For over two decades, Kevin James has been one of Hollywood’s most beloved comedic actors, known for his roles in The King of Queens, Paul Blart: Mall Cop, and the Grown Ups franchise. But while his on-screen characters have often struggled with the ups and downs of relationships, his real-life love story has been a steady and enduring one.
James has been married to actress Steffiana de la Cruz since 2004, and the couple has built a life together that includes four children and a partnership that has weathered the ups and downs of Hollywood. Their love story began in the most unexpected way—a blind date set up by his interior decorator. Since then, they have become one of the most stable couples in the entertainment industry.
This article explores the life of Steffiana de la Cruz, her career as an actress and model, her marriage to Kevin James, and the family they have built together over the past two decades.
Quick Bio Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Steffiana de la Cruz (born Stephanie Anna Marie Zantua) |
| Known For | Actress, model; wife of Kevin James |
| Profession | Actress, Model |
| Nationality | American (Filipino-American) |
| Birthplace | New York City, New York, USA |
| Date of Birth | August 28, 1974 |
| Age | 51 (as of 2026) |
| Height | Not publicly available |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Kevin James (m. June 19, 2004) |
| Children | 4 (Sienna-Marie, Shea Joelle, Kannon Valentine, Sistine Sabella) |
| Education | Not publicly available |
| Net Worth | Estimated $5 million (according to Celebrity Net Worth) |
Who Is Steffiana de la Cruz?
Steffiana de la Cruz is a Filipino-American actress and former model who has appeared in several films and television shows. She was born Stephanie Anna Marie Zantua on August 28, 1974, in New York City. She began her acting career in 1997 and has since appeared in a variety of projects, including many of her husband’s films.
While she is primarily known to the public as the wife of Kevin James, de la Cruz has built a career of her own in the entertainment industry, balancing her professional work with her role as a mother of four.
Early Life and Childhood
Steffiana de la Cruz was born on August 28, 1974, in New York City. She is of Filipino descent. Details about her early life and family background are not widely publicized, as she has generally kept her personal life private.
Parents and Family Background
There is no publicly verified information available about Steffiana de la Cruz’s parents or family background.
Education
There is no publicly available information about Steffiana de la Cruz’s formal education.
Career Journey
Modeling and Early Acting
Steffiana de la Cruz began her career as a model before transitioning into acting. She made her acting debut in 1997 with an appearance on the TV series Die Gang. Her early credits include roles in the syndicated drama Pacific Blue and small parts in the horror film Soulkeeper, the action film Redemption, and the TV movie Something to Sing About.
Appearances in Her Husband’s Projects
De la Cruz has frequently appeared alongside her husband in his films and television shows. She had a role in The King of Queens and appeared in both Paul Blart: Mall Cop (2009) and its sequel Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 (2015). She also appeared in Zookeeper (2011) and Kevin Can Wait. Her other credits include Stealing Harvard, Redemption, and Soulkeeper.
Major Achievements
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Acting Career: Appeared in films such as Paul Blart: Mall Cop, Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2, Zookeeper, and Stealing Harvard.
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Modeling: Established a career as a model before transitioning to acting.
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Net Worth: Accumulated an estimated net worth of $5 million.
Marriage and Relationships
The Blind Date
Kevin James and Steffiana de la Cruz met on a blind date in 2001. The date was set up by James’ interior decorator. James later talked about de la Cruz in his 2001 stand-up special Kevin James: Sweat the Small Stuff.
Engagement and Wedding
The couple got engaged in October 2003. They married on June 19, 2004, in an intimate ceremony at St. Edward Catholic Church in Dana Point, California. The wedding was attended by approximately 200 guests, including fellow comedian Ray Romano and James’ King of Queens co-star Jerry Stiller. The reception was held at the Montage Resort and Spa in Laguna Beach.
A Lasting Partnership
James has spoken publicly about his love for his wife, calling her “awesome” and saying, “We’re an amazing fit”. In a 2026 interview, he acknowledged that they have been happily married for over 20 years.
Children
Kevin James and Steffiana de la Cruz have four children together:
| Child | Birth Year |
|---|---|
| Sienna-Marie | 2005 |
| Shea Joelle | 2007 |
| Kannon Valentine | 2011 |
| Sistine Sabella | 2015 |
Personal Life
Steffiana de la Cruz keeps a low profile and does not maintain a public social media presence. She occasionally appears in her husband’s social media posts, such as when James celebrated their 19th wedding anniversary on Instagram, calling her his “world”. The family resides in California.
Net Worth and Income Sources
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Steffiana de la Cruz has an estimated net worth of $5 million. Her income comes from her work as an actress and model, including her appearances in films and television shows.
Social Media Presence
Steffiana de la Cruz does not have a public social media presence.
Interesting Facts
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Steffiana de la Cruz’s birth name is Stephanie Anna Marie Zantua.
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She and Kevin James have a nine-year age gap (he was born in 1965, she in 1974).
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Their daughter Shea Joelle was named after Shea Stadium, the home of Kevin’s favorite baseball team, the New York Mets.
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Kevin James once joked on their 16th anniversary: “You’re all I need… and the kids… and Friday night pizza… and Sunday pasta”.
Current Life and Recent Updates
As of 2026, Steffiana de la Cruz continues to be married to Kevin James. The couple has been together for over 20 years and shares four children. She remains out of the public eye, focusing on her family.
Public Image and Legacy
Steffiana de la Cruz is known primarily as the wife of Kevin James, but she has also built her own career as an actress and model. Her decision to maintain a low profile and focus on her family has made her a private figure in an industry that often demands visibility. Her lasting partnership with James is a testament to their strong bond and shared values.
Why People Search for Kevin James’ Wife
People search for Kevin James’ wife for several reasons:
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Curiosity about his personal life: Fans of the actor want to know about his family.
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Her acting career: People are interested in her appearances in his films.
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Their long-lasting marriage: Their relationship has endured for over two decades in Hollywood.
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Her privacy: Her lack of a public profile fuels curiosity.
Common Misconceptions
She is a celebrity in her own right. While she is an actress, Steffiana de la Cruz is primarily known as Kevin James’ wife and has maintained a relatively low profile.
Her husband is still starring in The King of Queens. The show ended in 2007, though James has continued acting in films and other television projects.
Final Thoughts
Steffiana de la Cruz has built a life and a family with Kevin James that has lasted more than two decades. From a blind date in 2001 to a wedding in 2004, and four children later, their partnership has been one of the most enduring in Hollywood. While she has largely stayed out of the spotlight, her work as an actress and model, and her role as a devoted mother, have made her an integral part of James’ life and career.
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