When people hear the name Victoria Chlebowski, they often think of her as Michael Imperioli’s wife. Michael is the famous actor who played Christopher Moltisanti in the hit TV show “The Sopranos.” However, Victoria is much more than just a celebrity wife. She has her own successful career as an interior designer, entrepreneur, and film producer. Her life story is full of interesting moments, from growing up in Russia to building a creative business in New York City.
Personal Info
| Full Name | Victoria Chlebowski |
|---|---|
| Birth Year | 1966 |
| Birthplace | Russia (Soviet Union) |
| Age | 58 years old (as of 2026) |
| Nationality | Russian-American |
| Profession | Interior Designer, Entrepreneur, Film Producer |
| Spouse | Michael Imperioli (married 1996) |
| Children | Three (Vadim, David, and Isabella) |
| Known For | Interior Design, SVE New York, Studio Dante |
| Religion | Buddhism (formerly Christian) |
Early Life and Background
Victoria Chlebowski was born in 1966 in Russia during the Soviet Union era. She grew up in a Jewish family, but she was a devoted Christian during her younger years. Life in Russia was not easy for her family because of anti-Semitism, which is discrimination against Jewish people.
In 1976, Victoria’s mother, Raisa Chlebowski, made a brave decision to leave Russia and move to Ukraine to escape this discrimination. Later, the family moved to the United States when Victoria was 16 years old. This was a big change for the young girl who had to adapt to a completely different culture and language.
When they first arrived in America, Victoria and her family lived in a small railroad apartment. Victoria has said that the apartment was not very nice, but it was a new beginning for them. She attended a private high school in California and later went to Elite College in the United States.
Victoria’s stepfather, Ryszard Chlebowski, is a master artisan who works with wood paneling and moldings. Growing up around someone so skilled in crafts helped Victoria develop her own love for design and creativity. This early exposure to artistic work would shape her future career path.
Career and Professional Life
Interior Design Success
Victoria Chlebowski found her passion in interior design and turned it into a successful career. She co-founded a design company called SVE New York with her business partner, Sonya Chang. The company focuses on creating beautiful spaces for homes and businesses.
What makes Victoria special as a designer is her philosophy about design. She loves to refurbish and restore old things rather than always buying new items. This approach shows her creativity and her respect for history and craftsmanship. Over the years, she has worked on many projects, including refurbishing buildings in New York City.
Victoria and her husband Michael also worked together on renovating a factory building in the Tribeca neighborhood of Manhattan. They additionally own a bohemian bar in Chelsea, showing their shared love for creative spaces and community gathering places.
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Studio Dante
One of Victoria’s most exciting projects was co-founding Studio Dante with her husband Michael. This was an off-Broadway theater where Michael worked as a director. The theater became a special place for emerging artists, writers, and performers to share their work. It was not just a business venture but a creative hub that reflected both Victoria and Michael’s passion for the arts and storytelling.
Film Production Work
Victoria has also worked in the film industry as a producer. She has credits on several films, including “Joy de V.” (2013), “The Hungry Ghosts,” and “Circledrawers.” In these projects, she helped with many important tasks like raising money, finding actors, and overseeing the filming process. Her creative spirit and ability to work well with others made these films successful.
Meeting Michael Imperioli and Their Love Story
Victoria and Michael Imperioli’s love story began in the mid-1990s when they met at a bar in New York City. The exact location of the bar remains a secret, but sparks flew between them immediately. They had known each other since college, and their connection was strong from the start.
After dating for about five months, Victoria and Michael decided to get married. Their wedding took place on September 19, 1996. This means they have been married for nearly 30 years, which is quite rare in Hollywood where many celebrity marriages end quickly.
Michael has often shared his love for Victoria publicly. In 2020, he posted an old wedding photo on Instagram for their 24th anniversary with a sweet message saying, “Can’t imagine what I’d be without you.” This shows the deep connection they share.
Family Life
Victoria and Michael have three children together. Their two sons are named Vadim and David, and they also have a daughter named Isabella. Isabella is actually Victoria’s daughter from a previous relationship, but Michael has been a loving stepfather to her for most of her life.
The family has always valued privacy, so not much information is available about their children. However, it is known that Vadim has shown interest in performing arts, following in his father’s footsteps. In 2021, Michael mentioned that their youngest son David had started college.
The family lives in an apartment on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City. They also spend time in Santa Barbara, California. Despite Michael’s fame, they have managed to keep their family life mostly private and normal.
Spiritual Journey
Victoria’s spiritual journey is an interesting part of her life story. She grew up Jewish but became a devoted Christian. However, in recent years, both Victoria and Michael have embraced Buddhism.
They began attending Buddhist teachings in New York City in 2016. Now, they are students of Tibetan Buddhist lama Namkha Rinpoche. The couple has even helped set up a center in Tribeca where Rinpoche can teach others about Buddhism.
Michael has said that their spiritual practice has helped their marriage grow stronger. He mentioned that mindfulness meditation has increased their trust and closeness over time. Victoria has found peace and balance through Buddhism, which fits well with her creative and thoughtful personality.
Personal Style and Interests
Victoria is known for her unique sense of style. She often wears flowing dresses and skirts in soft, muted colors. She loves to add chunky jewelry and statement accessories to her outfits. Her look combines classic elegance with a bohemian, artistic flair. Many people admire her style and try to copy her effortless, chic appearance.
Beyond fashion, Victoria is passionate about art, culture, and design. She enjoys refurbishing old buildings and objects, giving them new life instead of throwing them away. This shows her sustainable approach to life and her appreciation for craftsmanship and history.
Estimated Net Worth
While Victoria’s exact personal net worth is not publicly known, estimates suggest it could be around $550,000. This comes from her successful interior design business and other entrepreneurial ventures. Her husband Michael Imperioli has an estimated net worth of $20 million from his acting career. Together, they have built a comfortable and creative life.
Conclusion
Victoria Chlebowski is a remarkable woman who has built her own identity beyond being a celebrity wife. From her challenging early years in Russia to becoming a successful interior designer and entrepreneur in New York City, she has shown strength, creativity, and determination.
Her nearly 30-year marriage to Michael Imperioli is a testament to their strong partnership, built on love, respect, and shared creative interests. Together, they have raised three children, run businesses, and supported each other’s dreams.
Victoria’s story reminds us that behind every famous person, there may be an equally interesting partner with their own talents and achievements. She continues to inspire through her work in design, her commitment to family, and her spiritual journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How did Victoria Chlebowski and Michael Imperioli meet?
Victoria and Michael met at a bar in New York City in the mid-1990s. They had known each other since college and started dating. After about five months of dating, they got married in September 1996.
2. What does Victoria Chlebowski do for a living?
Victoria is an interior designer and entrepreneur. She co-founded a design company called SVE New York with her partner Sonya Chang. She has also worked as a film producer and co-founded Studio Dante theater with her husband.
3. How many children do Victoria and Michael have?
They have three children: two sons named Vadim and David, and a daughter named Isabella. Isabella is Victoria’s daughter from a previous relationship, but Michael has been her stepfather for most of her life.
4. Where was Victoria Chlebowski born?
Victoria was born in Russia in 1966 during the Soviet Union era. Her family moved to Ukraine in 1976 and later immigrated to the United States when Victoria was 16 years old.
5. What religion does Victoria Chlebowski practice?
Victoria grew up in a Jewish family and was a devoted Christian for many years. However, she and her husband converted to Buddhism in 2016. They are now students of Tibetan Buddhist lama Namkha Rinpoche.
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