For six whole seasons of MTV's "Jersey Shore," which originally ran from 2009 to 2012, Paul "Pauly D" DelVecchio became a household name. Fans watched as the aspiring DJ navigated through various antics with his fist-pumping crew, garnering a love-hate relationship with the audience. Despite mixed reactions, his reality TV fame helped him amass an estimated net worth of $20 million.
Since his debut on the small screen, Pauly D has kept himself busy, launching spinoff shows, embracing fatherhood with his daughter Amabella, and starring in the reboot series "Jersey Shore: Family Vacation." Throughout his journey, one aspect that has continually fascinated fans is his extensive tattoo collection. While some tattoos have drawn criticism, with Complex even ranking his elbow star among the 25 worst celebrity tattoos in 2011, they all carry unique meanings. Curious about what these tattoos signify? Let’s delve into Pauly D’s ink and uncover the stories behind them.
In this article, we will explore the various tattoos that Pauly D has adorned on his body, from tributes to loved ones to expressions of personal style. Each piece tells a story, revealing insights into his life, memories, and the people who matter to him. Join us as we break down the significance of Pauly D's tattoos and what they reveal about the man behind the fame.
Table of Contents
- Biography of Pauly D
- Favorite Tattoo: A Tribute to His Best Friend
- Immortalizing a Supermodel in Ink
- The Eclectic Tattoo Collection
- Tribute to His Favorite Clothing Line
- Tattoos Showcasing His Roots and Friendships
Biography of Pauly D
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Paul DelVecchio |
| Stage Name | Pauly D |
| Birth Date | July 5, 1980 |
| Occupation | DJ, Television Personality |
| Famous For | MTV's "Jersey Shore" |
| Net Worth | Approximately $20 million |
Favorite Tattoo: A Tribute to His Best Friend
In 2005, Pauly D suffered a heartbreaking loss when his best friend, William "Billy" Iannotti, tragically died in a motorcycle accident. To honor his friend, Pauly D got a meaningful tattoo—a cross with "In Loving Memory" inscribed above it and "R.I.P. Billy" within it. This tattoo is prominently displayed on his right bicep and holds deep sentimental value for him. In 2011, he expressed, "I have eight tattoos [but] my favorite one is my rest in peace tattoo for my buddy Billy. It's the only tattoo that I have that has real meaning."
But the tribute didn't stop there. In December 2010, Pauly D enhanced this tattoo by visiting Indelible Ink Tattoo Studio, where he added elements like a tombstone and religious iconography, including portraits of Jesus and Mary. This further solidifies the significance of his tattoos, reflecting his strong bond with Iannotti and his appreciation for faith.
Immortalizing a Supermodel in Ink
In December 2014, Pauly D made headlines when he revealed a striking tattoo of supermodel Adriana Lima on his forearm. This tattoo was not just a random choice; it was a tribute to Lima, as he showcased it during the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. He proudly shared a photo on Instagram with the caption, "In Honor Of #VSFashionShow #VSFS2014," tagging Lima herself. The tattoo features a stunning black and gray portrait of the supermodel, demonstrating Pauly D's admiration for her beauty.
Interestingly, this tattoo was added after he had visited a Las Vegas nightclub earlier that year, where his forearm was only partially inked. Upon seeing the tattoo, Lima expressed her gratitude by following Pauly D on Instagram and commenting, "Thank you so much, what an honor." This exchange highlights the unique connections Pauly D has fostered through his art.
The Eclectic Tattoo Collection
During a notable 2011 appearance on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," Pauly D provided a tour of his tattoo collection, which consisted of seven striking pieces at the time. One of the standout tattoos is an illustration of the Italian flag located on his back. He explained, "It's like my skin ripping through and underneath is the Italian flag because I'm an Italian man." This tattoo serves as a proud representation of his heritage.
Pauly D also has a tattoo of the word "Cadillac" inked down his side, which he attributes to his love for cars. He humorously noted that it reflects his passion for automobiles. Other notable tattoos include a "rest in peace" tribute for his late friend and religious imagery featuring Jesus and Mary. This diverse collection showcases his personality, interests, and the significant moments in his life.
Tribute to His Favorite Clothing Line
In a surprising twist, Pauly D decided to pay homage to his favorite clothing line, Dirty Couture, with a tattoo on his left elbow. The logo—a star made up of three star-shaped outlines—reflects his friendship with the brand's founder, Pasquale Dipippo. In 2010, he expressed his affection for the clothing line, stating, "I love his clothes; I wear it all the time." This tattoo serves not only as a fashion statement but also as a testament to his loyalty to friends.
In 2011, Pauly D even collaborated with Dipippo to launch a T-shirt collection called Dirty Beats. He opened a store on the Seaside Heights boardwalk to promote the line, illustrating the importance of friendship in his life. However, his reality TV commitments created obstacles in fully promoting the brand.
Tattoos Showcasing His Roots and Friendships
Pauly D's tattoos are more than just ink on skin; they symbolize his roots and the friendships that have shaped him. One of his notable tattoos is a script running from his right armpit down to his pelvis, which hints at his past as a used car salesman. Pauly D has spoken about his journey from DJing at local clubs to making a name for himself, showcasing his humble beginnings.
Additionally, he and his friends have a unique connection through matching tattoos. In 2012, Pauly D and his close friends got matching palm tattoos as a bonding experience. As one friend humorously noted, they opted for tattoos instead of a blood brother pact, highlighting the camaraderie among them. This illustrates how tattoos can serve as a form of connection and shared memories.
