Joe Pantoliano - Character Actor, Life Achievements and Childhood
Joe Pantoliano's Personal Details
Joseph Peter Pantoliano is an accomplished character actor, well-known for his portrayals in films like ‘Risky Business’ and ‘The Fugitive.’ This biography profiles his childhood, family, personal life, career, etc.
| Information | Detail |
|---|---|
| Birthday | September 12, 1951 |
| Nationality | American |
| Famous | Film & Theater Personalities, Actors, Character Actor |
| City/State | New Jersey |
| Spouses | Morgan Kester (m. 1979–1985), Nancy Sheppard (m. 1994) |
| Birth Place | Hoboken, New Jersey |
| Born Country | United States |
| Gender | Male |
| Sun Sign | Virgo |
| Born in | Hoboken, New Jersey |
| Famous as | Character Actor |
// Famous Character Actor
Christopher Lee
Christopher Lee is one of the most distinguished actors of Britain. This biography provides detailed information about his childhood, life, achievements, works & timeline.
Joe Pantoliano's photo
Who is Joe Pantoliano?
Joseph Peter Pantoliano is an accomplished character actor, well-known for his portrayals in films like ‘Risky Business’ and ‘The Fugitive,’ and television series ‘The Sopranos.’ Pantoliano has often played shady roles in his career of over four decades on various platforms, including films, television, and stage productions. As a child, he suffered from severe dyslexia, which affected his studies. However, he exhibited good talent in acting from an early age and later resolved to take up acting as a career. After high school, he relocated to New York and attended HB Studio. He performed in the travelling stage production of ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.’ He then played several roles in both television and films before garnering fame portraying a ruthless pimp ‘Guido’ in the 1983 film ‘Risky Business.’ What followed was an array of other notable on-screen productions, including films like ‘Midnight Run,’ ‘The Fugitive,’ ‘U.S. Marshals,’ the Bad Boys franchise, ‘Memento,’ and ‘The Matrix’ among many others; as well as TV series like ‘The Fanelli Boys,’ ‘Beethoven’ (voice role) and ‘The Sopranos.’ The latter won him a Primetime Emmy Award.
// Famous Actors
Jacob Elordi
Jacob Elordi is an Australian actor. Let’s take a look at his childhood, family, personal life, career, etc.
Wentworth Miller
Wentworth Miller is an American actor and screenwriter who achieved recognition for his role in the TV series ‘Prison Break’.
Shemar Moore
Shemar Moore is a model turned actor best known for his role in the television series ‘The Young and the Restless’. This biography of Shemar Moore provides detailed information about his childhood, life, achievements, works & timeline.
Childhood & Early Life
He was born on September 12, 1951, in Hoboken, New Jersey, US, to first-generation Italian-Americans Dominic “Monk” Pantoliano and Mary (née Centrella). His father was a hearse driver and factory foreman, while his mother was a bookie and seamstress. His parents parted ways (although never divorced officially) when Pantoliano was 12 years old.
He studied at the Cliffside Park High School, but fared badly in studies due to severe dyslexia. Nevertheless, he showed talent in acting from an early age and after noticing such talent his stepfather motivated him to endeavour into theatres.
Following high school, he relocated to New York, where he attended HB Studio and studied acting with actors Herbert Berghof and John Lehne. During his four-year tenure at the HB Studio, he sustained himself by working as a waiter, while giving auditions. He also performed as Billy Bibbit in the touring production of ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.’
After his stint in New York, he moved to Hollywood to pursue acting in films and television.
Career
His early on-screen pursuits includes films like ‘Road Movie’ (1974), ‘For Pete's Sake’ (1974), ‘The Idolmaker’ (1980) and ‘Monsignor’ (1982); and TV productions like ‘McNamara's Band’ (1977) and ‘Alcatraz: The Whole Shocking Story’ (1980), series ‘Free Country’ (1978) and miniseries ‘From Here to Eternity’ (1979).
He landed up with his big break playing the hard-hearted pimp ‘Guido’ in Paul Brickman’s directorial debut ‘Risky Business,’ an American romantic comedy film starring Tom Cruise and Rebecca De Mornay. This 1983 film became a blockbuster hit grossing $63.5 million at the box-office and shot Pantoliano to fame garnering him widespread popularity.
He furthered his fame playing the negative role of Francis Fratelli in the 1985 adventure comedy film ‘The Goonies,’ which slowly evolved as a cult film.
The biographical film ‘La Bamba,’ based on the life and career of American singer, songwriter, and guitarist Ritchie Valens, saw Pantoliano essaying the character of American musician, producer and Del-Fi Records owner, Bob Keane, while actor Lou Diamond Phillips played Valens. The film released on July 24, 1987, and became a blockbuster hit, earning a Golden Globe nomination.
The 1988 action comedy film ‘Midnight Run’ starring Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin featured Pantoliano in the role of the foul-mouthed, double-crossing bail bondsman Eddie Moscone.
He essayed the main role of Dominic Fanelli in the American sitcom ‘The Fanelli Boys’ that aired on NBC for 19 episodes from September 8, 1990, to February 16, 1991.
