Chino Moreno is the distinctive voice behind the alternative metal band Deftones, a group that has shaped the sound of modern rock for over three decades. As a songwriter and frontman, he has built a career marked by artistic exploration, a unique vocal style, and a willingness to experiment beyond genre boundaries. This biography covers his age, ethnicity, family background, career milestones, and current projects as of 2026.
Who is Chino Moreno? Age, Ethnicity, and Early Life
Chino Moreno is best known as the lead vocalist and primary lyricist of Deftones, but his influence extends through several side projects including Crosses (†††), Team Sleep, and Palms. His full name is Camillo Wong Moreno, though he is universally known by his nickname, “Chino,” which means “Chinese” in Spanish—a direct reference to his ethnic heritage.
Key Insights
- Chino Moreno co-founded Deftones in 1988 with Stephen Carpenter and Abe Cunningham.
- He leads side projects like Crosses, Team Sleep, and Palms.
- His nickname “Chino” references his Chinese heritage.
- Deftones released their 10th album, “Private Music,” in 2025.
- His estimated net worth comes from decades of album sales and touring.
Snapshot Facts
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Camillo Wong Moreno |
| Born | June 20, 1973 (age 53) |
| Birthplace | Sacramento, California, USA |
| Ethnicity | Mexican father, Chinese mother |
| Occupation | Singer, songwriter, musician |
| Known For | Lead vocalist of Deftones |
| Spouse | Risa Mora-Moreno (married 2012) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $10-15 million (varies by source) |
Sources confirm that Chino Moreno was born on June 20, 1973, in Sacramento, California. According to his Wikipedia entry and other biographical records, he is 53 years old as of 2026. His multicultural background is a defining aspect of his identity.
Who is Chino Moreno’s Wife?
Chino Moreno has been married twice. He was first married to Celeste Schroeder from approximately 1994 to 2006, and they had two children together, a son named Kristian and another son named Jakobi. Following their divorce, Moreno married Risa Mora-Moreno in 2012. The couple has a daughter named Lola.
Moreno’s family life is largely kept private, but records confirm he has three children: two sons from his first marriage and a daughter from his current marriage to Risa Mora-Moreno.
The details of Moreno’s relationships are primarily sourced from his IMDb biography and other biographical pages, which note his marriage to Celeste Schroeder and later to Risa Mora-Moreno. The information about his children—Kristian, Jakobi, and Lola—is also documented across these sources.
What is Chino Moreno’s Net Worth and What Is He Doing Now?
The exact net worth of Chino Moreno is not reliably sourced from any single financial authority, and the provided search results do not include a credible financial audit. Estimates from various entertainment sites typically place his net worth between $10 million and $15 million, a figure that reflects decades of album sales, extensive touring with Deftones, and income from his side projects like Crosses and Team Sleep. It is important to note that this remains an estimate rather than a confirmed financial disclosure.
Currently, Chino Moreno remains highly active. Deftones released their tenth studio album, “Private Music,” in 2025, and the band is touring in support of the album through 2025 and into 2026. In a substantial interview with The Guardian published in August 2025, Moreno reflected on his artistic habits, noting, “I’ve got hundreds of drawings of myself in my house.” This interview marked a particularly reflective phase for the musician, who has always balanced a public persona with a deeply introspective private creative life.
Beyond Deftones, Chino Moreno remains active with his side projects, including Crosses, Team Sleep, and Palms. However, as of early 2026, no specific release dates or tour announcements have been confirmed for these groups beyond the ongoing Deftones tour cycle.
Looking ahead to 2026, no specific solo projects or side-album releases have been announced. The primary focus for the near future appears to be the continuation of the Deftones tour for “Private Music.” The band’s official website and social media channels are the most reliable sources for real-time updates.
Chino Moreno’s Career Timeline
Chino Moreno’s career trajectory is a well-documented story of evolution from a teenage musician to a genre-defining artist.
- 1973: Born in Sacramento, California.
- 1988: Co-founded Deftones with Stephen Carpenter and Abe Cunningham.
- 1995: Deftones release debut album ‘Adrenaline’.
- 2000: Breakthrough with the critically acclaimed album ‘White Pony’.
- 2003: Formed side project Team Sleep.
- 2011: Formed the electronic rock duo Crosses (†††).
- 2013: Formed the supergroup Palms with members of Isis.
- 2020: Deftones release ‘Ohms’, their ninth studio album.
- 2025: Deftones release their 10th album, ‘Private Music’.
What is Known and What Remains Unclear
When researching a public figure like Chino Moreno, it is helpful to distinguish between established facts and areas where information is less certain.
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Age, ethnicity, real name, and birthplace | Exact net worth (estimates vary between $10-15 million) |
| Deftones career and discography | Wife’s full identity and personal history (confirmed but not highly publicized) |
| Side projects (Crosses, Team Sleep, Palms) | Detailed plans for solo releases in 2026 |
| Origin of the nickname “Chino” | Specific details about the end of his first marriage |
Chino Moreno’s Impact and Musical Approach
Chino Moreno’s influence on alternative metal and rock music is significant. His distinctive vocal style blends melodic singing with aggressive screaming and ethereal textures, a combination that has inspired countless musicians. Unlike many of his peers, Moreno has largely avoided the typical rock star persona, focusing instead on introspective lyrics and visual art. In the 2025 Guardian interview, he discussed his habit of drawing, revealing a deeply artistic and private side that contrasts with his aggressive stage presence.
His multicultural background—with a Mexican father and a Chinese mother, and additional Irish and Native American ancestry on his mother’s side—is a rare and defining feature in the music industry. This blend of cultures is often cited as a source of his unique perspective, and his nickname directly honors his Chinese heritage. For more on similar rock frontmen, you can explore this profile of Dave Grohl – Biography, Net Worth, and Foo Fighters Legacy.
Key Sources and Quotes
- “Camilo Wong Moreno was born in Sacramento, California on June 20 1973 to a Mexican father and a Chinese mother.” — IMDb biography
- “I’ve got hundreds of drawings of myself in my house.” — Chino Moreno, The Guardian interview, August 2025
- “Chino Moreno is best known as the frontman of Californian alt-metal veterans Deftones.” — Chino Moreno on Spotify
“Chino Moreno is best known as the frontman of Californian alt-metal veterans Deftones.”
— Spotify artist bio
Summary: Who is Chino Moreno?
Chino Moreno is a 53-year-old Chinese-Mexican American musician from Sacramento, best known as the lead vocalist of Deftones. He has been married to Risa Mora-Moreno since 2012 and has three children. In 2025, Deftones released “Private Music,” and he continues to be an active live performer and recording artist. For more on similar rock frontmen, you can explore this profile of Dave Grohl – Biography, Net Worth, and Foo Fighters Legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chino Moreno’s height?
Chino Moreno’s height is often listed as approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm), though this can vary slightly between sources.
Does Chino Moreno have children?
Yes, he has three children: two sons, Kristian and Jakobi, from his first marriage, and a daughter, Lola, with his current wife Risa.
What is Chino Moreno’s favorite Deftones album?
Chino has mentioned in interviews that he is particularly proud of ‘White Pony’ (2000) for its experimental nature, though he has not named a single favorite.
Is Chino Moreno active on social media?
He maintains a presence on Instagram (@chinomoreno) where he occasionally posts about art, music, and behind-the-scenes content.
What bands has Chino Moreno collaborated with?
He has collaborated with Mike Shinoda, DJ Shadow, and members of Isis, among others, through his various side projects and guest appearances.
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Philip Rowe is Senior Reporter at UKBullet.uk, covering breaking UK news stories.