RHONJ: What Happened To Danielle Staub's Friend Danny Provenzano?

Compared to the 13 seasons "The Real Housewives of New Jersey" has been on-air, Danielle Staub's time on the show doesn't amount to much. Originally, Staub was one of the franchise's main cast members, but she's never held a full-time role since Season 2. Years later, Staub returned in a supporting capacity for three additional seasons. With that said, Staub's place among "Housewives'" heavyweights has already been written in the history books. Some of Jersey's most entertaining moments have revolved around Staub'sshort fuse, expressive personality and super active dating history.

Of course, you can't forget about her penchant for feuding with everyone around her, including Teresa Giudice. Before Staub was reportedly fired, she often featured her friend, director Danny Provenzano, in her scenes. Throughout "RHONJ" Season 2, Provenzano often served as a reliable ally for Staub to film with. Since leaving the show, Staub's kept her fans in the loop about her next moves, which has included the launch of her successful podcast, titled "Danielle Staub, Absolutely." But have you ever wondered what happened to Provenzano?

Danny Provenzano is a man of many ... talents? In addition to being a director and actor, he's also a former mobster, who was born into a powerful criminal dynasty. Shortly after appearing on "The Real Housewives of New Jersey," the Philadelphia Inquirer published a piece positioning Provenzano as Danielle's support system amid her multiple issues with her castmates. "They kicked her to the curb," Provenzano told the outlet in 2010. "I help her get back up."

And even though Provenzano has proven himself to be a loyal friend onscreen, it's clear that he's made quite a few mistakes in his personal life. In 1999, Provenzano was charged with dozens of racketeering charges, per The New York Times. In 2003, a judge sentenced Provenzano to 10 years in prison, although he only served a fraction of that time. More than 15 years later, Provenzano was arrested for allegedly harassing his disabled ex- girlfriend, Patricia O'Neil after they'd fought about money he reportedly owed her, per the New York Post. In 2021, the reality star was ordered to pony up over $220,000 in damages to his ex, according to Page Six. 

Despite Danny Provenzano's many personal challenges, he's accomplished quite a bit in his own right. Since 1989, Provenzano has acted in and directed multiple films. His first attempt was "Posed for Murder," a slasher film. However, Provenzano is best known for 2002's "This Thing of Ours," which ironically involves mobsters pulling off historic bank heists. Provenzano's most recent project, "Long Shot Louis" was released a decade ago. It's an intense film about the complicated reality of overcoming substance use. 

According to IMDb, Provenzano also has a new project in the works, titled "Art Thief." The movie, which is based on real events, is about an artist who gets in over his head after he gets intertwined with the wrong people. And who said that life doesn't imitate art!? Right now, there's not much news out about the film's cast, filming location, or other fun events. However, his IMDb lists him as a first assistant director.