Has two brothers, Joseph and Christopher, and one sister, Lisa.

Invited to join AMPAS in 2006.

Works with "Save the Children", nurturing kids in need.

Father, Joe, was a contractor and mother, Kathy, was a teacher and school nurse.

Flirted with a waiter at a family birthday party. The waiter became her fiance [July 26, 2008].

Her mother, who is a cancer survivor, was in New York City with Maria on Sept. 11, 2001 during the attacks on the World Trade Center. Since her mother was a nurse, she volunteered to help the victims.

Has 2 dogs.

Was a varsity cheerleader in school at Archbishop John Carroll High School in Suburban Philadelphia.

Best friends with Carrie-Anne Moss. Maria is the godmother of Carrie-Anne`s first son, and Carrie-Anne is the godmother of Maria`s son Jack.

Became good friends with Mariska Hargitay when Hargitay had a recurring role as Cynthia Hooper on "ER" (1994) from 1997-1998.

Was a bridesmaid at Andrea Bendewald`s wedding, the same one in which Jennifer Aniston was the matron of honor.

Maria and her TV exec boyfriend, Dan McDermott, welcomed their first child, Jackson Blue McDermott. [5 March 2001]

Comes from a Polish and Italian Family.

Practices Muay Thai (lethal) kickboxing.