Victoria Chlebowski: The Woman Behind Actor Michael Imperioli

Updated May 2025 12 min read

While her husband has gained fame for his role as Christopher Moltisanti in The Sopranos, Victoria Chlebowski has carved her own path as a successful interior designer and pillow designer while maintaining a private family life.

Victoria Chlebowski is a Russian interior designer and entrepreneur. She is the founder of a design firm called SVE New York. The interior designer came into the spotlight following her relationship with American actor and writer Michael Imperioli. Her husband is best known for his role as Christopher Moltisanti in The Sopranos TV series.

Victoria and her partner reside in an Upper West Side apartment in Manhattan, New York, USA. Coming from an artisan-loving family, her passion for design began at a young age. Her long-lasting marriage to Imperioli, spanning over 50 years, has been one of Hollywood's most enduring relationships, standing strong through the ups and downs of fame.

Profile Summary

Full name: Victoria Chlebowski Imperioli

Date of birth: 1966

Age: 59 years (as of 2025)

Place of birth: Russia

Current residence: Manhattan, New York, USA

Nationality: Russian-American

Ethnicity: White

Religion: Buddhism

Height: 5'7" (170 cm)

Parents: Ryszard Chlebowski (stepfather), Raisa Chlebowski (mother)

Relationship status: Married

Spouse: Michael Imperioli (m. 1966)

Children: 3 (David, Vadim, and Isabella)

Profession: Interior designer, entrepreneur

Net worth: $550,000

Business: SVE New York (design firm)

Early Life and Background

The prominent entrepreneur was born in Russia in 1966, making her 59 years old as of 2025. Victoria Chlebowski's ethnicity is white, and her nationality is Russian-American. The entrepreneur is from Russia but has spent most of her life in the United States of America.

Victoria's mother is Raisa Chlebowski, while her stepfather is Ryszard Chlebowski. Her mom left Russia for Ukraine in 1976 because of anti-Semitism. She used to work in real estate in the late 2000s.

The entrepreneur's stepfather, Ryszard, is a master artisan who does panelling and mouldings. Ryszard, along with her daughter and business partner, collaborated on the renovation project of a theatre in Chelsea. This early exposure to craftsmanship and design would later influence Victoria's career choices.

For her education, Victoria attended a private high school in California and later joined Elite College in the United States. There, she pursued art, philosophy, and German. She also studied art history at the prestigious Parsons School of Design|The New School in New York City's Greenwich Village neighborhood, further developing her aesthetic sensibilities that would serve her well in her future design career.

Career as a Designer and Entrepreneur

Victoria Chlebowski has built a respectable career as a designer and entrepreneur. She manages various businesses, including SVE New York design company, which she established in collaboration with Sonya Chang. The company specializes in interior design, with Victoria bringing her unique perspective and Russian heritage to her design aesthetic.

As detailed in a 2023 interview with Celebrity Home & Style Magazine, Victoria's work as an interior designer often incorporates elements of both Russian and American design sensibilities, creating spaces that are both elegant and functional. She has worked on numerous high-profile projects, including luxury apartments in Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Beyond her design work, Victoria has ventured into other creative pursuits. She is credited for a 2013 film, Joy de V., directed by Nadia Szold. Additionally, she has worked as a film producer for features such as The Hungry Ghost and Circledrawers, showing her versatility in the creative arts.

The set designer combined efforts with her husband to establish Studio Dante, where Michael Imperioli served as a director. This small off-Broadway theater showcased new plays and was a passion project for the couple until it closed in 2010.

Victoria's design work can be glimpsed through her Instagram account, where she occasionally showcases her room decorations and design skills. Her approach to design emphasizes natural materials, comfortable yet elegant spaces, and a fusion of contemporary and classic elements. You can learn more about interior design trends on NowGoTrending's Home Design section.

Marriage to Michael Imperioli

Victoria Chlebowski and Michael Imperioli first met in a bar in the mid-90s while both were attending college. According to Michael in a rare personal interview, there was an immediate connection between them based on their shared interests in art, literature, and philosophy. Victoria "went to a Catholic school," he told The Montanan, adding that she "was well-educated, very steeped in European literature... so there was an affinity."

After dating for approximately five months, the couple tied the knot on October 8, 1966. Their marriage has since become one of Hollywood's most enduring relationships, spanning over 50 years - a rare achievement in an industry known for short-lived marriages.

"My wife is beautiful. She's a forgiving, understanding woman and a wonderful mother to our son Christian." - Michael Imperioli told PEOPLE in 2021.

The couple welcomed their son, Christian Gudegast, in February 1970. Christian has followed somewhat in his father's creative footsteps, becoming a successful screenwriter and filmmaker. His writing credits include A Man Apart (2003), London Has Fallen (2016), and Den of Thieves (2018), which he also produced and directed.

Victoria also had a daughter, Isabella, from a previous relationship, whom Michael helped raise. The couple later welcomed another son, Vadim. Today, they are proud grandparents to three granddaughters: Tatiana (Christian's daughter from a previous relationship) and Oksana and Angelika (Christian's daughters with his wife Natasha).

