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Gina Liano
Liano in 2016
Born
Georgina Caroline Italiano

(1967-05-18) 18 May 1967 (age 58)
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Other namesJudge Gina[1]
Alma materMonash University (BA)
Monash University Faculty of Law (LLB)
Occupation(s)Businesswoman, barrister, television personality, actress, wedding celebrant
Years active1985–present
Television
PartnerDean Giannarelli (2005–2017)
Children2
RelativesBettina Liano (sister)
Websiteginaliano.com
Signature

Georgina Caroline Italiano (born 18 May 1967), known professionally as Gina Liano, is an Italian-Australian businesswoman, barrister, television personality, actress, and wedding celebrant. She is best known as a former main cast member on the Arena reality television series The Real Housewives of Melbourne (2014–2018) and for her recurring role as Mary Smith in the 10 Peach soap opera Neighbours (2015–2016).

Early life

[edit]

Georgina Caroline Italiano was born in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia on 18 May 1967,[2] as the youngest child to Nicola "Nick" Italiano[3][4] and his wife, Anita Bonollo, a psychologist.[5][6] Her parents are Italian immigrants. She has a brother, Ben, and two sisters, Teresa Liano[7] and Bettina Liano;[8] both her sisters are fashion designers. Her parents later divorced.[9]

Liano attended Star of the Sea College, an independent Catholic day school for girls, in Brighton, Victoria. She graduated in 1983.[10][11] She attended Monash University, where she gained her Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in 1992, followed by her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from Monash University Faculty of Law in 1995.[12]

Career

[edit]

Liano began her professional career in 1985, at the age of 18, when she entered into business with her sisters, running a chain of boutiques.[7]

Liano was admitted as a lawyer on 2 June 1997. She joined the Victorian Bar on 27 May 1999. She is a barrister who practices in criminal law, international torts, commercial law, family law, and employment law.[13]

Liano had her own fortnightly segment on Seven Network's Legal Eagle, which has ended.[14]

On 28 July 2013, it was announced that Liano[15] had joined the main cast member of the Arena reality television series The Real Housewives of Melbourne, the first Australian installment in the American Real Housewives franchise, alongside Jackie Gillies, Chyka Keebaugh, Andrea Moss, Janet Roach, and Lydia Schiavello.[16] She was handpicked by the producers from over 100 women during an eight-month process. Filming for the series began in July 2013.[17] The first season premiered on 23 February 2014,[18] marking her television debut. On 8 May 2014, the series was renewed for a second season.[19] Filming for the series began in August 2014.[20] The second season premiered on 22 February 2015, with Pettifleur Berenger and Gamble Breaux joining the cast.[21] On 7 June 2015, the series was renewed for a third season.[22] Filming for the series began in July 2015.[23] The third season premiered on 21 February 2016, with Susie McLean joining the cast.[24][25] On 22 June 2016, she confirmed there would be a fourth season but filming may be delayed to film the second Australian installment, The Real Housewives of Sydney, adding: "the original girls are out of contract now. They haven't approached us to renegotiate contracts yet."[26] In December 2016, a fourth season was officially confirmed by Foxtel, while also reporting that filming was set to being in early 2017.[27] The fourth season premiered on 6 December 2017, with Venus Behbahani-Clark and Sally Bloomfield joining the cast. In September 2019, Foxtel announced a fifth season, set to premiere in 2020. In February 2020, it was reported that she would be returning for the fifth season.[28] Filming for the series was temporarily halted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In April 2021, she announced her departure from the series after four seasons.[29]

On 6 April 2015, it was announced that Liano had joined the recurring cast of the 10 Peach soap opera Neighbours as Mary Smith, the adoptive mother of the already established character Paige Smith (Olympia Valance), marking her debut as an actress.[30] Luke Dennehy of the Herald Sun reported that the casting directors hired her after she impressed them with a screen test.[31] She began filming on 14 April 2015.[32] Her look and style was not changed for the part and she said that it was one of the reasons she was chosen to play the role. She made her debut screen appearance in the episode broadcast on 30 June 2015,[33] when Mary came to Erinsborough for her adopted daughter Paige's 21st birthday.[34][35] Her debut screen appearance was first broadcast in the United Kingdom on 14 July 2015.[36][37] She reprised the role of Mary, and made her final appearance in the episode broadcast on 11 February 2016.[38]

