Nico Tortorella

Tortorella in 2011, photo by Prphotos

Place of Birth: Wilmette, Illinois, U.S.

Date of Birth: July 30, 1988

Ethnicity:
*75% Italian
*12.5% German
*12.5% British Isles [English, Irish]

Nico Tortorella is an American actor and model. Nico is known for roles in the films Twelve (2010), Scream 4, Trespass (2011), Odd Thomas, and Hunter&Game, on the series The Beautiful Life, Make It or Break It, The Following, Younger, The Walking Dead: World Beyond, and City on Fire; in the made-for-tv movie Menendez: Blood Brothers; and as a host of How Far Is Tattoo Far?

Nico’s paternal grandfather, and maternal grandparents, were/are of Italian descent. Nico’s paternal grandmother was of half German and half British Isles [English and Irish] ancestry.

Nico is married to fitness and lifestyle entrepreneur Bethany C. Meyers, with whom Nico has a daughter.

Nico’s paternal grandfather was William Nicholas Tortorella, Jr. (the son of William Nicholas Tortorella and Marie Abbate). Nico’s grandfather William was born in Illinois. Nico’s great-grandfather William was born in Illinois, to Italian parents, Tony Tortorella and Mary. Nico’s great-grandmother Marie Abbate was the daughter of Italian parents, Francesco “Frank” Abbate and Angela Pavese, who was born in Laurenzana, Province of Potenza, Basilicata, Italy. Comedian and actor Ray Romano also has Pavese ancestors from the area.

Nico’s paternal grandmother is Iryl Elaine Eppler (the daughter of Ira Eugene Eppler and Florence Alta Jewell). Iryl was born in Nebraska. Ira was born in Nebraska; Ira’s father, Christian Frederick Eppler, was a German immigrant, and Ira’s mother, Martha Louise Schwebke, was born in Illinois, to German parents. Florence was born in Nebraska, to Iowa-born parents Wade H. Jewell and Jennie Hardman, who was of English and Irish descent.

Nico’s maternal grandfather was Louis Ralph “Louie” Pesce (the son of Ralph Pesce and Anna Cardiello). Louis was born in New York, to Italian parents.

Nico’s maternal grandmother was Phyllis “Fanny” Dugo (the daughter of Ignazio/James D’Ugo and Gaetana/Gaetanna/Irene LoBue). Phyllis was born in Illinois, to parents from Sicily. Ignazio was the son of Domenico D’Ugo and Antonina Romano. Gaetana was the daughter of Filipo LoBue and Maria Antonia Greco.

Sources: Nico’s paternal grandfather, William Nicholas Tortorella, Jr., on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Genealogy of Nico’s paternal great-grandmother, Marie (Abbate) Tortorella (focusing on her mother’s side) – https://www.findagrave.com

Nico’s paternal grandmother, Iryl Elaine Eppler, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Nico’s paternal great-great-grandmother, Jennie Hardman, on the 1880 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org