Tharita Cesaroni (Prima Apollinaare): Cinematographer, Producer, and Former Wife of Dermot Mulroney

Tharita Cesaroni, professionally known as Prima Apollinaare, is an Italian cinematographer and film producer who gained wider recognition through her marriage to actor Dermot Mulroney. Born in Milan, Italy, on October 31, 1973, Cesaroni has built a career in film production while maintaining a notably private personal life.

This article examines her background, professional achievements, and recent life changes following her 2026 divorce.

Early Life and Family Background

Tharita Cesaroni was born in Milan, Italy, to parents Franco Catullé and Emy Cesaroni. Her mother, Emy, was a prominent Italian singer and actress who performed under the record label Style during the 1960s and 1970s. This artistic household shaped Cesaroni’s early exposure to entertainment, though she chose to work behind the camera rather than in front of it.

Growing up in Milan provided Cesaroni with access to Italy’s rich cinematic tradition. Her mother’s career in music and acting offered direct insight into the dedication required to succeed in entertainment, though details about her father, Franco Catullé, remain limited.

Cesaroni pursued film production at the University of Southern California (USC), one of the most respected film schools globally. Located in Los Angeles, USC’s School of Cinematic Arts provided her with technical training in cinematography, film production, and visual storytelling. This education positioned her within the American film industry and allowed her to develop connections that would support her subsequent career.

Physical Appearance

Cesaroni stands approximately 5’4″ (163 cm) tall and maintains a slender build, weighing around 52 kg (115 lbs). She has dark brown eyes and naturally dark brown hair, occasionally styled with highlights.

Career in Film Production

Cesaroni established herself as a cinematographer and film producer, working primarily behind the scenes. According to IMDb, she served as a producer on projects including the 2013 horror film “The Rambler” and has been credited with work on the “Untitled George Weah Project.” Her career has spanned both Italian and American productions, though she has maintained minimal public discussion of her professional work.

Throughout her career, Cesaroni has advocated for increased representation of women in technical roles within filmmaking. She has participated in mentorship programs aimed at supporting emerging female talent in cinematography and production, a field historically dominated by men.

In 2015, Cesaroni legally changed her name to Prima Apollinaare—a stage name originally used by her mother. Under this moniker, she pursued singing and songwriting, releasing music through her YouTube channel. This artistic outlet reflected her connection to her mother’s legacy while allowing her to express her own creative voice separate from her film work.

Marriage to Dermot Mulroney

Cesaroni married actor Dermot Mulroney in 2008, shortly after his divorce from actress Catherine Keener was finalized in 2007. The couple maintained a notably private relationship throughout their marriage, rarely discussing personal details publicly.

Together, they had two daughters: Mabel Ray Mulroney (born 2008) and Sally June Mulroney (born 2009). The family resided in Los Angeles, where both parents balanced their respective careers with raising their children away from excessive media attention.

In February 2024, Cesaroni and Mulroney made a rare joint appearance on the Fox game show “We Are Family,” where they performed a duet of “Islands in the Stream.” During interviews about the appearance, Mulroney described them as a “stealth Hollywood couple” who had been together for nearly two decades while maintaining privacy.

Divorce and Current Status

On June 23, 2025, Dermot Mulroney filed for divorce from Prima Apollinaare, citing irreconcilable differences. The couple finalized their divorce in January 2026 through mediation, avoiding a public court battle. According to sources close to the former couple, the separation was amicable, with both parties reaching agreements on custody, child support, and property division without contentious disputes.

The divorce marked the end of their 15-year marriage. Both Mulroney and Apollinaare prioritized their daughters’ well-being throughout the process, opting for joint legal and physical custody.

Net Worth and Financial Standing

As of 2026, Tharita Cesaroni’s estimated net worth ranges between $1 million and $2 million, derived primarily from her work in film production and cinematography. Her former husband, Dermot Mulroney, has an estimated net worth of approximately $9-11 million from his acting career.

Privacy and Social Media Presence

Cesaroni has consistently maintained a low profile on social media platforms, preferring to keep her personal life private. While she has shared limited creative work through her YouTube channel, @PrimaApollinaare, she does not actively maintain a public presence on mainstream social media. She rarely grants interviews and attends public events selectively, typically only appearing at film premieres or award ceremonies. This discretion has allowed her to maintain boundaries between her professional work and personal life, even during her marriage to a public figure.

Legacy and Ongoing Work

Despite limited public information about her current projects, Cesaroni’s contributions to cinematography and her advocacy for women in technical film roles represent significant aspects of her professional identity. Her work demonstrates that meaningful careers in entertainment need not involve constant publicity or celebrity status.

Her journey from Milan to Hollywood, her educational achievements at USC, and her successful navigation of a career in a male-dominated field while raising a family all contribute to a narrative of quiet accomplishment in the entertainment industry.

FAQs

What is Tharita Cesaroni’s nationality?

Tharita Cesaroni holds dual Italian and American nationality. She was born in Milan, Italy, on October 31, 1973, and later relocated to the United States for her education and career.

What does Tharita Cesaroni do professionally?

Tharita Cesaroni works as a cinematographer and film producer. She has contributed to various film projects, including “The Rambler” (2013), and advocates for greater representation of women in technical film roles.

Is Tharita Cesaroni still married to Dermot Mulroney?

No. Dermot Mulroney filed for divorce in June 2025, and the couple finalized their divorce in January 2026 after 15 years of marriage. The separation was reported to be amicable.

How many children does Tharita Cesaroni have?

Tharita Cesaroni has two daughters with Dermot Mulroney: Mabel Ray Mulroney (born 2008) and Sally June Mulroney (born 2009). The former couple shares joint custody.

Why did Tharita Cesaroni change her name to Prima Apollinaare?

In 2015, Tharita Cesaroni legally changed her name to Prima Apollinaare, a stage name previously used by her mother, Emy Cesaroni. She uses this name for her music career as a singer-songwriter.

What is Tharita Cesaroni’s estimated net worth?

As of 2026, Tharita Cesaroni’s estimated net worth is between $1 million and $2 million, earned through her career in film production and cinematography.