The Queen Of Queens: Unmasking Steffiana De La Cruz's Four Secret Roles In Kevin James' Hit Sitcom

Steffiana de la Cruz, the real-life wife of sitcom star Kevin James, is far more than just the woman behind the "King of Queens." As of December 10, 2025, her professional connection to the beloved series remains one of the show's most charming and little-known secrets, with the model-turned-actress appearing in the show not once, but four separate times, each in a completely different, often uncredited role.

This article provides the definitive breakdown of her career, life, and the complete, episode-by-episode list of her multiple, hidden cameos in the iconic CBS comedy. From a nail salon worker who clashes with Carrie Heffernan to a masseuse offering a relaxing service, de la Cruz’s presence was a recurring, playful nod to the star's personal life that most viewers missed.

Steffiana de la Cruz: A Complete Biography and Profile

Steffiana de la Cruz is a Filipino-American model and actress who gained significant recognition after marrying comedian and actor Kevin James, the star of *The King of Queens* and numerous box-office hits. Her career began in modeling before transitioning into acting, often appearing in projects alongside her husband.

• The Enduring Legacy Of Haylor 5 Shocking Facts About Harry Styles And Taylor Swifts Relationship 10 Years Later Sf662

• Full Name: Steffiana de la Cruz (born Stephanie Anna Marie Zantua)
• Date of Birth: August 28, 1974
• Age (as of 2025): 51
• Place of Birth: New York City, New York, U.S.
• Nationality: American, Filipino-American
• Spouse: Kevin James (Married June 19, 2004)
• Children: Four (Sienna-Marie, Shea Joelle, Kannon Valentine, and Sistine Sabella)
• Career: Model, Actress
• Notable TV/Film Appearances: *The King of Queens* (4 episodes), *Paul Blart: Mall Cop*, *Zookeeper*, *Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2*, *Kevin Can Wait* (3 episodes), *Die Gang*.
• Net Worth (Estimated): $5 Million

De la Cruz and Kevin James first met on a blind date in 2001, a meeting that quickly blossomed into a long-lasting relationship. They married in 2004, just as *The King of Queens* was in the middle of its nine-season run, providing the perfect opportunity for her to make her subtle, repeated cameos.

The Four Hidden Roles: Steffiana de la Cruz in The King of Queens

One of the most enjoyable pieces of trivia for fans of *The King of Queens* is the recurring presence of Kevin James’ real-life family members, including his brother, Gary Valentine (who played Danny Heffernan). However, the most subtle and frequent family cameo belongs to Steffiana de la Cruz, who played four distinct characters during the show's run. This practice is a common, playful form of nepotism in Hollywood, allowing the star’s loved ones to be part of the success.

Here is the complete list of her four roles, which highlight her versatility and the show’s inside joke:

• The Unseen Story Jessica Simpsons Battle For Privacy And Body Image In A Digital Age Mlvqa

1. The Masseuse: "Eddie Money" (Season 4, Episode 23)

Steffiana de la Cruz’s first notable role was a small, yet memorable appearance as a masseuse. In this Season 4 episode, which aired in 2002, she provides a relaxing service, a stark contrast to the usual chaos surrounding Doug (Kevin James) and Carrie Heffernan (Leah Remini). This appearance came just a couple of years after she and James began dating, establishing her presence early in the show's history.

2. Sienna: "Affair Trade" (Season 1, Episode 2)

Although some sources list this as a later appearance, de la Cruz played the character "Sienna" in the very early Season 1 episode, "Affair Trade." Sienna is often identified as a waitress or a street walker, further demonstrating the range of minor, one-off characters she played. This early role is a testament to her involvement with the cast and crew from the very beginning of the series.

3. Tina: "Damned Yanky" (Season 6, Episode 16)

In the Season 6 episode "Damned Yanky," which aired in 2004, Steffiana de la Cruz appeared as a character named Tina. This role is another example of her being cast in a minor, non-recurring part, allowing her to blend into the background of the show’s world without distracting from the main plot. The episode is also notable because it guest-starred Angelo Pagán, the real-life husband of Leah Remini, who played Carrie Heffernan. This further emphasizes the close, family-like atmosphere of the cast.

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

4. Sue the Nail Lady: "Black List" (Season 7, Episode 16)

Perhaps her most recognizable role—and the one most often cited by fans—is as Sue, the nail technician. In the Season 7 episode "Black List," Sue is the worker at the salon who famously rejects Carrie Heffernan an appointment, blacklisting her from the salon due to a previous bad interaction. This scene is a classic moment of Carrie's high-strung personality meeting a brick wall, and it’s a fun piece of irony that the woman giving Carrie a hard time was the wife of Doug Heffernan.

Life Beyond Queens: A Lasting Hollywood Partnership

Steffiana de la Cruz’s career has been intrinsically linked to her husband’s, a pattern that continued long after *The King of Queens* ended its run in 2007. This professional collaboration has extended into his major film projects, establishing her as a consistent presence in the "Kevin James Cinematic Universe."

She has appeared in several of his blockbuster comedies, including both *Paul Blart: Mall Cop* (2009) and *Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2* (2015), as well as *Zookeeper* (2011). This pattern of appearing in his projects highlights a supportive and collaborative marriage, where they frequently work together on set.

The couple’s relationship remains strong, celebrating over two decades together and raising their four children. Their family life is largely kept private, but their bond is occasionally highlighted in James's work. For instance, in his recent stand-up comedy specials, Kevin James often pokes fun at de la Cruz, providing fans with a glimpse into their long-lasting marriage and the comedic dynamic that fuels his material. This latest update serves as a fresh reminder that the "Queen" is still very much a part of the "King's" world, even if it's now from the audience rather than on the set of a TV show.

Steffiana de la Cruz’s journey from a model to a recurring, multi-character actress on one of the most successful sitcoms of the 2000s is a quiet Hollywood success story. Her four hidden roles in *The King of Queens* are a charming footnote in television history, solidifying her status as the true queen to Kevin James's fictional king.