Who Is Jordan Belfort First Wife? Meet Denise Lombardo

Introduction to Jordan Belfort First Wife

Jordan Belfort’s first wife is Denise Lombardo. Long before Jordan Belfort became the infamous “Wolf of Wall Street,” before Stratton Oakmont, federal fraud charges, and a blockbuster 2013 Martin Scorsese film starring Leonardo DiCaprio, he was a struggling young man trying to find his footing in life and business. During those formative years, Denise Lombardo stood by his side as his first wife, supporting him through failures, financial instability, and the earliest stages of his controversial rise.

Jordan Belfort and Denise Lombardo were married from 1985 to 1991, a period that coincided with Belfort’s early career experiments—from door-to-door meat sales to his first ventures in stockbroking. Their marriage produced no children, and after their divorce, Denise chose a very different path from her ex-husband’s highly public, scandal-filled life. While Belfort later became a global symbol of excess, fraud, and redemption narratives, Denise Lombardo deliberately remained private, grounded, and professionally focused, avoiding media attention even when her life was dramatized on the big screen.

Denise Lombardo – Wiki Biography

Field	Details
Full Name	Denise Lombardo
Born	November 11, 1963
Birthplace	Ohio, USA
Nationality	American
Ethnicity	Italian-American
Occupation	Real estate agent, sales executive
Spouse(s)	Jordan Belfort (1985–1991); reportedly Nick Amato (later)
Children	Three sons: Brett, Nicky, Matt
Known For	Jordan Belfort’s first wife; inspiration for Teresa Petrillo in The Wolf of Wall Street
Other	Maintains a private life away from media

Early Life and Background of Denise Lombardo

Denise Lombardo was born on November 11, 1963, in Ohio, United States, into an Italian-American family known for strong traditional values. She was raised in a close-knit household by her parents, Anthony Florito and Ann Lombardo, alongside her siblings—sisters Lisa and Deanna, and brother Paul. Family stability and education were emphasized from an early age, shaping Denise’s disciplined and resilient personality.

Education and Academic Journey

Denise Lombardo pursued her education with seriousness and consistency, a trait that later defined her professional life:

Bayside High School – where she completed her early schooling
Adelphi University – earned a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature
Towson University – studied Business Administration and Science
Australian Catholic University (reported) – possibly completed a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership

Her academic background reflects a balance of humanities and business, equipping her with communication skills and commercial understanding—qualities that later helped her succeed independently after her divorce from Jordan Belfort.

Marriage to Jordan Belfort

The story of Jordan Belfort’s first wife, Denise Lombardo, begins well before fame, money, or scandal entered the picture.

How Denise Lombardo and Jordan Belfort Met

Accounts suggest Denise and Jordan met either through high school connections or during the time Belfort worked as a meat salesman, selling products door-to-door. At the time, Belfort was ambitious but far from successful. Denise was drawn not to wealth or status, but to his drive and potential.

Wedding and Early Married Life

Denise Lombardo and Jordan Belfort married in 1985, when both were still very young. Their early married life was modest and challenging:

Belfort faced repeated business failures
Financial instability was common
Denise provided emotional and practical support
She reportedly encouraged Belfort during moments of doubt and struggle

During these years, Denise Lombardo played the role of a loyal partner, supporting Belfort while he tried—and failed—multiple ventures before discovering the stock market world.

The Rise—and the Rift

As Jordan Belfort began to experience success in finance, his lifestyle changed dramatically. Increased wealth brought excess, temptation, and a growing distance between him and Denise. By the late 1980s:

Belfort became involved in extramarital affairs
His behavior reportedly changed due to money, drugs, and power
He began a relationship with Nadine Caridi, who later became his second wife

These factors ultimately led to their divorce in 1991. Importantly, Denise Lombardo and Jordan Belfort had no children together, making their separation cleaner legally, though emotionally painful.

Life After Divorce and Career

After separating from one of the most controversial figures in modern financial history, Denise Lombardo chose reinvention over resentment.

Professional Life and Career Path

Denise built a successful career across multiple industries:

Worked as a sales executive
Became a flooring specialist
Later qualified as a licensed real estate agent
Associated with well-known firms such as Douglas Elliman (or similar luxury real estate companies)

Her work ethic and professionalism allowed her to achieve financial independence—entirely separate from Jordan Belfort’s money or notoriety.

Denise Lombardo Now (2026)

As of 2026, Denise Lombardo is widely reported to be living a quiet, successful life, possibly in Washington, D.C. or another U.S. city, though she keeps her exact location private. Unlike many connected to celebrity scandals, she:

Avoids interviews
Has no public social media presence
Focuses on career and family
Declines to profit from her past association

Her discretion has earned her respect and reinforced her image as someone who values privacy over publicity.

Remarriage and Family

Following her divorce from Jordan Belfort, Denise Lombardo reportedly remarried Nick Amato. While details about her second marriage are intentionally limited, it is known that she built a stable family life.

Children and Family Focus

Denise Lombardo is a mother to three sons:

Brett
Nicky
Matt

Family has become the cornerstone of her life. Friends and observers describe her as deeply committed to providing her children with a grounded upbringing—far removed from the chaos and excess often associated with the Belfort name.

Portrayal in The Wolf of Wall Street

Denise Lombardo entered pop culture indirectly through the 2013 film The Wolf of Wall Street.

Teresa Petrillo: The On-Screen Version

In the movie, Jordan Belfort’s first wife is portrayed as Teresa Petrillo, played by Cristin Milioti. While inspired by Denise Lombardo, the character differs in several ways:

The film compresses timelines
Personal traits are dramatized for storytelling
Denise’s real-life privacy contrasts sharply with Hollywood exposure

Denise Lombardo’s Reaction

Notably, Denise Lombardo has never publicly commented on the film, Belfort’s memoir, or the portrayal of her character. Her silence underscores her consistent approach—dignity, distance, and discretion.

Why Denise Lombardo’s Story Matters

While Jordan Belfort’s life has been dissected endlessly—fraud, prison, redemption tours—Denise Lombardo’s story offers a powerful counter-narrative. She represents:

Strength without spectacle
Success without scandal
Independence without bitterness

As Jordan Belfort’s first wife, she experienced the rise before the fall—and chose to walk away with her integrity intact.

Conclusion

Denise Lombardo is far more than a footnote in Jordan Belfort’s dramatic life story. As Jordan Belfort’s first wife, she played a crucial role during his most formative years, offering stability and support when success was uncertain. After their divorce, she quietly rebuilt her life, achieving professional success and personal fulfillment on her own terms.

In contrast to Belfort’s very public scandals and redemption arc, Denise Lombardo’s journey is one of resilience, privacy, and quiet achievement—a reminder that not all powerful stories are loud.

Discover more real stories behind famous films and figures.

FAQs About Jordan Belfort’s First Wife

1. Who is Jordan Belfort’s first wife?

Jordan Belfort’s first wife is Denise Lombardo, whom he married in 1985.

2. When did Jordan Belfort marry Denise Lombardo?

They married in 1985 and divorced in 1991.

3. Did Denise Lombardo and Jordan Belfort have children?

No, they did not have any children together.

4. Why did Jordan Belfort and Denise Lombardo divorce?

Their divorce was reportedly due to Belfort’s affair with Nadine Caridi, lifestyle changes, and personal issues.

5. Who played Jordan Belfort’s first wife in The Wolf of Wall Street?

Cristin Milioti portrayed the character Teresa Petrillo, inspired by Denise Lombardo.