When MTV premiered Jersey Shore in December 2009, it transformed reality television almost overnight. It offered viewers an unfiltered look into the wild, often chaotic lives of eight housemates—including Snooki, Vinny, JWoww, Pauly D, The Situation, and others. Their explosive arguments, complicated romances, and unforgettable catchphrases quickly made the show a cultural phenomenon.
💫 Jump to a Cast Member:
- 1. DJ Pauly D: $20 Million Net Worth
- 2. Vinny Guadagnino: $5 Million Net Worth
- 3. Snooki: $4 Million Net Worth
- 4. Sammi “Sweetheart” Giancola: $4 Million Net Worth
- 5. JWoww: $4 Million Net Worth
- 6. Angelina Pivarnick: $4 Million Net Worth
- 7. Ronnie Ortiz-Magro: $3 Million Net Worth
- 8. Deena Nicole Cortese: $2 Million Net Worth
- 9. Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino: $300K Net Worth
From the boardwalks of Seaside Heights, New Jersey, to the streets of Florence, Italy, cameras captured every moment, spawning spin-offs, reunions, and long-running franchise extensions like Jersey Shore: Family Vacation. Along the way, many cast members built thriving careers, launched businesses, and evolved far beyond their party-house beginnings.
In this guide, we’ll revisit the Jersey Shore cast’s biggest milestones, highlight their signature fashion and footwear moments, and reveal how much each star is worth today.
1. DJ Pauly D: $20 Million Net Worth — The Franchise’s Top Earner and Superstar DJ
Born on July 5, 1980, Paul “DJ Pauly D” DelVecchio is the wealthiest Jersey Shore cast member, boasting an astonishing net worth of $20 million. Standing tall at 5 feet and 9 ¼ inches (175.9 cm), he joined the series at age 29, making him the oldest member.
Throughout the show, Paul’s love life is a rollercoaster. He dates many women but never settles down. In June 2013, after a one-night stand with a woman, he became a father to Amabella Sophia Markert.
Paul “DJ Pauly D” DelVecchio rocked a casual look in a black DG heart-print shirt, distressed skinny jeans, and white Dolce & Gabbana logo sneakers while out and about (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)
Beyond the Jersey Shore, Paul made waves with his one-season spin-off, The Pauly D Project, which showcased his blossoming DJ career. His success as a DJ has earned him a multi-million dollar income, thanks to his residency at Harrah’s Las Vegas and diverse other projects, including cologne, tanner, and clothing lines.
In the romance department, he had an on-and-off relationship with singer Aubrey O’Day after meeting on the VH1 reality show Famously Single in 2016.
However, since 2019, Paul has been happily in a relationship with Nikki Hall, whom he met as a contestant on his MTV dating show, Double Shot at Love, alongside Vinny Guadagnino.
2. Vinny Guadagnino: $5 Million Net Worth — From Jersey Shore to Dancing Star
Vinny Guadagnino, born November 11, 1987, is the second richest member of the Jersey Shore cast, with an impressive net worth of $5 million. The TV personality is 5 feet and 7 ¾ inches (172.1 cm) tall.
When Jersey Shore aired, Vinny was just 22 years old. He formed a strong bond with DJ Pauly D during the show, and their friendship remained steadfast even after it ended. In 2019, the duo co-hosted the Double Shot of Love dating show, but both remained single.
Vinny Guadagnino kept it sporty in black joggers, a matching sweatshirt, and classic black Converse Chuck Taylor sneakers while carrying his dance shoes (Credit: JOCE / BauerGriffin / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
After leaving Seaside Heights, Vinny pursued an acting career, securing guest roles on shows like The Hard Times of RJ Berger and 90210.
In 2013, he hosted his MTV talk show, The Show with Vinny. Alongside his mom, Paola Guadagnino, he embarked on a reality travel show, Vinny & Ma Eat America, in 2016.
Vinny’s talent extended to the dance floor, as he appeared on two reality dancing competition series, The Masked Dancer and Dancing with the Stars. He has also been a vocal advocate of a low-carbohydrate diet, sharing his success story of losing 50 pounds after making dietary changes.
3. Snooki: $4 Million Net Worth — Reality Icon and Platform Heels Queen
Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi, who is just 4 feet and 8 inches (142.2 cm) tall, is the vibrant party girl who left her unforgettable mark on Jersey Shore. Born on November 23, 1987, the reality star has built a remarkable net worth of $4 million. She wears a shoe size 6 (US).
At the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi brought her signature Jersey Shore flair back to the red carpet, standing beside her close friend and podcast co-host Joey Camasta — and looking petite beside him despite her high heels.
Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi looked tiny beside Joey Camasta as she rocked sky-high metallic platform heels with a leopard print mini dress, long black cardigan, and signature voluminous hairstyle on the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards red carpet (Credit: Janet Mayer / INSTARimages)
When Nicole joined the show at 22, she quickly became best friends with Farley and was ready to embrace the Jersey Shore lifestyle. During the series, she found love with Jionni LaValle, and the two got engaged in March 2012, eventually tying the knot in November 2014.
Their family grew with the addition of three children: a son named Lorenzo Dominic, who was born in 2012; a daughter named Giovanna Marie, born in 2014; and another adorable son named Angelo James, who joined them in 2019.
Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi turned heads in a rhinestone-studded top, snakeskin-print wide-leg pants, and matching pointed-toe snakeskin ankle boots (Credit: Janet Mayer / Startraksphoto / Cover Images)
After taking a break from Jersey Shore Family Vacation to care for her children, Nicole returned full-time for season 5 in 2022.
In addition to her television presence, she and her husband launched their renovation show, Nicole & Jionni’s Shore Flip, in 2016. She showcased her hosting skills on MTV’s How Far Is Tattoo Far? and the Ridiculousness spin-off, Messyness.
👠 Explore Snooki’s Boldest Shoe Moments:
- 📏 Nicole ‘Snooki’ Polizzi’s Height Didn’t Stop Her From Getting Rich – At just 4’8″, Snooki embraces towering heels to amplify her presence.
- 💃 Snooki’s Best Heel-Less Shoe Moments: The Jeffrey Campbell Edition – A showcase of her daring heel-less footwear choices.
- 🌟 Why Snooki Loves Heel-less Platforms: Inside Her Signature Style – Exploring her affinity for gravity-defying platforms.
- 👜 What’s on Snooki’s Arm? Identifying Her Trendy Studded Satchel – A look at her favorite studded accessory.
- 🔥 Gasoline Glamour Shoes Shake Up the Fashion World – Featuring Snooki’s bold choice at the 2011 MTV Europe Music Awards.
Beyond reality TV, she showcased her talents on Dancing With the Stars and The New Celebrity Apprentice. Nicole even participated in a WWE event, WrestleMania XXVII.
Her entrepreneurial spirit shone through as she released several books, including “Strong Is the New Sexy: My Kickass Story on Getting My Formula for Fierce” in 2015.
4. Sammi “Sweetheart” Giancola: $4 Million Net Worth — Business Owner and Fashion Entrepreneur
Sammi “Sweetheart” Giancola is another key Jersey Shore cast member with a net worth of $4 million. Born on March 14, 1987, she stands at an average height of 5 feet and 5 inches (165.1 cm). She wears a shoe size 8 (US).
Entering the house at 22, Sammi briefly connected with Mike Sorrentino but chose to pursue a relationship with Ronnie Ortiz-Magro. Their tumultuous on-and-off romance was a central theme throughout the series. After the show ended, they moved in together but eventually parted ways.
Sammi “Sweetheart” Giancola kept it chic and simple in a button-front black mini dress paired with strappy black high-heel sandals while out and about (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)
In April 2017, Sammi started dating Christian Biscardi, who later proposed to her in March 2019. Unfortunately, the pandemic postponed their wedding in April 2020, and they decided to end their relationship by July 2021. Subsequently, she found love with Justin May.
Beyond her reality TV days, Sammi made her mark in fashion, launching her clothing line, Sweetheart Styles, in 2013. She also ventured into podcasting, cohosting the show Just Sayin’ from 2015 to November 2017.
While she chose not to appear on Jersey Shore: Family Vacation, Sammi remained close to her former cast mates and connected with them throughout the years. She focused on her business and personal life, and her friendship with the Jersey Shore crew stayed strong.
5. JWoww: $4 Million Net Worth — Red Carpet Glamour and Business Ventures
Born on February 27, 1986, Jenni “JWoww” Farley is 5 feet and 7 inches (170.2 cm) tall and possesses a substantial net worth of $4 million. She wears a shoe size 9 (US).
When Jenni joined the show at 23, she had a short-lived relationship that quickly fizzled out. However, fate had something better for her when she met Roger Mathews at a New Jersey nightclub in season 3.
Jenni “JWoww” Farley stands at 5 feet and 7 inches, and she has a net worth of $4 million (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)
They hit it off, leading to a marriage in October 2015. The couple welcomed their daughter Meilani Alexandra in July 2014 and their son Greyson Valor in May 2016. In November 2018, they shared that Greyson was diagnosed with autism.
Unfortunately, the couple filed for divorce in September 2018, and it was finalized in August 2019. Jenni then started dating wrestler Zack Clayton Carpinello in April 2019. After a brief split, the couple got engaged in February 2021.
