Drea De Matteo Explains What’s Bringing In More Cash Than Her Biggest TV Roles Ever Did

People have businesses or pages that earn them more money than what they're known for, and it is no different for the actor Drea De Matteo.

De Matteo is an actor who gained fame for her role as Adriana La Cerva in the venerable HBO series The Sopranos. She has previously talked about how OnlyFans not only provided her with financial independence but also helped her avoid the "shifty s**t" that occurs in Hollywood. According to financial expert Liz Weston, a personal finance columnist, "Diversifying income streams is crucial for financial stability, especially in unpredictable industries like entertainment."

The 52-year-old actor says that, to a certain extent, she "was always paid the lowest to act" and "never got paid a lot." Despite being one of the most well-known American crime drama shows ever, The Sopranos didn't have a lot of money when De Matteo started working on the series.

She tells Liz Weston, saying:

"I was a day player, then I became a recurring [character] – they were hard-nosed, the way they negotiated with us. It wasn’t until the end of The Sopranos that I was actually making a normal episodic pay."

And De Matteo said it wasn't just that gig that didn't pay well. De Matteo asserts that 'FX didn't really pay [her] at all' for Sons of Anarchy.

The 52-year-old has been in some of the biggest shows of our time

Paul Archuleta/Getty Images

After Sons of Anarchy, De Matteo worked on Desperate Housewives, but she points out that it was a "one-year contract" with a "lower pay scale." De Matteo also noted that while working on Joey, an American comedy and Friends spinoff, she received "probably the most decent pay [she] had because she was on network TV for 21 episodes."

However, she didn't make even a small portion of what she does now with OnlyFans from any of her TV appearances.

The rise of platforms like OnlyFans has reshaped how entertainers monetize their content, allowing for greater control over their financial futures. A business expert noted that such platforms can offer a way for creators to sidestep traditional industry gatekeepers, which often impose restrictive contracts.

By directly connecting with fans, creators can establish their own pricing and content strategies. This empowers them to embrace their authenticity while maximizing revenue potential.

To thrive, creators should prioritize understanding their audience and continuously adapt their offerings based on feedback.

"It wasn’t until the end of The Sopranos that I was actually making a normal episodic pay"

HBO "I never really made a ton of money, so yes, I made more money on OnlyFans. It’s a true story. I know that sounds crazy, but it’s not sustainable money for the long term."

After almost losing her property, the actor started her OnlyFans campaign, stating that her children had teased her to "just put [her] feet up there" and "save the house." She also added:

"Did I want to do it? F**k no, I didn’t want to do it. I was totally anonymous. I never anticipated being thrown to the wolves the way I was when it came out," she continued.

Desperate times call for desperate measures

Getty Images

Financial Independence in the Digital Age

As Drea De Matteo highlights her financial independence through platforms like OnlyFans, financial experts such as Farnoosh Torabi emphasize that diversifying income streams is crucial in today’s economy.

Many individuals can leverage social media and content creation to build a brand and generate income beyond traditional employment. Torabi suggests that aspiring creators should focus on niche markets, engage authentically with their audience, and continuously invest in their skills.

This proactive approach not only enhances financial security but also fosters a sense of personal empowerment and creativity.

In response to those who have called her "desperate," De Matteo stated that she was "100% desperate," and that "desperate times call for desperate measures." She went further to add:

"I hope that any of the haters out there who have said s**t like that don’t ever find themselves in the same position I was in. I embraced it, because what was I going to do?"

Additionally, the actor has discovered "a little community of folks that tune in" and come to "talk to [her] about The Sopranos and politics.

Watch her interview below

"For the most part, it’s a fan page. It’s given me the financial freedom to say, “F**k Hollywood.” She added. De Matteo said that she will continue to embrace herself and the freedom the platform has provided her, both monetarily and physically, even though she won't be able to use it for "much longer" because she is "getting old."

The important thing now is that De Matteo is doing what matters to her, and that's that!

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

Drea De Matteo's experience exemplifies a growing trend of individuals seeking greater autonomy in their careers, particularly through digital platforms. Experts like Dan Ariely, a behavioral economist, suggest that this shift reflects a broader societal change towards valuing personal expression and financial independence.

By embracing these new avenues, entertainers and creators can not only achieve financial success but also foster deeper connections with their audiences. As the landscape continues to evolve, staying informed and adaptable will be key to long-term sustainability in any creative industry.