Teresa Giudice, famed reality television star and author, has a net worth of $500,000. Best known for her long-running role on Bravo’s The Real Housewives of New Jersey (2009–present), Giudice has gained significant public attention not only for her reality TV success but also for her legal troubles and time in prison. Alongside her ex-husband Joe Giudice, Teresa has faced significant financial challenges, including bankruptcy and fraud convictions.
Teresa Giudice Net Worth | $500,000 |
Date of Birth | May 18, 1972 |
Place of Birth | Paterson, New Jersey |
Nationality | American |
Profession | Reality Television Star and Author |
Early Life
Born Teresa Gorga on May 18, 1972, in Paterson, New Jersey, Teresa grew up in an Italian-American family. Her parents, Giacinto and Antonia Gorga, immigrated from Sala Consilina, Italy. She has a brother, Giuseppe (known as Joe), and her sister-in-law, Melissa, also stars on The Real Housewives of New Jersey. Raised in a Roman Catholic household, Teresa earned a degree in Fashion Marketing and Management from Berkeley College and worked as an associate buyer for Macy’s before stepping into the spotlight.
Career
Teresa Giudice made her television debut in 2009 when she joined The Real Housewives of New Jersey. She quickly became a fan favorite and remains the only cast member to appear in every season of the show. Teresa reportedly earned $25,000 for her first season, and by the show’s tenth season, she was being paid $62,000 per episode. In 2015, she starred in a three-episode spin-off, Teresa Checks In, which chronicled her family life following her prison sentencing.
In addition to her reality TV fame, Teresa has expanded her business ventures, launching Fabellini Wines, Milania Hair Care, and a fashion line called TG Fabulicious. She also authored several cookbooks, including Skinny Italian and Fabulicious!, which became New York Times bestsellers.
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Teresa’s other TV appearances include competing on Celebrity Apprentice (2012), where she raised $70,000 for The NephCure Foundation, and guest spots on shows such as Live with Regis and Kelly and The Wendy Williams Show. Most recently, in 2021, she appeared on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip, and in 2022, she competed on Dancing With The Stars but was eliminated in week two.
Bankruptcy
Teresa and her then-husband, Joe Giudice, faced a series of financial and legal difficulties. In 2009, they filed for bankruptcy, claiming $11 million in debt. To repay creditors, they were forced to sell their mansion and auction many personal belongings.
In 2013, the couple was indicted on 39 counts of fraud, including bank and bankruptcy fraud. After initially pleading not guilty, they eventually reached a plea deal in 2014. Teresa was sentenced to 15 months in prison, while Joe received a 41-month sentence and faced potential deportation due to his immigration status. Teresa served 11 months in federal prison from January to December 2015, followed by four months of house arrest. Joe served his sentence from March 2016 to March 2019, after which he was detained by immigration authorities and later relocated to Italy.
Despite their legal battles, Teresa continued to appear on The Real Housewives, and in 2018, her 2009 bankruptcy case was dismissed. She was ordered to pay restitution to the IRS and New Jersey’s treasury department.
Personal Life
Teresa married Joe Giudice in 1999, and the couple had four daughters: Gia, Gabriella, Milania, and Audriana. After Joe’s deportation to Italy, the couple divorced in September 2020. In October 2021, Teresa got engaged to businessman Luis Ruelas, and they married in August 2022.
Post-prison, Teresa embraced a new passion for fitness, competing in bodybuilding events. In June 2018, she placed third in the Bikini: 40+ category at the NPC South Jersey Championships.
Real Estate
The Giudices built a lavish 10,000-square-foot mansion in Montville, New Jersey, in 2008, featuring six bedrooms, five bathrooms, and luxurious details such as a Cinderella staircase and a large chandelier. After listing the home multiple times due to their financial troubles, it was eventually sold in May 2022 for $2 million, with all proceeds going to Teresa.
In 2021, Teresa and her new husband Luis purchased another Montville mansion for $3.35 million. Though legally the acquisition was made by Luis, Teresa continues to enjoy her high-profile lifestyle despite the financial setbacks she’s faced.
Teresa Giudice Net Worth
Teresa Giudice net worth is $500,000.