Drea de Matteo’s unexpected journey: From Sopranos to OnlyFans

The unanticipated turn of life

Drea de Matteo, widely recognized for her role as Adriana La Cerva in “The Sopranos”, never showcased a strong political inclination. Her sole known political act was directing Shooter Jenning’s 2010 music video “Summer of Rage,” a critique of the Bush-Cheney administration. Despite her relatively quiet political stance, the 2020 presidential election saw her casting a vote for Joe Biden, marking the first vote of her life. Little did she know, unforeseen circumstances were about to plunge her into the heart of a political and social maelstrom.

Pandemic repercussions and personal choices

As the COVID pandemic wreaked havoc, Matteo’s life underwent a significant transformation. “I’m a hippie. I didn’t want to get the vaccine. I wanted to wait it out to see what the outcome was,” she explains. This decision led to severe ostracism from her family and the Hollywood community. Even her agent, once regarded as a friend, severed ties without any personal communication. “To be demonized over a medical choice when they keep screaming, ‘Pro-choice,’ I’m like, ‘Do you guys hear yourselves?’” she articulated, highlighting the perceived hypocrisy.

The launch of OnlyFans and a shift in politics

Facing financial instability and the reality of single motherhood, Matteo explored alternative avenues for income. She launched an OnlyFans page “just to save my home” and began a re-evaluation of her political views. As her social circle narrowed, she found herself aligning with new friends who shared her sentiments, leading to her emergence as one of Hollywood’s few vocal Trump supporters, alongside names like Dennis Quaid and Rob Schneider.

On the eve of another closely contested presidential election, Matteo braces for potential civil unrest. “I have people coming to measure my house for gates. For the apocalypse,” she states, revealing her preparedness and concerns about societal stability.

Navigating a changed Hollywood landscape

Matteo’s outspoken nature reached its peak when she criticized figures like Sean Penn for actions she found hypocritical. “I’m sorry, but is Sean Penn a CIA asset at this point?” she questioned, referencing his involvement in the capture of El Chapo. Her sentiments also stretched to younger icons like Billie Eilish and stalwarts like Bette Midler, whom she feels are out of touch with the real issues their fans face.

Despite backing a president with a controversial stance on issues like reproductive rights, Matteo remains steadfast in her belief. “My great-grandmother was the only abortionist in 1950s Harlem. I’m someone who’s had two abortions. I’m still pro-choice,” she emphasizes. Yet, she criticizes what she sees as the extreme directions the pro-choice movement has taken, arguing it feels more like an agenda than a human rights campaign.

A challenging career path

Matteo acknowledges the career risks her outspoken views pose. Unlike her male counterparts, MAGA-supporting women in Hollywood face grim prospects. However, Matteo remains unfazed. Even before the pandemic, she began distancing herself from an industry that she feels had already given her its best, citing her previous work in iconic shows like “Sons of Anarchy” and “Desperate Housewives.”

She notably turned down significant roles, including offers from major franchises like Marvel, prioritizing her family over career advancements. “I have enough money to get us through the winter,” she said, illustrating her pragmatic approach.

Reinventing herself with Ultrafree

In tandem with her shifting political and social views, Matteo ventured into fashion with her label Ultrafree, championing free speech. The T-shirts from her line, featuring bold statements like “War Machine” and anti-surveillance sentiments, exemplify her dissent against the status quo. Alongside this, her jewelry collection Tombstone leans heavily into the mob-wife aesthetic made famous by her “The Sopranos” character.

Despite the controversies and perceived self-immolation in her career, Matteo has made enough to sustain herself and her family. She remains unapologetically visible at events that resonate with her new-found political beliefs, from Trump rallies at Coachella to the Rescue the Republic gathering in Washington, D.C.

A surprising family reconciliation

Even though her family originally castigated her for her pandemic stance, their views evolved. “[During the pandemic], my brother was like, ‘You know, you’re risking everyone in your home’s life right now [by not being vaccinated].’ And then years later, when I ended up having to open up an OnlyFans page just to save my home… he was like, ‘Your body, your choice. I’m with you all the way,’” she recalls, illustrating the ironic twist in their support.

Closing reflections

As her home receives preparations for potential unrest, Matteo reiterates that she is not alone in her views. “The people I’m around, a lot of liberals are voting for Trump. I think half of Hollywood is actually voting for Trump,” she claims, emphasizing the silent agreement from many within the industry.

Matteo’s journey from Hollywood actress to a poised figure in political debates underscores a significant evolution, marked by personal and professional resilience. Her story reflects the complex interplay of personal choice, public life, and the overarching societal dynamics that shape our narratives.