👠 Explore Jenni “JWoww” Farley’s Fashion and Shoe Moments:
- 📏 JWoww’s Most Dramatic Relationships: From Tom Lippolis to Roger Mathews – Delve into JWoww’s personal life and her journey through high-profile relationships.
- ✨ 2013 Teen Choice Awards Fashion Highlights – JWoww shines in a sparkly dress paired with crystal-studded sandals, showcasing her glamorous red carpet style.
- 🔥 Gasoline Glamour Shoes Shake Up the Fashion World – Featuring JWoww’s bold footwear choices at the 2011 MTV Europe Music Awards, highlighting her edgy fashion sense.
Apart from her time on Jersey Shore, Jenni and her roommate Nicole Polizzi starred in their spin-off show, Snooki & Jwoww, for four successful seasons from 2012 to 2015.
6. Angelina Pivarnick: $4 Million Net Worth — Comebacks, Controversies & Bold Fashion
Angelina Pivarnick, born on June 26, 1986, is an intriguing Jersey Shore cast member with a remarkable net worth of $4 million.
The 5-foot-and-1-inch (154.9 cm) tall personality, who wears a US shoe size 7, joined the show at 23, but her journey with the cast was tumultuous. She found herself in numerous conflicts with most show members, resulting in her leaving the show several times.
Despite her early departures from the shore house, Angelina made guest appearances in later seasons and became a prominent cast member in Jersey Shore: Family Vacation.
Angelina Pivarnick flaunted her toned legs in a ruched black mini dress paired with strappy black lace-up stiletto sandals that wrapped around her calves (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)
She ventured into various pursuits, trying her hand at rapping in 2010 with the release of her single “I’m Hot.” In 2011, she entered the ring for Spike TV’s Total Nonstop Action Wrestling. Later, Angelina appeared on Couples Therapy in 2012 with her then-boyfriend. She also served as an FDNY EMT, helping to keep New York safe.
In November 2019, Angelina married Chris Larangeira, but unfortunately, their marriage hit a rough patch, and Chris filed for divorce in February 2022, citing irreconcilable differences.
Angelina’s personal life has seen its ups and downs. Still, she continues to make her mark on reality TV, representing Jersey Shore on the Paramount+ international competition spin-off series, All Star Shore in 2022.
7. Ronnie Ortiz-Magro: $3 Million Net Worth — Personal Struggles and Family Priorities
With an astonishing net worth of $3 million, Ronnie Ortiz-Magro was born on December 4, 1985, and is 5 feet and 6 inches (167.6 cm).
Ronnie joined Jersey Shore at 24, and his time on the show was marked by conflicts with fellow cast members, particularly Sammi Giancola and Mike Sorrentino.
However, his life significantly turned in December 2017 when his girlfriend, Jen Harley, shared that she was expecting a baby. They welcomed their daughter, Ariana Sky, in April 2018.
Ronnie Ortiz-Magro kept it casual in sneakers while his then-fiancée Saffire Matos added height in knee-high cream croc-embossed heeled boots paired with a fitted brown mini skirt and nude top (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages)
Their relationship was tumultuous, with both parties trading accusations of physical abuse against each other. In January 2019, Ronnie sought help and spent a month in a treatment facility for alcohol and depression.
The drama escalated in October 2019, leading to a final split with Jen after a highly publicized altercation that resulted in multiple charges against Ronnie, including domestic violence and child endangerment.
By May 2020, he had agreed to and accepted a plea deal, which included a 36-month probation period, 30 days of community labor, and a $20,000 donation to a women’s shelter.
Amidst his struggles, Ronnie stepped away from Jersey Shore: Family Vacation in May 2021 to “seek medical treatment for mental health issues.” However, he returned to the series in August 2022, proudly announcing one year of sobriety.
Despite the ups and downs in his personal life, Ronnie found love again, getting engaged to Saffire Matos in June 2021. However, the engagement ended in July 2022.
8. Deena Nicole Cortese: $2 Million Net Worth — Family Life and Sweet Style Moments
Born on January 12, 1987, Deena Nicole Cortese stands at just 4 feet and 11 inches (149.9 cm) tall, yet she’s soaring with an outstanding net worth of $2 million. She wears a shoe size 6.5 (US).
While stepping out in her blush pink mini dress, Deena Nicole Cortese added clear heel protectors to her nude Christian Louboutin peep-toe platform pumps — a smart choice for navigating city sidewalks without damaging her stiletto heels.
The neutral tone of her shoes perfectly complemented her outfit while visually elongating her petite 4-foot-11-inch (149.9 cm) frame, giving her legs a longer, leaner appearance.
