Drea de Matteo, the Emmy-winning actress renowned for her portrayal of Adriana La Cerva on the iconic HBO series ‘The Sopranos,’ has embarked on a new chapter in her career following years of professional isolation due to her COVID-19 vaccine stance. In a significant development, de Matteo has signed a deal with Simon & Schuster to publish a memoir and launched ‘The Ultrafree Podcast,’ initiatives that reflect her renewed perspective and resilience in the face of industry adversity.
De Matteo’s fall from Hollywood favor began in 2021 when she publicly refused the COVID-19 vaccination, a decision that alienated many in the entertainment industry. As project offers dwindled and colleagues distanced themselves, she faced financial pressures that led her to join OnlyFans, a platform she used to generate income and maintain her mortgage payments. This period of struggle, which she has described as a ‘banishment,’ lasted for five years, during which she largely withdrew from mainstream acting roles.
The upcoming memoir, brokered with Simon & Schuster, promises to offer an intimate look at de Matteo’s life, tracing her path from a creative upbringing in New York City to her breakout role on ‘The Sopranos’ and the subsequent controversies that defined her public image. According to sources, the book will address her political leanings, including her support for Donald Trump in the 2024 election and her admiration for Robert F. Kennedy Jr., elements that she believes contributed to her ostracism in liberal-leaning Hollywood.
Coinciding with the memoir announcement, de Matteo introduced ‘The Ultrafree Podcast’ on February 9, 2026. The podcast, produced with Rainbow Creative, features unscripted discussions with a diverse array of guests, including artists, dissidents, and independent thinkers. De Matteo has stated that the show aims to capture ‘unfiltered’ conversations and challenge conventional narratives, positioning it as a platform for free expression in an increasingly censored media environment.
In reflecting on her journey, de Matteo has emphasized her apolitical roots, noting that she was ‘against the entire system forever’ before becoming engaged with current events. She expressed optimism about Kennedy’s potential influence in a Trump administration and views her career pivot as a move towards greater personal and professional freedom. This shift is underscored by her continued involvement with OnlyFans and her Ultrafree streetwear line, which she frames as acts of political defiance.
De Matteo’s new projects are not merely personal ventures but also statements on the state of Hollywood and celebrity culture. She hopes that the podcast, in particular, will bridge divides by appealing to both her loyal followers and former associates who may have questioned her choices. By fostering open dialogue, she aims to demonstrate that diverse viewpoints can coexist in the entertainment industry.
The actress’s resurgence comes at a time when debates over cancel culture, vaccine mandates, and political polarization continue to shape public discourse. Her ability to secure a major publishing deal and launch a successful podcast suggests a growing appetite for alternative narratives and a reevaluation of what it means to be blacklisted in the digital age. As de Matteo moves forward, her story serves as a case study in reinvention and the power of leveraging new media to reclaim one’s voice.
