Chris Laurita (born January 1, 1970) is an American businessman and reality television personality.
He rose to fame on The Real Housewives of New Jersey and now runs the apparel company Velocity Global Brands.
Who is Chris Laurita?
Chris Laurita built his public profile through his marriage to Jacqueline Laurita, a original cast member of The Real Housewives of New Jersey.
Bravo viewers came to know him through his wife’s storylines and his own on-camera appearances alongside his sisters, Caroline Manzo and Dina Manzo. Away from reality television, Laurita has spent decades in the apparel and beverage industries.
He currently serves as co-CEO of Velocity Global Brands, a lifestyle apparel company with offices in New York City and Irvine, California. His family life, including raising a son with autism, has also shaped much of his public story.
Early Life of Chris Laurita
Chris Laurita was born in Brooklyn, New York, to parents Joseph and Nettie Laurita. He is one of eleven children in the Laurita family.
His siblings include reality television personalities Caroline Manzo and Dina Manzo, along with brothers Jaime and Joseph Laurita.
The large family later became familiar to Bravo audiences through multiple appearances on The Real Housewives of New Jersey.
Laurita’s early exposure to business came through family ventures in manufacturing and apparel distribution. That background eventually shaped his career path away from the cameras.
Chris Laurita Age
Chris Laurita is 56 years old as of July 1, 2026, born on January 1, 1970. His zodiac sign is Capricorn.
He continues to lead Velocity Global Brands at this stage of his career. In 2026, the company expanded its licensing partnerships within the apparel industry.
Chris Laurita Height and Weight
Chris Laurita stands at 6 feet 1 inch, which converts to 1.85 meters. His weight is reported at around 180 lbs, or 82 kg.
He has blue eyes and brown hair. His frame has remained a consistent part of his public appearances over the years.
Chris Laurita Career
Chris Laurita’s career began away from television, inside his family’s apparel businesses. He gained early experience through companies including Pyramid Trading Corp and Windsong Allegiance.
Those roles gave him a foundation in manufacturing, branded sales, and business management. Later, he co-founded Signature Apparel Company with his brother, Joseph Laurita.
Breakthrough Role / Career Start
Laurita’s television career began through his wife’s casting on The Real Housewives of New Jersey in 2009. He appeared alongside her and his sisters throughout the show’s early seasons.
He also co-founded BLK Beverages, an alkaline water brand infused with fulvic minerals. The company gained visibility after being featured on the show.
His business dealings were not without controversy. In 2017, a court found him liable for breach of fiduciary duty connected to Signature Apparel Group and ordered him to pay $1.8 million in compensatory damages.
Notable Films / Projects
Beyond The Real Housewives of New Jersey, Laurita appeared in the Bravo series Manzo’d with Children in 2015. He also made a guest appearance on Bethenny in 2013.
He founded The Little Kernel, a popcorn company. Profits from the venture go toward a foundation that supports families of children on the autism spectrum, a cause tied to his son Nicholas.
Recent Work
Laurita now serves as co-CEO of Velocity Global Brands, based in New York City and Irvine, California. The company designs, manufactures, and distributes apparel across North America.
In 2025, Velocity Global Brands partnered with Authentic Brands Group to relaunch the Quiksilver women’s apparel line. The company expanded that partnership further in 2026 to include Lucky Brand workwear.
Chris Laurita Filmography
- The Real Housewives of New Jersey (2009–2016) – Self
- Manzo’d with Children (2015) – Self
- Bethenny (2013) – Self, Guest
Chris Laurita Wife
Chris Laurita has been married to Jacqueline Laurita since 2002. She was previously married to Matt Holmes before their marriage ended in the early 1990s.
The couple met before Jacqueline’s run on The Real Housewives of New Jersey began. Their relationship has remained a consistent thread throughout both of their public lives.
Jacqueline shared their family’s story publicly for years on Bravo. She once said their goal in staying on the show was to raise awareness for autism and to educate others about it.
Chris Laurita Children
Chris and Jacqueline Laurita have two sons together. Their first son, Christopher “CJ” Laurita, was born on May 24, 2002.
Their second son, Nicholas Francis Laurita, was born on June 11, 2009. Nicholas was diagnosed with autism in 2012.
That diagnosis became a defining moment for the family. Chris and Jacqueline have since spoken publicly about autism awareness and family resources.
Laurita is also stepfather to Ashlee Holmes, Jacqueline’s daughter from her first marriage, born December 1, 1990. Ashlee later made Chris a step-grandfather when her son, Cameron Hendrix Malleo, was born on August 30, 2016.
Chris Laurita Net Worth
Chris Laurita’s estimated net worth is $500,000 as of 2026. His income has come primarily from his apparel and beverage business ventures, along with his reality television appearances.
His financial history has included setbacks. The Laurita family’s New Jersey home went into foreclosure on more than one occasion during the 2010s.
Despite those challenges, Laurita has continued building his business career. He now leads a growing apparel company with national retail partnerships.
Chris Laurita Social Media
Chris Laurita is active on Instagram under the handle @chrislaurita. His bio identifies him as CEO and founder of Velocity Global Brands.
He also posts on Threads using the same handle. His posts there often feature family moments alongside business updates.
Laurita frequently shares glimpses of his life in Orange County, California. Family milestones and business news appear regularly across both platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chris Laurita’s net worth?
Chris Laurita’s estimated net worth is $500,000 as of 2026.
How old is Chris Laurita?
Chris Laurita is 56 years old, born on January 1, 1970.
Who is Chris Laurita dating / married to?
Chris Laurita is married to Jacqueline Laurita, his wife since 2002.
What is Chris Laurita’s height?
Chris Laurita stands at 6 feet 1 inch, or 1.85 meters.
What shows has Chris Laurita been in?
Chris Laurita is best known for The Real Housewives of New Jersey, along with Manzo’d with Children and Bethenny.
Where was Chris Laurita born?
Chris Laurita was born in Brooklyn, New York.
The Bottom Line
Chris Laurita built his public profile through The Real Housewives of New Jersey, then shifted his focus toward growing Velocity Global Brands.
His 2025 and 2026 partnerships with Quiksilver and Lucky Brand marked new chapters in his apparel career.
He comes from a large Brooklyn family that includes two other reality television personalities, Caroline and Dina Manzo. His work with The Little Kernel reflects his family’s long-running commitment to autism awareness.
Laurita continues to run Velocity Global Brands from offices in New York and Irvine, California.
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