Introduction
The United States is home to countless Italian-Americans who have shaped Hollywood, music, sports, and entertainment. While names like Frank Sinatra, Robert De Niro, and Al Pacino are well-known for their Italian heritage, many other famous celebrities have deep Italian roots that may surprise you.
From Oscar-winning actors to music icons, these stars have ancestry that traces back to Italy. Whether their families hailed from Sicily, Naples, or northern Italy, their heritage has influenced their lives, careers, and personal values.
In this article, we highlight 20 American celebrities you didn’t know are Italian, exploring their family history, Italian connections, and cultural influences.
1. Lady Gaga (Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta)
Italian Roots: Sicily and Calabria
Born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, Lady Gaga is proud of her Sicilian and Calabrian heritage. Raised in a traditional Italian-American household in New York City, she often speaks about her family’s love for Italian food and traditions.
Her role in House of Gucci (2021) allowed her to fully embrace her Italian heritage while portraying Patrizia Reggiani, an Italian socialite.
2. Robert Downey Jr.
Italian Roots: Maternal grandparents were Italian immigrants
Best known as Iron Man, Robert Downey Jr. has Italian roots from his mother’s side. Though he doesn’t frequently discuss his heritage, his Italian ancestry has contributed to his expressive personality and charm.
3. Ariana Grande
Italian Roots: Sicily and Abruzzo
Grande has proudly declared herself 100% Italian, with ancestry from Sicily and Abruzzo. Her strong family ties to Italy influence her love for Italian culture and cuisine.
4. Nicolas Cage (Nicolas Kim Coppola)
Italian Roots: Bernalda, Southern Italy
As the nephew of legendary director Francis Ford Coppola, Nicolas Cage has strong Italian roots. He changed his last name to avoid nepotism but remains connected to his Italian background.
5. Bradley Cooper
Italian Roots: Naples (Maternal Side)
Cooper’s mother, Gloria Campano, is of Italian descent from Naples. His Italian upbringing influenced his appreciation for family, food, and traditions.
6. Madonna (Madonna Louise Ciccone)
Italian Roots: Abruzzo
Madonna’s father, Silvio Ciccone, was an Italian immigrant from Pacentro, Abruzzo. She has visited her ancestral village and embraces Italian traditions in her personal life.
7. John Travolta
Italian Roots: Campania
Travolta’s father, Salvatore Travolta, was of Italian descent. His role in Saturday Night Fever perfectly showcased his Italian-American background.
8. Leonardo DiCaprio
Italian Roots: Naples
DiCaprio’s father, George DiCaprio, has Italian roots from Naples. He is often spotted in Italy, indulging in the country’s art, food, and fashion.
9. Joe Rogan
Italian Roots: Italian Grandparents
Rogan has spoken frequently about his Italian grandparents and the influence of Italian family traditions in his upbringing.
10. Sylvester Stallone
Italian Roots: Gioia del Colle, Apulia
Stallone’s father, Francesco Stallone Sr., was born in Gioia del Colle, making the actor deeply proud of his Italian ancestry.
11. Frank Zappa
Italian Roots: Sicily and Naples
Legendary musician Frank Zappa had Sicilian and Neapolitan ancestry. His father worked in Italy before immigrating to the U.S.
12. Marisa Tomei
Italian Roots: Tuscany and Sicily
The Oscar-winning actress has roots in Tuscany and Sicily. She has visited Italy multiple times and embraces her heritage.
13. Liza Minnelli
Italian Roots: Father was of Italian descent
Daughter of Judy Garland, Minnelli has Italian ancestry from her father’s side, a lesser-known fact about the legendary performer.
14. Martin Scorsese
Italian Roots: Sicily
One of Hollywood’s greatest directors, Martin Scorsese, is proudly Italian-American. His family immigrated from Palermo, Sicily, shaping his films about Italian-American life.
15. Amy Adams
Italian Roots: Maternal Side
Though born in Italy to American parents, Amy Adams has Italian ancestry on her mother’s side.
16. Quentin Tarantino
Italian Roots: Southern Italy
Tarantino’s father, Tony Tarantino, is of Italian descent, a connection often reflected in his storytelling and cinematic influences.
17. Mark Ruffalo
Italian Roots: Calabria
Ruffalo’s father is of Italian descent from Calabria. His passionate, expressive personality aligns with Italian traits.
18. Alyssa Milano
Italian Roots: Sicily
Milano, famous for Charmed, has Sicilian roots and is deeply connected to her Italian-American culture.
19. Christina Aguilera
Italian Roots: Father’s Side
Aguilera’s father is of Italian descent, making her part Italian, Irish, and Ecuadorian.
20. Timothée Chalamet
Italian Roots: Father’s Side
The Dune actor has Italian and French roots, with his father’s side tracing back to Italy.
Conclusion
These 20 celebrities are some of the biggest names in entertainment, but their Italian heritage is often overlooked. From Hollywood stars to music icons, Italian culture continues to shape American entertainment in a remarkable way.