Claudine J. "Dina" Cantin (nee Laurita, formerly Manzo; born March 7, 1972) is an American television personality, philanthropist and businesswoman. She is best known for starring in the Bravo reality series The Real Housewives of New Jersey.
Early Life
Cantin was born in Brooklyn, New York to parents Joseph and Nettie Laurita. She is the youngest of eleven siblings, including fellow reality television stars Caroline Manzo and Chris Laurita. Her father died in 2020.
Career
Cantin launched a design business in 2005 called Designer Affair. In 2007, she and her then husband appeared in an episode of VH1's My Fabulous Wedding.
She then hosted the party-planning series Dina's Party on HGTV in 2011 but it was later cancelled after two seasons.
Cantin runs Project Ladybug, a nonprofit organisation that focuses on helping children diagnosed with cancer and their families pay for medical bills and other expenses.
In 2016, she released a skincare product line titled Glow by Dina.
The Real Housewives of New Jersey
In 2009, Dina joined the cast of the Bravo reality television series for the first season. She departed the series after the seventh episode of Season 2 before returning in Season 4 as a 'guest'. She then returned as a full-time housewife for Season 6 but left again after this.
RHONJ Taglines
- Season 1 and 2 - "If you think I'm a bitch, then bring it on."
- Season 6 - "I'm back to bring the zen. Namaste bitches."
Personal Life
Marriages and Children
Cantin has been married three times. Her first husband was George Hadjiapostoli and together they have one daughter, Alexia "Lexi" (born January 25, 1996). The couple later divorced.
She married her second husband, businessman Thomas "Tommy" Manzo in 2005 but the couple separated in 2012 and their divorce was finalised in 2016. Tommy is the brother of Albert Manzo, who also happens to be her sister Caroline's husband.
She married her third husband, David Cantin on June 28, 2017. In May 2017, she and David had returned home to their townhouse in Holmdel and found two assailants inside, who rushed at them as they opened the door. One of the assailts hit Cantin several times with a baseball bat, while the other punched Manzo multipe times. The thieves tied up the couple before making off with personal belongings such as cash and jewellery. The two were later taken to hospital and Cantin suffered significant injuries to his face, including a broken nose.
Family
Husbands and Partners
- George Hadjiapostoli (Ex-husband)
- Tommy Manzo (Ex-husband; 2007-2016)
- Dave Cantin (Husband; 2017-present)
Children
Parents
- Joseph Laurita
- Nettie Laurita
Siblings (order unknown)
- Joseph Laurita
- Caroline Manzo
- Michael Laurita
- Dominick Laurita
- Angela Rooney
- Ann Ricks
- Anthony Laurita
- Chris Laurita
- Francesca D'Annunzio
- Jaime Laurita
Nieces and Nephews
Filmography
Television
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | My Big Fat Fabulous Wedding | Herself |
| 2009 | Live with Kelly and Ryan | |
| 2009-2010; 2012 and 2014 | The Real Housewives of New Jersey | |
| 2010 | Who Wants to Be a Millionaire | |
| The Fashion Show | ||
| 2011 | Mad Fashion | |
| The Wendy Williams Show | ||
| 2012 | Iron Chef America: The Series | |
| Fox and Friends | ||
| Celebrities at Home | ||
| 2012-2014 | Dina's Party | |
| 2013 | Oprah: Where Are They Now? | |
| 2014 | Today | |
| The View | ||
| 2015 | Teresa Checks In | |
| Manzo'd with Children | ||
| Steve Harvey | ||
| 2016 | Home & Family | |
| FabLife | ||
| Tainted Dreams | Alessandra DiGiacoma |