The Four Secret Roles: Steffiana De La Cruz's Uncredited Cameos In The King Of Queens, Revealed

Few television sitcoms have achieved the enduring popularity and syndication success of *The King of Queens*, and even fewer have a behind-the-scenes family connection as deep as the one shared by its lead star, Kevin James, and his wife, Steffiana de la Cruz. As of late 2024, long-time fans are still discovering the subtle, often-uncredited genius of the show’s casting, which frequently featured family and friends.

The most fascinating piece of trivia for any *King of Queens* enthusiast is the fact that Steffiana de la Cruz appeared not just once, but four separate times throughout the series' nine seasons, playing a completely different character in each cameo. These appearances are a testament to the close-knit, family-first atmosphere on the set, turning a simple sitcom into a true family affair for the Heffernan household.

Steffiana De La Cruz: A Complete Biography and Profile

Steffiana de la Cruz is a Filipino-American actress and former model who has carved out a career in Hollywood, often in comedic roles alongside her famous husband, Kevin James. Her work is notable for its versatility, as she seamlessly transitions between modeling and acting.

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• Full Name: Stephanie Anna de la Cruz
• Date of Birth: August 28, 1974
• Place of Birth: New York City, USA
• Nationality: Filipino-American
• Occupation: Actress, Model
• Spouse: Kevin James (m. 2004)
• Children: 4 (Sienna-Marie James, Shea Joelle James, Kannon Valentine James, and Sistine Sabella James)
• Notable TV/Film Roles: *The King of Queens* (4 episodes), *Paul Blart: Mall Cop* (2009), *Zookeeper* (2011), *Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2* (2015), *Kevin Can Wait* (2 episodes), *Stealing Harvard* (2002).
• Current Status (2024/2025): While her primary focus appears to be her family, de la Cruz remains a staple at public events, often attending premieres and functions with her husband, Kevin James, and their children. Her estimated net worth is reported to be around $5 million, reflecting her successful career in modeling and acting.

The Four Uncredited Cameos: Steffiana De La Cruz's King of Queens Character List

Steffiana de la Cruz’s run on *The King of Queens* is remarkable because she was cast in four distinct, non-recurring roles over four different seasons. This required her to embody entirely new personas each time she stepped onto the Queens, Long Island set. This practice of reusing actors for minor roles was common on the show, but four appearances by the star's future wife is unique.

Here is the definitive list of her four appearances, detailing the character she played and the episode where fans can spot her:

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

Steffiana de la Cruz’s first on-screen appearance in the series was in the Season 4 finale, "Eddie Money." In this episode, Doug Heffernan, played by Kevin James, is attempting to relax after a stressful day. He decides to get a massage. The woman giving Doug the massage is none other than his real-life partner, Steffiana. This subtle, uncredited role is a favorite among dedicated fans, as it features a quiet, intimate moment between the future Mr. and Mrs. James, albeit in character.

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2. Tina, The Barmaid/Waitress (Season 6, Episode 16: "Damned Yanky")

In Season 6, Steffiana returned to the series, this time taking on the role of Tina, a waitress or barmaid. This episode is famous for guest-starring both Steffiana de la Cruz and Leah Remini's real-life husband, Angelo Pagan. In "Damned Yanky," Doug and Carrie Heffernan are dealing with relationship issues, and the appearance of their real-life spouses in minor roles added a layer of comedic meta-commentary that only the most dedicated viewers would catch. Tina's character interaction with the main cast was brief but memorable, showcasing her ability to play a completely different type of service worker than her previous role.

3. Sue, The Manicurist (Season 7, Episode 16: "Black List")

Perhaps one of her most recognized cameos, Steffiana de la Cruz played Sue, a manicurist or nail lady, in the Season 7 episode "Black List." The plot revolves around Carrie Heffernan's (Leah Remini) relationship with her nail salon. Steffiana's character, Sue, is the focus of a subplot where Carrie has a problem with her manicurist. This role gave de la Cruz a bit more screen time and dialogue than her previous appearances, allowing her comedic timing to shine alongside series star Leah Remini.

4. Sienna, The Streetwalker (Season 8, Episode 17: "Affair Trade")

Steffiana’s final known appearance on *The King of Queens* was in the penultimate Season 8 episode, "Affair Trade." In this role, she reportedly played a character named Sienna, who is a streetwalker. This role is a significant departure from her previous service-worker characters, showcasing her range in a more dramatic, albeit still comedic, context. The name "Sienna" is also a nod to her family, as it is the name of her eldest daughter, Sienna-Marie James, adding another layer of personal connection to her work on the show.

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The Family Affair: Nepotism and Topical Authority in The King of Queens

The casting of Steffiana de la Cruz was part of a larger, deliberate pattern of "family casting" that defined the spirit of *The King of Queens*. This practice not only provided a comfortable, familiar working environment for Kevin James but also added authentic, topical depth to the show's universe.

• Kevin James’ Brother: James’ real-life brother, Gary Valentine, was a recurring and beloved character on the show, playing Doug’s cousin Danny Heffernan. This familial connection was a major source of comedy throughout the series.
• Leah Remini’s Husband: Carrie Heffernan actress Leah Remini's husband, Angelo Pagan, also made multiple guest appearances, often playing a bartender or a friend of Doug's. He appeared alongside Steffiana in the "Damned Yanky" episode.
• The James-De La Cruz Children: The couple's four children—Sienna-Marie, Shea, Kannon, and Sistine—have often been the center of their parents' public life, though they have largely been kept out of the spotlight of their parents' acting careers.

This network of family and friends created a unique topical authority for the show, making the fictional world of Doug and Carrie Heffernan feel incredibly real. It also provided a springboard for Steffiana de la Cruz’s career, leading to roles in all of Kevin James' major film projects, including *Paul Blart: Mall Cop* and *Zookeeper*.

Steffiana De La Cruz Today: 2024 Updates and Beyond

While Steffiana de la Cruz has taken a step back from acting in recent years, her life remains firmly rooted in the entertainment world through her family. Her last major television appearance was alongside her husband in his second sitcom, *Kevin Can Wait*, where she appeared in two episodes, once again in a minor role.

In 2024, Steffiana remains a prominent figure in the James family's public life. She and Kevin James, who married in 2004, celebrated two decades of marriage, a significant milestone in the world of Hollywood. Recent public sightings, including a 2024 appearance at a New York City event with their son Kannon James, confirm her focus on family and support for her husband's ongoing career. This dedication to her family life has solidified her role as the "Queen" to the "King of Queens," a foundational support in Kevin James' enduring success as a comedian and actor.

Steffiana de la Cruz’s four distinct roles in *The King of Queens*—from the relaxing masseuse to the feisty manicurist Sue—serve as a permanent, charming Easter egg for fans. They are a subtle nod to the reality that behind the fictional lives of Doug and Carrie Heffernan, a real-life love story was unfolding, one cameo at a time.