Nicole Elizabeth "Snooki" Polizzi, born on November 23, 1987, is an American reality television star, who gained popularity as a cast member on the MTV reality show Jersey Shore and became one of the highest paid reality stars. Following its premiere in 2009, The Jersey Shore propelled Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi's career with appearances on talk shows, including The Ellen DeGeneres, The View, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Jay Leno Show, and Late Show with David Letterman.
Born in Santiago, Chile, Nicole was adopted by Italian American parents when she was six months old. Growing up in Marlboro, New York, Nicole earned the nickname "Snookie" in middle school for being the first of her friends to kiss a boy and later was apart of the Marlboro High School cheerleading squad. After graduating from high school, Nicole studied to become a veterinary technician at a community college.
Nicole's first television appearance was on MTV's show Is She Really Going Out with Him?, a show about women dating obnoxious guys, alongside her-then boyfriend Justin. Her big break came when she was scouted by Doron Fir Casting and joined the cast of the reality show Jersey Shore, shot in Seaside Heights. The New York Times coined her "the breakout member of the cast," admitting that her careless actions on the show gained her ridicule from the public but still had a "strange appeal." The shows popularity, which stemmed from Nicole's vibrant personality and presence, increased Nicole's starting salary of $5,000 per episode to $30,000, making her one of the highest paid female reality stars. After being punched in the face by New York City school gym teacher Brad Ferro during production, Nicole's appearance fees increased from $2,000 per event to $10,000 per event.
In 2011, Nicole and cast memeber Jennifer "JWoww" Farley were offered a 12 episode spinoff show, Snooki and JWoww vs. The World, that focuses around Nicole and JWoww moving into together. Prior to its premiere, the media speculated on the success of the show after Nicole confirmed she was pregnant. Although skeptism surrounded the show, the show premiere drew in around 2.4 million viewers.
Snooki Boyfriend, Fiance & Dating History
January 2010 - April 2010
Nicole dated Emilio Masella, who she labeled a "gorilla juicehead" but the relationship didn't last. Masella was so devastated that he pitched his own reality show called 'Fist Pumpin 4 Love."
August 2010
Nicole and Jeff Miranda started dating while filming the third season of Jersey Shore.' After 2 weeks of dating, Miranda proposed to Nicole. A rejection soon followed.
2011 - Present
Nicole and Jionni LaValle began dating in 2011. After breaking up a couple of times, the couple announced their engagement in 2012, along with their transition into parenthood.
