Chris Cortazzo is a name synonymous with luxury real estate in Malibu. Known for his ability to handle multi-million dollar transactions, Cortazzo has built a reputation as one of Malibu’s top realtors. Despite his success in the high-end market, he remains grounded and approachable, often taking on listings regardless of their value. His passion for Malibu and his commitment to his clients are evident in every aspect of his work. This article delves into the personal and professional life of Chris Cortazzo, exploring his journey, family, relationships, and the controversies that have surrounded him.
A Passion for Malibu
Chris Cortazzo’s love for Malibu is undeniable. As he once told digs.net, “I have a passion for Malibu, and I love to share it with people.” This passion drives him to treat every client with equal respect, regardless of the size of their transaction. Unlike many in his field, Cortazzo does not derive his ego from being the number one agent; instead, he finds satisfaction in helping people find their dream homes in Malibu.
Family Life and Parenthood
Chris Cortazzo is a proud father of two children, Aniello Vincenzo and Amore, whom he welcomed via surrogate. Despite not being married, Cortazzo embraces fatherhood with enthusiasm and frequently shares moments with his children on Instagram. A heartwarming post from late July 2023, captioned “CANADIAN SUMMER,” shows his kids enjoying their time in Canada. The birth of his son, Aniello, marked a significant turning point in Cortazzo’s life, inspiring him to leave Coldwell Banker after 25 years and start his own firm, Compass. “It [Aniello’s birth] has made me refocus on the importance of life and time,” he shared.
Romantic Links and Friendships
Over the years, Chris Cortazzo has been linked romantically to several individuals, including actress Shannen Doherty. In early August 2023, the pair referred to each other as ‘hubby’ and ‘wifey’ on Instagram, sparking rumors of a potential romantic relationship. However, their past interactions suggest a deep platonic bond. On Cortazzo’s birthday in February 2021, Doherty wrote a heartfelt message celebrating their friendship, describing him as a “kind, loving, compassionate, funny best friend.”
Their bond appears to have strengthened during Doherty’s battle with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. In a since-deleted post, she expressed her gratitude for Cortazzo’s unwavering support, stating, “Relying on friends to help the cancer journey is essential, and [Chris Cortazzo] happens to be amazing at making me laugh, feel loved, cherished, and allows me to be true self at all times thru this process.”
Controversies and Rumors
Chris Cortazzo’s life has not been without controversy. Rumors about his sexuality surfaced following claims made by Duncan Roy, an English film director. According to The Independent, Roy alleged that he and Cortazzo met at a sex addicts’ meeting in 2004 and had a sexual relationship. Roy further claimed that Cortazzo swindled him out of $500,000 in a real estate deal. In an email to Cortazzo, Roy wrote, “We need to have a chat. If we don’t have a chat, I will be blogging about not only your out-of-control sex addiction but also the fact that you conned me out of $500,000.”
Cortazzo vehemently denied these accusations, asserting that he was neither a sex addict nor involved in a sexual relationship with Roy. He accused Roy of attempting to tarnish his reputation maliciously. Roy later clarified that he never intended to publish his claims and was merely trying to “catch Cortazzo’s attention.” A court subsequently issued a gag order against Roy, preventing him from discussing the matter for three years. Once the gag order expired, Roy detailed his allegations in a blog post, referring to Cortazzo as “The Bad Gay.”
Conclusion
Chris Cortazzo’s journey in the real estate industry is marked by passion, dedication, and resilience. His success as Malibu’s top realtor is a testament to his hard work and commitment to his clients. Beyond his professional achievements, Cortazzo’s personal life, including his role as a father and his close friendships, adds depth to his character. While controversies and rumors have surrounded him, Cortazzo remains focused on his work and his family, continually striving to share the beauty of Malibu with others.
