| Full Name | Paul Michael DelVecchio Jr. |
| Birthday | July 5, 1980 |
| Birthplace | Providence, Rhode Island, USA |
| Age | 43 |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
| Parents | Donna DiCarlo and Paul D. DelVecchio |
| Siblings | 1 sister named Vanessa |
| Residence | Las Vegas, Nevada, USA |
Paul DelVecchio, better known as DJ Pauly D, is an American television personality, DJ, and producer who rose to fame as a cast member on MTV's Jersey Shore. With his trademark blowout hairstyle and tanned Guido look, Pauly D became a breakout star and lovable goofball on the popular reality show. Now over a decade later, Pauly D has parlayed that television fame into a thriving career as one of the most in-demand DJs in Las Vegas.
Early Life in Rhode Island
Pauly D was born on July 5, 1980 in Providence, Rhode Island and raised in nearby Johnston, RI. He grew up in a strict Italian Catholic household with his parents Donna and Paul D. DelVecchio and older sister Vanessa. According to Pauly D, he was an awkward and shy child who got made fun of often. He found escape through music, buying his first set of turntables at age 14.
As a teenager, Pauly D began DJing parties for his high school using the name "Paul E Dangerously." He has cited fellow Rhode Island DJs like Konflikt, Z-Man, and Billy & Chuck as early influences. After graduating high school in 1998, Pauly D continued to DJ around Providence while working at a car dealership and local tanning salon.
Pop Culture Stardom on Jersey Shore
In 2009, Pauly D was cast on a new MTV reality show Jersey Shore and moved into the summer shore house in Seaside Heights, NJ along with seven rambunctious castmates. When the show premiered in December 2009, it became an instant pop culture phenomenon with Pauly D as one of its breakout stars.
With his designer sunglasses, spiky blowout, nicknames like "The Situation", and cheerful demeanor, Pauly D encapsulated the guido lifestyle. Fans loved his positive energy and carefree approach to life. His catchphrases like "Yeah buddy!", "T-shirt time" and "Cabs are here!" became wildly popular. Pauly D also endeared himself to fans by taking newcomer Vinny under his wing in the first season.
Across Jersey Shore‘s six seasons, Pauly D entertained with his bromance with The Situation, pranks on Unit, easygoing nature, and of course his DJ skills. He also got into a tumultuous on-again, off-again relationship with fellow castmate Jenni "JWoww" Farley. Their chaotic romance provided some of the show‘s most memorable and fiery moments.
Transition to Celebrity DJ
Capitalizing on his newfound fame, Pauly D began traveling to Las Vegas on the weekends for guest DJ gigs while shooting Jersey Shore. His profile grew as he got residencies at major Vegas clubs like Moon and Palms Pool. He also released several popular dance singles like "Beat Dat Beat" and "Back to Love" featuring Jay Sean.
In 2011, Pauly D got his own spinoff show The Pauly D Project that documented his transition from reality TV personality to legitimate DJ. Viewers got to see his training with top DJs, preparation for huge gigs, and growth into an elite DJ. That same year, Pauly D opened for pop star Britney Spears on her Femme Fatale tour which further boosted his credibility.
Throughout 2012-2013, at the height of his fame, Pauly D earned a staggering $13 million in a single year from his DJ residencies, festival performances, and Jersey Shore salary. He scored massive DJ gigs at star-studded events like the Teen Choice Awards, iHeartRadio Festival, and the 2012 NASCAR afterparty.
Continued Success and Ventures
After Jersey Shore ended in 2012, Pauly D focused on expanding his musical career and brand. He signed a lucrative record deal with 50 Cent‘s label G-Note Records and went on tour with hip-hop star Britney Spears. In 2013, he released his first studio album called G.O.O.D which included collaborations with rappers like Lil Jon. While the album did not see major mainstream success, it showed Pauly D‘s continued growth as a dance/pop DJ.
Pauly D has also found tremendous success with his DJ residency at Harrah‘s Las Vegas Hotel and Casino. In 2018, he signed a lucrative five-year contract to continue headlining at the resort‘s newly named Pauly D Dayclub. According to Pollstar, Pauly D consistently ranks among the highest paid DJs in the world, earning around $10-15 million per year.
Beyond music, Pauly D continues to branch out with business ventures like his own line of tanning lotions and hair care products. He partnered with DelVecchio rum company to release a limited-edition strawberry margarita mix. Pauly D also oversees a real estate portfolio that includes properties in Rhode Island, Las Vegas, and Miami.
Jersey Shore Family Vacation and Return to TV
In 2018, Pauly D reunited with the Jersey Shore cast (sans Sammi Sweetheart) for a new reality show Jersey Shore: Family Vacation. The reboot has aired for 5 seasons thus far and generated strong ratings for MTV. Fans have loved seeing Pauly D‘s fun bromances, legendary pranks, comedic one-liners, and wild club nights all over again.
Pauly D continues to balance his DJ career with occasional reality TV appearances. In 2019, he placed 5th on Worst Cooks in America: Celebrity Edition. He also starred on two seasons of MTV‘s dating show A Double Shot at Love with DJ Pauly D.
Fun Facts for Superfans
- Pauly D didn‘t drink alcohol until he turned 25.
- He dropped out of college after one year because he hated early morning classes.
- Pauly D won $16,750 for the Save A Child‘s Heart Foundation charity on a Price is Right celebrity edition.
- He trademarked his blowout hairstyle under the name "DJ Pauly D Project"
- Pauly D has over 20 different nicknames he uses for his closest friends.
- His musical influences include DJ AM, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and Kid Capri.
- Pauly D‘s daughter Amabella lives with her mom in New Jersey and California.
- He worked at a tanning salon for over 15 years before getting cast on Jersey Shore.
Even over a decade later, Pauly D is as popular as ever thanks to his musical talent, lovable personality, and pop culture nostalgia. With his Italian charm and youthful attitude, Pauly D continues to entertain legions of dedicated fans around the world.
