O sobie: Cortese was born in the New Egypt section of Plumsted Township, New Jersey to Italian American parents.[citation needed] Cortese graduated from New Egypt High School and briefly attended Brookdale Community College. She was friends with fellow housemate Nicole Polizzi before joining the show. Cortese also has a sister, Joanie Maiorella, who was seen in multiple episodes throughout Season 5 of Jersey Shore .
Cortese is a cast member on the reality TV series Jersey Shore. Deena originally auditioned for season 1 but was rejected; however, she was approached once more by MTV when Angelina Pivarnick left the show after Season 2. She joined the cast in Season 3, which filmed in Seaside Heights, New Jersey, and is still part of the Season 5 cast.
When first arriving on the show, she referred to herself as "A blast in a glass" and "A walking holiday".
