Melissa Gorga

Melissa Ann Gorga (born Marco; born March 21, 1979) is an American television personality, author, singer, designer and businesswoman. She is a member of the cast of The Real Housewives of New Jersey, joining the show in its third season in 2011.

Early life
Gorga was born on March 21, 1979. She is of Italian descent and grew up in Toms River, New Jersey. She attended New Jersey City University and lived in Bayonne, New Jersey, while in college.

Career
Gorga joined Bravo's reality television series The Real Housewives of New Jersey as a main cast member in 2011. In 2011, she appeared on the magazine cover of the August issue of Boardwalk Journal. She has also appeared in pictorials for Paper and Us Weekly.

She also has pursued a music career. Her single "On Display" was released on iTunes on August 13, 2011. Other singles were previewed on several season-four episodes, and Gorga issued a four-song EP. As of July 5, 2012, she has released two additional singles on iTunes: "How Many Times", released April 29, 2012, and "Rockstar", released June 10, 2012. Her fourth single, "I Just Wanna", was released September 2012. Written by and featuring hip hop singer Santino Noir, it was accompanied by a music video. In January 2016, Gorga told E! News she wouldn't be continuing her music career, but expressed interest to returning to music in the future.

Her book titled "Love, Italian Style: The Secret of My Hot and Happy Marriage" was published by St. Martin's Griffin in 2013. In 2014, Gorga introduced a jewelry line on HSN. In late 2015, she opened a clothing boutique called Envy by Melissa Gorga in Montclair, New Jersey, in premises built by her husband, Joe. In January 2017, the store was temporarily closed due to a dispute with her business partner, Jackie Beard Robinson; it re-opened later that month. In December 2017, Robinson sued Gorga, alleging Gorga falsely accused Robinson of stealing merchandise from Envy.

In May 2017, the Gorgas opened a restaurant in East Hanover, New Jersey with Teresa Giudice named Gorga's Homemade Pasta and Pizza. In January 2018, the restaurant closed in search of larger space and new management.

Gorga starred in The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip a spin-off featuring various women from The Real Housewives franchise, that premiered on Peacock in November 2021.

Personal life
She is married to Giuseppe "Joe" Gorga, who also appears on The Real Housewives of New Jersey, who is the brother of cast member Teresa Giudice. The Gorgas have 3 children: Antonia, Gino, and Joey and reside in Montville, New Jersey.

Published works

 * Love Italian Style: The Secrets of My Hot and Happy Marriage, St. Martin's Press, 2013. ISBN 978-1250041487