Liano in 2015

Liano authored her autobiography, Fearless: My Life, My Way (ISBN 9781743794937), which was published by Hardie Grant Books in April 2015.[39]

Liano appeared as the guest quiz master on the premiere episode in the third season of the Network 10 panel quiz show Have You Been Paying Attention?, which was broadcast on 11 May 2015.[40]

On 20 July 2015, it was announced the Liano would appear as a contestant in the fourth season of the Nine Network reality television series The Celebrity Apprentice Australia.[41][42] The season debuted on 16 September 2015 and on the fourth week, she was hospitalised with "a nasty bug" during the challenge and did not participate, withdrawing from the competition in a video at the end of the episode, which was broadcast on 7 October 2015. She said she felt like she was unable to participate in the next challenge also. Her charity of choice was Cancer Council Victoria.[43]

Liano released her own fragrance, Gina by Gina Liano, in 2016. After much success, she released two more fragrances, Fearless by Gina Liano and Luminous by Gina Liano.[44] She has released her own jewellery range.[45] In 2017, she released her own tanning range, Flawless by Gina Liano.[46] She is also a successful property developer and is a qualified art gallery curator.[14]

In January 2016, it was announced that Liano would make her theatre debut in July, as the Wicked Stepmother in the pantomime adaptation of Cinderella at the State Theatre in Sydney.[47]

Liano has been an ordained wedding celebrant since 2017. She officiated her first same-sex marriage on Valentine's Day.[48][49]

Liano officiating a wedding ceremony in 2018

Liano appeared as the celebrity with a problem to solve on the fifth episode in the second season of the Network 10 comedy panel series Hughesy, We Have a Problem. The episode was broadcast on 24 April 2018, and was presented by Dave Hughes, with guests Urzila Carlson, Merrick Watts, Em Rusciano, and Jason Byrne.[50]

Liano appeared on the eighth episode of the Seven Network comedy game show Behave Yourself!, as a panellist. The episode was broadcast on New Year's Eve 2019. Liano and Lawrence Mooney (Team 3) won the episode, alongside Chloe Esposito and Jason Byrne (Team 1), and Nazeem Hussain and Michala Banas (Team 2).[51]

Liano appeared on the fifth episode in the first season of the Network 10 comedy panel game show Would I Lie To You?, as a panellist. The episode was recorded in December 2021 and was broadcast on 28 March 2022. She was on Chris Taylor's team along with Lloyd Langford, competing against Daniel MacPherson and Claire Hooper on Frank Woodley's team.[52]

Liano hosted her own weekly podcast series Judge Gina on ARN's iHeartPodcast Network from July to October 2023, which consisted of 12 episodes.[53][54]

Personal life

[edit]

Liano has been married and divorced twice. She has two sons, Christos Nicolas (born 1990) and Myles Reyntjes (born 1997), both of whom she raised as a single mother.[55]

Liano was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2003.[56] She went into remission after 12 months of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.[57][58] She is an ambassador for Cancer Council Victoria.[59]

Liano was in an on-again, off-again relationship with Dean John Giannarelli from 2005 to 2017. She was the stepmother to his four children,[60] including Dion Giannarelli, who appeared on the ninth season of the Nine Network reality television series Married at First Sight in 2022.[61][62]

Liano in 2018

Liano purchased a $2.4M home in Brighton, Victoria in October 2022,[63] where she lives with her Labradoodle, Ninja, and her two Cavoodles, Noodles and Chewie.[64]

Filmography

[edit]

As herself

[edit]
Year Title Notes
2014–2018 The Real Housewives of Melbourne 49 episodes
2015 The 57th Annual TV Week Logie Awards Television special
2015 Have You Been Paying Attention? 1 episode
2015 The Celebrity Apprentice Australia 4 episodes
2016 Weekend Sunrise 1 episode
2018 Hughesy, We Have a Problem 1 episode
2019 Behave Yourself! 1 episode
2022 Would I Lie to You? 1 episode
2023–present Judge Gina Podcast series

As an actress

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2015–2016 Neighbours Mary Smith 7 episodes
2018 Tara Tremendous Queen Oceannia Podcast series

