Camillo Wong Moreno, known worldwide as Chino Moreno, has been the voice behind Deftones for nearly four decades. As of mid‑2026, the 53‑year‑old frontman is experiencing a career resurgence, a newfound sobriety, and a growing audience that spans generations. His story is one of constant reinvention, from the Sacramento garage where Deftones formed in 1988 to sold‑out arenas today.
Born on June 20, 1973, Moreno has built a reputation as one of alternative metal’s most distinctive vocalists, blending melodic tenor passages with ferocious screams. His latest album, Private Music, released in 2026, marks another creative peak — one he approached with what he calls “newfound clarity” after getting sober during its recording.
Who Is Chino Moreno? The Lead Vocalist of Deftones
Few names in modern rock carry as much weight as Chino Moreno. As the lead singer, lyricist, and occasional guitarist of Deftones, he has helped shape the sound of alternative metal since the early 1990s. But his identity goes beyond one band: he has fronted several side projects — Crosses (†††), Team Sleep, Palms — each exploring different corners of electronic, shoegaze, and post‑metal.
- Real Name: Camillo Wong Moreno
- Age: 53 (born June 20, 1973)
- Spouse: Risa Mora‑Moreno (married 2012)
- Estimated Net Worth: $16 million (2026 estimate)
- Moreno’s vocal style — a mix of clean singing and aggressive screams — has influenced a generation of alternative metal vocalists.
- After a turbulent early career involving substance abuse, he publicly embraced sobriety during the making of Private Music.
- His side projects (Crosses, Team Sleep, Palms) showcase a versatility far beyond the Deftones sound.
- Despite being in the industry for over 30 years, Deftones are experiencing a major resurgence with Gen Z audiences on TikTok and other social platforms.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Camillo Wong Moreno |
| Stage Name | Chino Moreno |
| Birth Date | June 20, 1973 |
| Age (2026) | 53 years old |
| Birthplace | Sacramento, California, USA |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) per most sources; some list 5 ft 8–9 in |
| Ethnicity | Mexican, Chinese, Irish, Native American |
| Spouse | Risa Mora‑Moreno (m. 2012) |
| Children | Three: Kristian, Jakobi (with Celeste Schroeder), Lola (with Risa) |
| Primary Band | Deftones (1988–present) |
| Other Bands | Crosses, Team Sleep, Palms, Saudade |
| Net Worth (Est.) | $16 million (most recent estimate; some sources cite $7 million) |
How Old Is Chino Moreno? Age, Birthday & Height in 2026
Chino Moreno turned 53 on June 20, 2026. He was born in Sacramento, California, and his age has become a frequent search query as fans track his long career.
His height is a point of mild controversy. The majority of sources, including Chino Moreno, list him at 6 ft 0 in (183 cm). However, other references — such as some database sites — record him as 5 ft 8 in to 5 ft 9 in. No official medical records are public, so the figure remains an estimate.
What Is Chino Moreno’s Ethnicity & Heritage?
Moreno’s background is a blend of Mexican, Chinese, Irish, and Native American ancestry. His father is of Mexican descent; his mother is of Chinese, Irish, and Native American heritage. The nickname “Chino” — Spanish for “Chinese” — references his maternal Chinese roots. This mix is relatively rare in rock music and has contributed to his distinctive identity.
His ethnic heritage is sometimes reported differently: some sources list him simply as Mexican/Irish/Chinese, omitting the Native American component. The most detailed descriptions include all four groups.
Who Is Chino Moreno’s Wife? Family & Relationship
Chino Moreno has been married twice. His first marriage was to Celeste Schroeder, from 1994 to 2006, with whom he has two sons: Kristian and Jakobi. In 2012 he married Risa Mora‑Moreno, and the couple have a daughter named Lola. The family lives in Bend, Oregon, where Moreno relocated in 2013.
His relationship with Risa is often described as private. She occasionally appears at events, but Moreno generally keeps his personal life out of the spotlight.
Chino Moreno’s Career: From the 90s Deftones to 2026
Deftones: The Foundation
Deftones formed in 1988 in Sacramento, releasing their debut album Adrenaline in 1995. The breakthrough came in 2000 with White Pony, which won a Grammy and established the band as leaders of the nu‑metal and alternative metal scenes. Albums like Around the Fur (1997) and Diamond Eyes (2010) followed, each expanding the band’s experimental reach.
Side Projects: Crosses, Team Sleep, Palms
Moreno has never limited himself to one outlet. Team Sleep (formed in 2003) explored electronic and trip‑hop influences. Crosses (†††), a dark‑wave duo with Chuck Doom, has been active since 2011. Palms, a supergroup with former members of Isis, released its debut album in 2013. A lesser‑known project, Saudade, formed in 2016.