Deena Nicole Cortese looked sweet and feminine in a pale pink long-sleeve mini dress paired with nude Christian Louboutin peep-toe platform heels, showing off her floral foot tattoo (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)
The television personality initially auditioned for Jersey Shore but narrowly missed making the final cast. However, her charisma landed her a spot in the show’s third season at 23. Throughout the series, Deena showcased her fun-loving personality and remained part of the show until its original run ended.
Beyond her time on Jersey Shore, Deena appeared on Couples Therapy in 2014 and had guest spots on Snooki & JWoww.
In 2017, Deena married Chris Buckner. They are proud parents to two adorable children: Christopher John, born in January 2019, and Cameron Theo, who joined their family in May 2021.
9. Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino: $300K Net Worth — From Prison to Personal Redemption
Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino, who is 5 feet 9 inches (180 cm), may be last on the list, but his net worth is still impressive at $300 thousand.
Born on July 4, 1982, Mike was 27 when he entered the Jersey Shore house, introducing himself as “The Situation” — a nickname that paid tribute to his well-defined abs. While he had his fair share of fights with fellow cast members, he also battled personal struggles, revealing an addiction to prescription drugs.
Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino stepped out in sleek black dress shoes with gold Medusa medallions, pairing them with fitted black pants and a bold Versace-inspired blue and gold printed shirt (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)
Following his popular debut on Jersey Shore, Mike appeared on several reality shows, showcasing his diverse talents. He had memorable appearances on Dancing With the Stars, Celebrity Big Brother, Marriage Boot Camp: Reality Stars, and his series, The Sorrentinos.
Beyond his TV appearances, Mike faced personal obstacles. In March 2012, he sought help and entered rehab, later facing a relapse in 2015. However, he has remained sober since.
He also experienced legal challenges, including a 2014 tax fraud indictment alongside his brother, Marc Sorrentino. He pleaded guilty to tax evasion and served an eight-month prison sentence starting in January 2019.
During this time, he married his high school love, Lauren Pesce. They welcomed their son, Romeo Reign, in May 2021 after previously suffering a miscarriage in 2019. Their second child, a daughter named Mia Bella, was born in January 2023.
Reality Stars Stepping Out in Style: Shoe Moments You Can’t Miss
From the boardwalks of Seaside Heights to the glitz of Hollywood, reality TV stars have showcased unforgettable footwear moments. Dive into these standout shoe stories:
Snooki’s Signature Heel-less Platforms
- Event: ‘Snooki Couture’ Fragrance Launch
- Outfit: Snooki dazzled in a black lace dress, complemented by gold statement earrings and a bold satin bow.
- Footwear: She embraced her signature style with black and gold heel-less platform shoes featuring T-strap detailing.
- Read more: Why Snooki Loves Heel-less Platforms: Inside Her Signature Style
Deena Cortese Rocks Sky-High London Trash Booties
- Event: 2013 MTV Video Music Awards
- Outfit: Deena turned heads in a white peplum mini dress with black accents, paired with a statement beaded necklace.
- Footwear: She elevated her look with black London Trash “Ceres” sky-high suede booties, adding edgy flair to her ensemble.
- Explore her style: Shoe Highlights from the MTV VMAs: Lil Kim, Selena Gomez, and More
Julissa Bermudez’s Bold Balenciaga Derby Shoes
- Event: Business Meeting Ensemble
- Outfit: Julissa showcased a chic look suitable for meetings, pairing her attire with standout footwear.
- Footwear: She opted for Balenciaga perforated derby shoes, featuring a unique design that added an edgy touch to her outfit.
- See more: Julissa Bermudez’s Gladiator Sandals: Perfect for Meetings or On-the-Go
Chanel West Coast’s Daring Christian Louboutin Heels
- Event: 2022 MTV Movie & TV Awards: Unscripted
- Outfit: Chanel dazzled in a floral sequined mini dress, showcasing her baby bump with style.
- Footwear: She completed her look with black Christian Louboutin ankle-strap pumps, adding elegance to her ensemble.
- Discover more: Chanel West Coast: From Reality TV Fame to Rap Star and Fashion Icon
Paris Hilton & Nicole Richie’s Coordinated Slinky Dresses
- Event: ‘Paris & Nicole: The Encore’ Panel at Vulture Festival
- Outfit: The duo stunned in coordinated slinky dresses, reminiscent of their early 2000s fashion moments.
- Footwear: Both complemented their outfits with stylish heels, showcasing their enduring fashion sense.
- See their look: Paris Hilton & Nicole Richie Shine in Slinky Dresses at ‘Paris & Nicole: The Encore’
These iconic moments highlight the unique fashion choices of reality TV stars, emphasizing that standout footwear is a staple on and off the screen.