Biography
Who is Carmella DeCesare?
Early life and career beginnings
Carmella DeCesare was born on July 1, 1982, in Avon Lake, Ohio. She is of Puerto Rican and Italian descent. During her formative years, she attended Avon Lake High School in her hometown.
Modeling and Playboy career
Carmella first gained attention from Playboy after applying to a reality show called Who Wants to Be a Playboy Centerfold. She initially withdrew from the process but was later convinced by Hugh Hefner to participate. She appeared as a Cybergirl of the Week and eventually became the Playboy Playmate of the Month for April 2003.
In June 2004, she was named the Playmate of the Year. Her modeling work included appearing in various magazine editions, the 2005 Playmates at Play swimsuit calendar, and Muscle & Fitness online in 2006. She also appeared in the 2008 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue as part of a feature on players' wives.
Work with WWE
In 2004, Carmella participated in the WWE Diva Search reality competition. She placed as the runner-up behind Christy Hemme. During the program, she was involved in a well-known segment called the Diss The Diva challenge, which became known for its explicit nature. She also feuded with Hemme, resulting in a Lingerie Pillow Fight Match at the 2004 Taboo Tuesday pay-per-view event, which was her final appearance for the wrestling promotion.
She later explained in a 2023 podcast interview that she desired to remain with the company. However, contract negotiations failed because her agent requested double the salary that the WWE offered.
Personal life and later career
Carmella married former NFL quarterback Jeff Garcia in April 2007 at the CordeValle Resort in California. The couple had four children together. In 2020, Jeff Garcia announced on Instagram that they had divorced, though they continued to co-parent their children. Together, they established the Garcia Pass It On Foundation to support those in need.
In legal matters, she was charged with assault following a 2004 bar fight in Cleveland. She was acquitted of the assault charge in 2005 but convicted of violating a restraining order. She received probation, a fine, and community service. By 2026, she began working as a realtor for the Oppenheim Group and joined the cast of The Real Housewives of Orange County.
Birthday and age
Carmella DeCesare was born on July 1, 1982, which makes Carmella 44 years old today. That birthday falls under the Cancer sign. Carmella shares the date with 40 other famous people.
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