Jacqueline Laurita, born April 26, 1970, is a 55-year-old American reality TV star, author, and autism advocate, best known for her role on The Real Housewives of New Jersey (RHONJ). As of 2025, her net worth is estimated at $500,000, derived from reality TV, book sales, and advocacy work. She’s been married to Chris Laurita since 2002, with whom she shares two sons, and has a daughter from a previous marriage. This article dives into her age, net worth, salary, married life, dating history, and biography, offering fresh insights and updates.
Early Life and Background: Jacqueline Laurita’s Age and Roots
Born Jacqueline Elizabeth Grippe on April 26, 1970, in Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, Jacqueline Laurita’s age in 2025 is 55 years. Her father, an Army Colonel, moved the family across Virginia, South Korea, and Germany, shaping her adaptable personality. Of Italian (Sicilian) and Austrian descent, she developed an early passion for beauty and performance, which later fueled her career. After attending Chantilly High School in Virginia, she moved to Las Vegas in 1990, working as a cosmetologist and model—experiences that honed her entrepreneurial spirit.
Her early life wasn’t without challenges. Moving frequently taught her resilience, a trait she credits for navigating the volatile world of reality TV. “Growing up in different cultures gave me a unique perspective on connecting with people,” Laurita shared in a 2023 Instagram post, reflecting on her global upbringing.
Career Highlights: Salary and Rise to Fame
Jacqueline Laurita’s salary from The Real Housewives of New Jersey (2009–2014, 2016) was a cornerstone of her financial success. Reports estimate she earned up to $850,000 annually during her peak seasons, a significant contributor to her net worth. Her role on RHONJ, alongside stars like Teresa Giudice and Caroline Manzo, made her a household name. She appeared in 116 episodes, leveraging her fame for brand partnerships and media appearances on shows like Manzo’d with Children, The Dr. Oz Show, and The Wendy Williams Show.
Beyond TV, Laurita co-authored Get It!: The Busy Girl’s Guide to Getting Your “It” Together in 2016 with Jenè Luciani, a beauty and wellness guide that became a lucrative venture. Sales from the book, combined with her Amazon storefront, “Jacqueline Laurita’s Favorite Buys,” diversified her income. Her cosmetology background also led to beauty product endorsements, further boosting her salary. However, her advocacy for autism awareness, inspired by her son Nicholas’s 2012 diagnosis, has been equally impactful, leading to partnerships with organizations like Autism Speaks.
Net Worth in 2025: Financial Journey and Challenges
As of 2025, Jacqueline Laurita’s net worth is estimated at $500,000, a figure that reflects both her successes and financial setbacks. While some sources in 2024 speculated a net worth as high as $11.2 million, these claims lack substantiation and conflict with consistent estimates from reliable outlets. Her wealth stems from RHONJ earnings, book sales, endorsements, and real estate ventures. However, financial struggles, including a 2009 bankruptcy filing for her and Chris’s company, Signature Apparel, and a 2013 foreclosure scare on their $1.72 million New Jersey mansion, impacted her finances. The couple settled a $7.8 million creditor lawsuit for $1 million, showcasing their resilience.
Despite these challenges, Laurita’s strategic pivot to advocacy and entrepreneurship has stabilized her wealth. Her husband’s popcorn company, The Little Kernel, donates profits to autism foundations, aligning financial goals with personal values. “We’ve faced tough times, but we’ve always bounced back by focusing on what matters,” she told Bravo in 2024.
Married Life and Dating History
Jacqueline Laurita’s married life with Chris Laurita, whom she wed on May 11, 2002, remains a cornerstone of her personal story. The couple met in 1996 at a Chicago trade show, where their instant connection blossomed into a lasting partnership. They share two sons, Christopher “CJ” Laurita (born 2002) and Nicholas Laurita (born 2009). Her dating history includes a brief marriage to Matt Holmes from 1989 to 1992, with whom she has a daughter, Ashlee Holmes. Ashlee’s 2016 childbirth to grandson Cameron Hendrix Malleo marked Laurita’s entry into grandmotherhood.
In a 2025 Instagram tribute, Laurita called Chris the “rock” of their family, praising his humor and support. Their move to Orange County, California, in 2023 for Chris’s apparel business, Velocity Global Brand, reflects their shared ambition. Despite past financial and personal strains, including public feuds on RHONJ, their marriage thrives on mutual respect. “We’ve been through it all, but Chris still makes me feel like I’m 25,” she wrote in a May 2025 post.
Advocacy and Personal Impact: A Unique Perspective
Laurita’s advocacy for autism, sparked by Nicholas’s diagnosis, sets her apart. She’s used her platform to raise awareness, partnering with charities and sharing her family’s journey. In 2024, she launched a blog, TheLookOver.com, blending beauty tips with advocacy, which has resonated with fans. Her transparency about parenting a child with autism—coupled with her son’s fifth-grade leadership award in 2021—offers a relatable narrative. “Nicholas teaches me strength every day,” she shared on Instagram, highlighting her personal growth.
This advocacy has also opened new revenue streams through speaking engagements and brand collaborations, subtly boosting her net worth. Her story resonates with parents navigating similar challenges, making her a beacon of hope in the autism community.
Biography Table: Jacqueline Laurita’s Life at a Glance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jacqueline Elizabeth Grippe Laurita |
| Date of Birth | April 26, 1970 |
| Age (2025) | 55 years |
| Birthplace | Fort Monmouth, New Jersey |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Italian (Sicilian) and Austrian |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (162.5 cm) |
| Weight | 58 kg (123.5 lbs) |
| Education | Chantilly High School, Virginia |
| First Marriage | Matt Holmes (1989–1992) |
| Second Marriage | Chris Laurita (2002–present) |
| Children | Ashlee Holmes, Christopher “CJ” Laurita, Nicholas Laurita |
| Grandchild | Cameron Hendrix Malleo (born 2016) |
| Career Start | 2009, The Real Housewives of New Jersey |
| Notable Works | Get It!: The Busy Girl’s Guide (2016), Manzo’d with Children, Bad Parents |
| Net Worth (2025) | $500,000 |
| Salary (Peak RHONJ) | $850,000 annually (estimated) |
| Advocacy | Autism awareness, partnerships with Autism Speaks |
| Business Ventures | TheLookOver.com, Jacqueline Laurita’s Favorite Buys (Amazon) |
| Current Residence | Orange County, California (since 2023) |
| Social Media | Instagram, Twitter, Facebook |
Conclusion: Jacqueline Laurita’s Enduring Legacy
Jacqueline Laurita’s journey from reality TV star to advocate and entrepreneur showcases her resilience and adaptability. At 55 years old, with a net worth of $500,000, she continues to inspire through her married life with Chris, her advocacy for autism, and her ventures in beauty and wellness. Her story is a testament to overcoming financial and personal challenges while building a meaningful legacy. For more details, check her Wikipedia page or follow her on Instagram for the latest updates.
