Deena Nicole Cortese facts for kids

Deena Nicole Buckner, whose maiden name was Cortese, was born on January 12, 1987. She is an American television personality known for appearing on reality TV shows. She was on the MTV show Jersey Shore from 2010 to 2012. She is also currently a cast member on Jersey Shore: Family Vacation.

Early Life and Education

Growing Up in New Jersey

Deena Cortese was born in New Egypt, which is a part of Plumsted Township, New Jersey. Her parents, John and Joan Cortese, were Italian-American. John Cortese passed away in 2016.

When Deena was seven years old, she learned she had an older sister named Joanie Maiorella. Joanie had been adopted and lived close by. After they met, Joanie appeared in some episodes of Jersey Shore during its fifth season.

School Days

Deena went to New Egypt High School. While there, she was active in both cheerleading and dance. After finishing high school, she briefly attended Brookdale Community College in Middletown Township, New Jersey.

Television Career

Joining Jersey Shore

Deena Cortese became a cast member on the popular reality TV series Jersey Shore. She had actually tried out for the first season of the show. However, she could not join at that time because of a family emergency.

Later, when another cast member, Angelina Pivarnick, left the show after season two, Snooki suggested Deena as a replacement. MTV then cast Deena for the show. She joined the cast in season three, which was filmed in Seaside Heights, New Jersey.

Other TV Appearances

In 2014, Deena appeared on a show called Couples Therapy. This show focused on couples working through their relationships.

In 2018, Deena returned to MTV as a cast member for Jersey Shore: Family Vacation. This show is still on the air, and she continues to be a main part of it. She also appeared on Celebrity Fear Factor in 2018 and Celebrity Family Feud in 2020.

Personal Life

Marriage and Family

In November 2016, Deena Cortese got engaged to Christopher Buckner. They were married on October 28, 2017.

In 2018, Deena announced that she and Christopher were going to have their first child. Their son, Christopher John "CJ" Buckner, was born. He was named after his father, Chris, and after Deena's late father, John.

In October 2020, Deena shared that they were expecting their second child. They welcomed another son, Cameron Theo Buckner, on May 1, 2021. The family lived in Jackson Township, New Jersey, in two homes before moving to a different town after their second child was born.

Filmography