 5, 2019. 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 kid.

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

  1. ^ "Former 'Jersey Shore' Star Deena Nicole Cortese's Father Passes Away!". OK! Magazine. June 6, 2016.
  2. ^ "The 'Jersey Shore' cast is barely over half Italian-American". ELDORADO.
  3. ^ "Deena Had All The Moves When She Was 17 (Video Clip)". MTV.
  4. ^ TMZ Staff (August 4, 2010). "'Jersey Shore' -- New Girl Is a Season 1 Reject". TMZ. Retrieved August 16, 2010.
  5. ^ "'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.
  6. ^ "Jersey Shore star gets engaged". November 20, 2016. Archived from the original on November 20, 2016.
  7. ^ "Jersey Shore's Deena Cortese Marries Christopher Buckner". October 28, 2017. Archived from the original on October 29, 2017.
  8. ^ "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.
  9. ^ "See Jersey Shore's Pregnant Deena Cortese Reveal Sex of 2nd Child". November 2, 2020. Archived from the original on November 2, 2020.
  10. ^ "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.

External links edit