Source(s): [65][66]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Gina Liano". Profile Talent. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  2. ^ "Gina Liano begins a new acting career as she celebrates turning 50". The Daily Telegraph. 18 May 2016. Retrieved 12 March 2025. Today the Desperate Housewife will celebrate her 50th birthday while planning the next adventure — her foray onto the stage in Cinderella as the Wicked Stepmother.
  3. ^ "Nicola Italiano". Il Globo. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  4. ^ Brain, Anna (19 November 2017). "Gina Liano puts a brave face on family grief in new season The Real Housewives of Melbourne". Herald Sun. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  5. ^ "Anita Bonollo". Australian Psychological Society. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  6. ^ "What to wear next autumn?". The Age. 27 October 2004. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  7. ^ a b Wells, Rachel (14 February 2014). "From fashion to stardom, sisters in step". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  8. ^ Doreian, Robyn (23 April 2015). "Two of us: Bettina and Gina Liano". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  9. ^ Duck, Siobhan (2 May 2014). "Gina Liano opens up about cancer, her fashion designer sisters and those bullying Real Housewives". news.com.au. pp. en–AU. Archived from the original on 11 July 2018. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  10. ^ "Events". Star of the Sea College. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  11. ^ "Star of the Sea shines a light on past students". Herald Sun. 1 July 2020. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  12. ^ "Star of the Sea shines a light on past students" (PDF). ECU. 1 July 2020. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  13. ^ "Gina C Liano". Vicbar. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  14. ^ a b "Gina Liano". Reality Tea. 5 May 2024. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  15. ^ "Gina Liano". Bravo TV Official Site. 30 July 2014. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  16. ^ Knox, David (28 July 2013). "The Real Housewives of Melbourne revealed". TV Tonight. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  17. ^ Knox, David (9 August 2013). "The three 'Kims' rule for Real Housewives of Melbourne". TV Tonight. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  18. ^ Knox, David (21 January 2014). "Airdate: The Real Housewives of Melbourne". TV Tonight. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  19. ^ Knox, David (8 May 2014). "Renewed: The Real Housewives of Melbourne". TV Tonight. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  20. ^ Bond, Nick (21 August 2015). "Real Housewives of Melbourne, season 2: Gamble Breaux and Pettifleur Berenger join the cast". news.com.au. Archived from the original on 23 January 2025. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  21. ^ Carbone, Suzanne (18 February 2015). "Real Housewives of Melbourne returns for season two". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  22. ^ Dennehy, Luke (7 June 2015). "The Real Housewives Of Melbourne star Gina Liano confirms she will return for third series". Herald Sun. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  23. ^ Knox, David (8 June 2015). "Gina Liano returning for Real Housewives". TV Tonight. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  24. ^ Bond, Nick (17 February 2016). "Here's what happens when you try to interview all eight of the Real Housewives at once". news.com.au. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  25. ^ Rosenfeld, Laura (28 June 2016). "The Real Housewives of Melbourne Returns for Season 3: Here's Your First Look". Bravo TV Official Site. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  26. ^ Waterhouse, Kate (22 June 2016). "Real Housewives star Gina Liano reveals her 'mixed' feelings at theatre debut". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  27. ^ Dennehy, Luke (19 December 2016). "Real Housewives of Sydney star Matty reveals: I've caused some drama!". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  28. ^ "The Real Housewives of Melbourne cast announced". Foxtel. 19 February 2020. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  29. ^ Epstein, Jackie (3 September 2021). "Why Gina Liano nearly walked away from Real Housewives of Melbourne at the start". Herald Sun. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  30. ^ Fletcher, Harry (6 April 2015). "Real Housewives of Melbourne star lands Neighbours role". Digital Spy. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  31. ^ Dennehy, Luke (14 April 2015). "Gina Liano of Real Housewives of Melbourne joins Neighbours cast". Herald Sun. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  32. ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (15 April 2015). "Neighbours: First look at Real Housewives star Gina Liano on set". Digital Spy. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  33. ^ Vena, Jocelyn (29 June 2015). "Which Bravoleb Is Starring on a Soap?". Bravo TV Official Site. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  34. ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (22 June 2015). "Neighbours: Paige Smith to clash with adoptive mum Mary". Digital Spy. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  35. ^ Halliwell, Elle (30 June 2015). "'I'd love to do Wentworth': Neighbours cameo kickstarts Gina Liano's TV career". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  36. ^ Dainty, Sophie (29 June 2015). "Neighbours trailer teases Daniel Robinson and Amber Turner's split". Digital Spy. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  37. ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (10 July 2015). "Soap spoilers: Ordeal for Imogen in Neighbours and Brax meets his son in Home and Away". Digital Spy. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  38. ^ Fletcher, Harry (4 December 2015). "Neighbours: Lyn Scully is returning to Ramsay Street in 2016". Digital Spy. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  39. ^ "Fearless by Gina Liano". Hardie Grant Books. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  40. ^ Knox, David (27 April 2015). "Returning: Have You Been Paying Attention?". TV Tonight. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  41. ^ Vena, Jocelyn (20 July 2015). "#RHOMelbourne Star Gina Liano Has a Brand New Gig". Bravo TV Official Site. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  42. ^ Knox, David (21 July 2015). "Nine announces Celebrity Apprentice cast". TV Tonight. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  43. ^ Knox, David (6 October 2015). "Gina's message to Celebrity Apprentice cast". TV Tonight. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  44. ^ Hornery, Andrew (25 August 2017). "Celebrity perfumes just in time for Christmas". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  45. ^ Schelle, Caroline (6 May 2016). "Real Housewives of Melbourne's Gina Liano will launch her new jewellery line at Pacific Werribee". Herald Sun. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  46. ^ Lee, Natasha (19 May 2016). "Gina Liano: "They know we can't keep RHOM secrets"". Yahoo! Life. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  47. ^ Hook, Chris (24 January 2016). "Real Housewives of Melbourne's Gina Liano to star in Cinderella pantomime". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  48. ^ Byrne, Fiona (11 February 2017). "Gossip Queen: Real Housewives star Gina Liano to 'put a ring on it' in new wedding role". Herald Sun. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  49. ^ Miller, Megan; Byrne, Anna (8 February 2019). "The stars who put the celeb into wedding celebrant". Herald Sun. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  50. ^ Knox, David (24 April 2018). "Hughesy We Have a Problem: Apr 24". TV Tonight. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  51. ^ "Returning: Behave Yourself". TV Tonight. 27 November 2019. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  52. ^ Knox, David (25 March 2022). "Would I Lie To You?: Mar 28". TV Tonight. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  53. ^ "Judge Gina". Judge Gina. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  54. ^ "Judge Gina". iHeart. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  55. ^ Duck, Siobhan (15 July 2023). "Gina Liano: 'Me? Humble? That's a stupid thing to say'". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  56. ^ Koha, Nui Te (6 April 2015). "Real Housewives of Melbourne star Gina Liano says she measures success by health not wealth". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  57. ^ Tuohy, Wendy (14 March 2015). "Gina Liano, the shining star of Real Housewives of Melbourne, is the real deal of reality television". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  58. ^ McCauley, Dana (3 April 2015). "Real Housewife Gina Liano reveals struggle to overcome a difficult family life, marriage breakdown and cancer diagnosis in tell-all book". Herald Sun. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  59. ^ "Media". Cancer Council Victoria. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  60. ^ Bradford, Jessica (6 September 2014). "PHOTOS Who is Real Housewives of Melbourne's Gina Liano's secret partner?". Starcasm. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  61. ^ Sangster, Ellie. "RHOM's Gina Liano Spills on Complex Relationship With Ex-Stepson and MAFS Star Dion Giannarelli". SO DRAMATIC!. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  62. ^ Cartwright, Lexie (20 March 2022). "'I don't know if he's fond of me': Gina Liano's link to MAFS' Dion Giannarelli". news.com.au. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  63. ^ Holgate, Emily (31 October 2022). "Real Housewives of Melbourne star Gina Liano splashes $2m+ on new Brighton pad". Real Estate. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  64. ^ 'Ninja' the Labradoodle and 'Noodles' & 'Chewie' the Cavoodles and Gina Liano. Can I Pat Your Dog? With Yvie Jones. 16 October 2024. Retrieved 12 March 2025 – via Acast.
  65. ^ "Gina Liano". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  66. ^ "Gina Liano". TV Guide. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
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