Dina Manzo Lands Acting Gig on Soap Opera-Inspired Series (EXCLUSIVE)
The former "Real Housewives of New Jersey" castmember will star in the dramedy that goes behind the scenes on daytime dramas.
The former castmember on Bravo’s The Real Housewives of New Jersey and star of HGTV’s Dina’s Party has landed a role on a new series that portrays the behind-the-scenes on daily soap operas called Tainted Dreams.
Created by Emmy-winning director and soap opera veteran Sonia Blangiardo (General Hospital, As the World Turns, All My Children, One Life to Live), the new dramedy casts Manzo as Allessandra DiGiacomo.
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"Coming from a large Italian family, I was immediately drawn to the character of Alessandra's family dynamic,” Manzo says in a statement.
Regarding the casting, Blangiardo says, “I created the role of Alessandra with Dina Manzo in mind, and we are thrilled to have her join our cast. Her constant support of the gay community and her talent makes her the perfect choice for this series.”
The director created Tainted Dreams after the last of the NYC-based soap operas, One Life to Live, shut down production in November of last year.
“I was struck by the loss of this unique art form that had been such an integral part of NYC for decades. I wanted to somehow capture my own two decades working behind the scenes of three different NYC-based soaps,” Blangiardo explains.
“As a long-time fan of One Life to Live, I am excited to be part of a project centered around the rich, proud heritage of NYC-based daytime drama," Manzo adds.
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Tainted Dreams is produced by NYC Brand Productions, which has yet to finalize a distribution deal for the series. Production begins in May.
Manzo left Bravo’s The Real Housewives of New Jersey during its second season in 2010. Dina’s Party premiered on HGTV in 2011 and showcases the reality star’s event planning business.
Do you think Dina will knock this acting gig out of the park?
I really like what I have read about TD...can't wait to actually watch it! Dina sounds like a great addition. And it's cool that the part was written with her in mind and she was a OLTL fan :).
Wow, this is great news. I so excited that Sonia Blangiardo is doing a new show! Dina Manzo is amazing and I can't wait to see her as Alessandra. I can't wait to watch Tainted Dreams.
Wow, Dina Manzo with some of my favorite soap stars, how cool. Sounds like great fun. Can't wait.
Dina is a good addition to the TD cast. I'm getting excited.
Great addition to the cast. This show keeps getting better and better and it's not even airing yet. Can't wait!
I love that Dina Manzo loves One Life to Live! Very excited for this show. Dina is just beautiful.
Sounds like this is gonna be a fun show, one this Soap Fan is really looking forward to.
Tiffany, I am right there with you! I'm going to have to set up a series' recording for this show!
Dina is so mesmerizing!! Can't wait to record and watch it!!!
I love Dina, she's just the opposite of her sister Carolyn.
Bonnie, I'm sure you're not alone in your excitement.
That is AMAZING! Happy to see her in an acting role.