Moreno is currently sober, having quit during the recording of the new Deftones album Private Music. He credits sobriety with giving him “newfound clarity” and the stamina to take on additional guitar duties after guitarist Stephen Carpenter was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The album sees Moreno handling more guitar parts than on previous records.
Sobriety & the New Album Private Music
In a recent interview, Moreno described his sobriety as transformative. The band is currently selling out arenas, buoyed by a resurgence of interest from younger fans who discovered Deftones’ 1990s hits on social media. Private Music is the 10th studio album and represents a creative high point, with Moreno calling it the most focused work of his career.
What Is Chino Moreno’s Net Worth in 2026?
Net worth estimates for Chino Moreno vary. The most recent figure, from Chino Moreno, places it at $16 million. An older source lists $7 million, but that figure likely predates touring income and the success of Ohms and Private Music. Moreno’s wealth comes primarily from touring, album sales, and streaming royalties, along with side‑project revenues.
Net worth is not a fixed number. It fluctuates with tour cycles, investments, and market conditions. Neither Moreno nor his representatives have confirmed any specific figure.
Chino Moreno: A Timeline of Key Events
- – Born Camillo Wong Moreno in Sacramento, California.
- – Co‑founds Deftones with Stephen Carpenter and Abe Cunningham.
- – Debut album Adrenaline released.
- – White Pony becomes a critical and commercial breakthrough; wins a Grammy.
- – Side project Team Sleep begins.
- – Forms Crosses (†††) with Chuck Doom.
- – Forms Palms with former members of Isis; moves to Bend, Oregon.
- – Marries Risa Mora‑Moreno.
- – Deftones release Ohms to wide acclaim.
- – Gets sober; records Private Music; band sells out arenas worldwide.
What’s Verified and What’s Uncertain About Chino Moreno?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Full legal name: Camillo Wong Moreno | Exact net worth — ranges from $7 million to $16 million depending on the source. |
| Born June 20, 1973 in Sacramento | Precise height — most sources say 6 ft 0 in, others say 5 ft 8–9 in. |
| Lead vocalist of Deftones since 1988 | Exact release date of Private Music — not yet confirmed as of mid‑2026. |
| Married to Risa Mora‑Moreno; three children | His mother’s full heritage — one source adds Native American, others omit it. |
| Mixed ethnicity: Mexican, Chinese, Irish, Native American | Sibling order — reported as second of five or third of five. |
Why Does Chino Moreno’s Background Matter?
Moreno’s longevity in music stems from his willingness to evolve. He helped define the sound of late‑90s alternative metal, then moved into electronic and experimental territory with his side projects. His mixed heritage also sets him apart in a genre that has historically lacked diversity. The recent TikTok resurgence has introduced his music to a generation that wasn’t alive when White Pony was released, keeping Deftones relevant decades after their peak.
What Reliable Sources Cover Chino Moreno?
“I’ve got hundreds of drawings of myself in my house.”
— Chino Moreno, The Guardian interview (August 2025)
The most authoritative sources include Wikipedia, the official Deftones website, and Crosses (†††) official site. The Guardian interview from 2025 provides the most candid current quotes on sobriety and self‑reflection. His Spotify artist profile lists his full discography.
What’s Next for Chino Moreno?
With a new album out, a sober and focused mindset, and a band that is once again filling arenas, the immediate future looks bright. Additional Crosses material may follow the 2023 album PERMANENT.RADIANT, and a global tour for Private Music is expected to extend into 2027. Fans can expect more media appearances and, if history is any guide, more side‑project experimentation. Read more about his career in the full Chino Moreno biography.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chino Moreno
Is Chino Moreno Chinese?
He is part Chinese through his mother, but he is also of Mexican, Irish, and Native American descent.
Does Chino Moreno have a girlfriend?
No, he is married to Risa Mora‑Moreno.
Why is Chino Moreno famous?
He is the lead singer and lyricist for the Grammy‑winning alternative metal band Deftones.
How did Chino Moreno get the name ‘Chino’?
It is a childhood nickname; “Chino” is Spanish for “Chinese,” referring to his Asian heritage.
What genre is Deftones?
They are primarily classified as alternative metal, nu‑metal, and shoegaze.
Is Chino Moreno sober in 2026?
Yes, he got sober during the recording of the album Private Music and has spoken about the clarity it gave him.
How many children does Chino Moreno have?
Three: two sons from his first marriage (Kristian and Jakobi) and a daughter, Lola, with his current wife.
What side projects has Chino Moreno been in?
Crosses (†††), Team Sleep, Palms, and Saudade.
Henry Wallace is Managing Editor at NewsPrism.co.uk, running the daily news list and covering UK and world affairs.