Deena Nicole Cortese facts for kids

Deena Nicole Buckner (born Cortese on January 12, 1987) is an American television star. She became famous on the MTV reality show Jersey Shore. Deena was on the show from 2010 to 2012. She is now a cast member on Jersey Shore: Family Vacation.

Early Life and School

Deena Cortese was born in New Egypt, New Jersey. Her parents, John and Joan Cortese, are Italian-American. Deena found out she had an older sister, Joanie, when she was seven. Joanie had been adopted and lived nearby. Joanie appeared in some episodes of Jersey Shore.

Deena went to New Egypt High School. There, she was part of the cheerleading and dance teams. After high school, she studied briefly at Brookdale Community College.

Her TV Career

Deena Cortese became a cast member on the reality TV show Jersey Shore. She first tried out for the show's first season. But she could not join then because of a family emergency.

Later, another cast member, Angelina Pivarnick, left the show. Deena's friend, Snooki, suggested Deena as a replacement. Deena joined the cast in the third season. This season was filmed in Seaside Heights, New Jersey.

In 2014, Deena also appeared on a show called Couples Therapy.

In 2018, Deena returned to MTV for Jersey Shore: Family Vacation. This show is still on the air, and she is still a main cast member.

Her Family Life

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

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

In October 2020, they announced they were expecting their second child. Their second son, Cameron Theo Buckner, was born on May 1, 2021. The family used to live in Jackson Township, New Jersey. They moved to a new town after their second child was born.

TV Shows and Appearances