Deena Nicole Cortese

About

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.

Cortese was born in the New Egypt section of Plumsted Township, New Jersey to Italian-American parents John (1949–2016) and Joan Cortese. 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.

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; however, she was cast by MTV when Angelina Pivarnick left the show after season two, and Snooki suggested her as a replacement. She joined the cast in season three…