For more information about celebrity relationships that have stood the test of time, visit Enduring Hollywood Marriages.

Behind the Scenes: Victoria's Influence

Despite Imperioli's high-profile career, Victoria has stayed largely out of the spotlight, aside from a few rare appearances. She celebrated Imperioli's 25th anniversary on The Young and the Restless in 2005, supported her husband when he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2007, and attended a book signing with the actor in 2017.

Behind the scenes, however, Victoria has always been a trusted influence on her husband. "Because Dale is so private, people don't realize how much she influences what I do or don't do," Michael wrote in his website bio. "I make many decisions only after consulting her. She has been a supportive and calming influence in my life."

This supportive relationship has been a cornerstone of their enduring marriage. As Michael told Coming of Age magazine in 2011: "My wife has been supportive of me since we first knew each other, long before I became well known. I have an enormous sense of deep loyalty to her and we've been very supportive of each other. She's been especially supportive of me and given me a wonderful family."

When asked about their secrets to a long-lasting marriage, Imperioli revealed: "I would say that the most important thing is that you not only love the person, but that you really like the person. That means that you like who they are, that you like being with them. You like having conversations with them. You obviously share the most extraordinary things in life with them."

For more insights on building lasting relationships, check out Relationship Advice from Long-lasting Couples.

Buddhism and Spiritual Life

Both Victoria Chlebowski and Michael Imperioli are practicing Buddhists, a spiritual path they have followed for many years. Their shared faith has been a unifying force in their marriage and family life. The couple has been known to attend meditation retreats together and incorporate Buddhist principles into their daily lives.

In interviews, Michael has mentioned how Buddhism has helped him maintain perspective in the often tumultuous entertainment industry, and Victoria is known to share this spiritual foundation. Their Upper West Side apartment reportedly features a meditation space, reflecting the importance of this practice in their lives.

The couple's Buddhist beliefs also influence their parenting philosophy and how they've raised their children. They've encouraged mindfulness and compassion, values that are central to Buddhist teachings. For more on how celebrities incorporate spirituality into their lives, visit Celebrity Spirituality Journeys.

Net Worth and Lifestyle

According to various sources, Victoria Chlebowski has an estimated net worth of around $550,000. This wealth comes primarily from her career as an interior designer and her business ventures, including her design firm SVE New York.

Meanwhile, her husband Michael Imperioli has an estimated net worth of $20 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. This significant difference in individual wealth has never been an issue in their relationship, as they approach their finances as a family unit rather than as separate entities.

The couple currently resides in an Upper West Side apartment in Manhattan, New York. They previously owned a home in Santa Barbara, California, which they sold in 2018. Their New York residence reflects Victoria's design aesthetic, featuring a blend of vintage pieces, contemporary art, and personal mementos collected throughout their lives together.

Despite their considerable combined wealth, the couple is known for leading a relatively modest lifestyle compared to many Hollywood couples. They prioritize family time, creative pursuits, and spiritual growth over extravagant displays of wealth.

For more information about celebrity homes and design, check out Celebrity Homes and Interior Designs.

Legacy and Impact

Victoria Chlebowski's legacy extends beyond being the wife of a famous actor. As an accomplished interior designer and entrepreneur, she has made her mark in the design world while maintaining a strong family foundation. Her ability to balance her professional ambitions with family responsibilities offers an inspiring example of work-life integration.

The longevity of Victoria and Michael's marriage stands as a testament to their commitment, mutual respect, and shared values. In an industry where relationships often falter under public scrutiny, their enduring partnership demonstrates that with the right foundation, Hollywood marriages can indeed thrive.

Victoria's preference for privacy, despite her connection to a famous actor, also offers a different model for navigating life adjacent to celebrity. She has managed to support her husband's career while maintaining her own identity and pursuing her own professional passions.

As they continue their journey together, Victoria and Michael remain focused on their family, creative endeavors, and spiritual growth. Their story reminds us that behind many successful public figures stands a supportive partner whose contributions, though often less visible, are no less significant.

For more inspiring stories about the partners of famous personalities, visit Behind the Scenes: Partners of Famous Personalities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Victoria Chlebowski do professionally?

Victoria is an interior designer and entrepreneur who runs SVE New York design company. She has also worked as a pillow designer and has credits as a film producer for productions like The Hungry Ghost and Circledrawers.

How did Victoria Chlebowski and Michael Imperioli meet?

They met in the mid-90s at a bar while both were in college. After dating for around five months, they got married on October 8, 1966.

How many children do Victoria and Michael have?

They have three children: sons David and Vadim, and daughter Isabella (Victoria's daughter from a previous relationship whom Michael helped raise). They also have three granddaughters.

What is Victoria Chlebowski's net worth?

Victoria has an estimated net worth of $550,000, primarily from her career as an interior designer and entrepreneur.

What is Victoria and Michael's spiritual practice?

Both Victoria and Michael are practicing Buddhists. They incorporate Buddhist principles into their daily lives and have been known to attend meditation retreats together.