Biography
Who is Alyssa Milano?
Early life and background
Alyssa Milano Jayne Milano was born in the Bensonhurst neighborhood of Brooklyn in New York City on December 19, 1972. Her parents raised her in the Catholic faith, which she continues to practice. She grew up alongside her brother Cory, who is a decade younger than she is. Following a neighborhood shooting, her family moved to Great Kills in Staten Island. She attended The Buckley School during her youth.
At age seven, her babysitter took her to an audition for the national touring company of Annie without notifying her parents. She was one of only four girls selected from a group of more than 1,500 participants. This role required her and her mother to spend 18 months on the road. After returning to New York, she appeared in television commercials and performed in off-Broadway productions, including a musical adaptation of Jane Eyre.
Rise to fame on television
In August 1984, Milano made her film debut in the coming-of-age drama Old Enough. Shortly after, she successfully auditioned to play the daughter of Tony Danza's character in the ABC sitcom Who's the Boss? Winning this part prompted her and her family to relocate to Los Angeles, where the series was produced starting in September 1984. Her education during this period was split between regular school and an on-set tutor.
Playing Samantha Micelli established her as a major teen idol of the 1980s. She remained with the series through its entire run until 1992, welcoming the eventual cancellation as a chance to pursue different types of roles. Milano later appeared in other prominent television series, playing Jennifer Mancini in Melrose Place and starring as Phoebe Halliwell in the fantasy drama Charmed from 1998 until 2006.
Film and other projects
At age 12, Milano co-starred as Jenny Matrix in the action film Commando alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger. During the late 1980s, her work in a Japanese children's film led to a five-album record deal for pop music. Her subsequent albums achieved platinum status in Japan, though she later expressed dissatisfaction with their musical quality. She also produced a teen workout video titled Teen Steam.
In the 1990s, she sought to transition away from her wholesome image by appearing in independent films and adult-targeted erotic thrillers such as Embrace of the Vampire and Poison Ivy II. Her later television credits include recurring roles in My Name Is Earl and Mistresses. Beyond acting, she launched a sports apparel line named Touch for female baseball fans and authored a baseball blog.
Personal life and family
Throughout her life and career, Milano maintained close personal and professional relationships with colleagues from her early projects. She was previously married to Cinjun Tate and later married David Bugliari. Her family connections also extended into sports media and professional leagues through her apparel brands and blogging work with Major League Baseball.
Birthday and age
Alyssa Milano was born on December 19, 1972, which makes Alyssa 53 years old today. That birthday falls under the Sagittarius sign. Alyssa shares the date with 36 other famous people.
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