Gina Liano (born 1966) is an Australian barrister, author, entrepreneur and television personality. She is best known for her role in The Real Housewives of Melbourne.
Gina Liano | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Liano (far right) with her fellow Real Housewives of Melbourne co-stars in 2016 | |
| Born | Mary Eugene Smith 1966 (age 57–58) |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Alma mater | Monash University |
| Occupation(s) | Barrister, author, entrepreneur, television personality |
| Years active | 2014-present |
| Known for | The Real Housewives of Melbourne |
| Children | 2 |
| Relatives | Bettina Liano (sister) Teresa Liano (sister) |
| Website | ginaliano |
Early and personal life
Liano was born Mary Eugene Smith in Brighton, Victoria, to Italian parents Anita Bonollo and Nicola Italiano.[1] She is one of four siblings. Her sisters Bettina Liano and Teresa Liano are both fashion designers.[2]
In 2003, Liano was diagnosed with cancer. She went into remission after 12 months of chemotherapy and radiation treatment.[3] She has been divorced twice and is a single mother of two boys, and lives in Melbourne.[2]
Career
In 1985, Liano went into business with her sisters running a chain of boutiques.[2] Liano was admitted as a lawyer in 1997, and joined the Victorian Bar in 1999. She currently practices in criminal law, intentional torts, commercial law, family law and employment law.[4]
Since 2014, Liano has appeared on the Australian reality television series The Real Housewives of Melbourne.[5]
Her autobiography, Fearless, was published in April 2015.[3] In the same month, Liano joined the cast of Neighbours as Mary Smith.[6] Liano was hired after she impressed casting directors during a screen test.[7] She began filming on 14 April 2015.[7]
In 2015, Liano was a contestant in the fourth season of The Celebrity Apprentice Australia. She withdrew from the competition in the fourth week on medical advice.[8]
In January 2016, it was announced Liano would make her theatre debut, in July 2016, as the wicked stepmother in the pantomime adaptation of Cinderella at The State Theatre in Sydney.[9]
References
External links
- Gina Liano at Bravo