The 1993 film ‘The Fugitive’ featured him in the role of Deputy U.S. Marshal Cosmo Renfro and garnered a whopping $368.9 million at box-office. This thriller also starred Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones. The latter won an Oscar as ‘Best Supporting Actor.’
His next notable film was the Martin Lawrence and Will Smith starrer American buddy cop action comedy ‘Bad Boys’ that released on April 7, 1995 and grossed $141.4 million at box-office. He played Captain Howard in the film and reprised the role in its sequel ‘Bad Boys II’ (2003) that also became huge commercial success.
He reprised the role of Deputy U.S. Marshal Cosmo Renfro in the spin-off of ‘The Fugitive’ titled ‘U.S. Marshals.’ He starred with the likes of Tommy Lee Jones, Wesley Snipes, and Robert Downey Jr. among others in the1998 film that grossed $102.4 million at box-office.
His next notable film was the 1999 sci-fi action flick ‘The Matrix’ where he starred as Cypher along with Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Hugo Weaving, and Carrie-Anne Moss. The film was a major critical and commercial success with worldwide box-office collection of US$463.5 million. The film won four ‘Academy Awards.’
He starred as "Teddy" James Edward Gammell along with Guy Pearce and Carrie-Anne Moss in the Christopher Nolan directed American neo-noir psychological thriller film ‘Memento.’ The film premiered at the Venice International Film Festival on September 5, 2000, and became a critical and commercial success. It was among the best films of the 2000s.
Between 2001 and 2004, he appeared in the role of Ralph Cifaretto in 21 episodes of the popular American crime drama television series ‘The Sopranos’ that aired on HBO for six seasons from January 10, 1999, to June 10, 2007. His spectacular performance as Ralph won him the ‘Primetime Emmy Award’ for ‘Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series’ in 2003.
He featured in the two-character Broadway play ‘Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune’ in 2003 in place of Stanley Tucci.
Pantoliano’s other notable works are ‘Cats & Dogs’ (voice role, 2001), ‘Daredevil’ (2003) and ‘Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief’ (2010); and TV series like ‘Beethoven’ (voice role, 1994) and ‘The Lionhearts’ (voice role, 1998) among others.
His upcoming film ‘Happy Anniversary,’ a comedy, is scheduled for a March 30, 2018 release by Netflix.
Personal Life
He was married to Morgan Kester from March 31, 1979 to February 23, 1984. He got married for a second time to former model Nancy Sheppard on February 18, 1994. He has six children.
He declared on the National Alliance on Mental Illness blog on October 9, 2007, that for the past decade he has been a victim of clinical depression, which was, however, formally diagnosed quite late. He mentions that the 2006 drama film ‘Canvas,’ where he starred as John Marino, aided him in his fight with depression.
He created ‘No Kidding, Me Too!,’ a non-profit organization to bring together the members of showbiz for educating public on mental illness. He is also coming up with the documentary titled ‘No Kidding, Me Too!.’
He wrote two memoirs titled ‘Asylum: Hollywood Tales From My Great Depression: Brain Dis-Ease, Recovery and Being My Mother’s Son’ and ‘Who’s Sorry Now: The True Story of a Stand-Up Guy.’
// Famous Film & Theater Personalities
Jacob Elordi
Jacob Elordi is an Australian actor. Let’s take a look at his childhood, family, personal life, career, etc.
Wentworth Miller
Wentworth Miller is an American actor and screenwriter who achieved recognition for his role in the TV series ‘Prison Break’.
Skai Jackson
Skai Jackson is an American child actress with huge fan following. Find more about her family & personal life, relationships, facts and more.
Joe Pantoliano's awards
| Year | Name | Award |
|---|---|---|
Primetime Emmy Awards | ||
| 2003 | Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series | The Sopranos (1999) |
Joe Pantoliano biography timelines
- // 12th Sep 1951He was born on September 12, 1951, in Hoboken, New Jersey, US, to first-generation Italian-Americans Dominic “Monk” Pantoliano and Mary (née Centrella). His father was a hearse driver and factory foreman, while his mother was a bookie and seamstress. His parents parted ways (although never divorced officially) when Pantoliano was 12 years old.
- // 1983He landed up with his big break playing the hard-hearted pimp ‘Guido’ in Paul Brickman’s directorial debut ‘Risky Business,’ an American romantic comedy film starring Tom Cruise and Rebecca De Mornay. This 1983 film became a blockbuster hit grossing $63.5 million at the box-office and shot Pantoliano to fame garnering him widespread popularity.
- // 1985He furthered his fame playing the negative role of Francis Fratelli in the 1985 adventure comedy film ‘The Goonies,’ which slowly evolved as a cult film.
- // 24th Jul 1987The biographical film ‘La Bamba,’ based on the life and career of American singer, songwriter, and guitarist Ritchie Valens, saw Pantoliano essaying the character of American musician, producer and Del-Fi Records owner, Bob Keane, while actor Lou Diamond Phillips played Valens. The film released on July 24, 1987, and became a blockbuster hit, earning a Golden Globe nomination.
- // 1988The 1988 action comedy film ‘Midnight Run’ starring Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin featured Pantoliano in the role of the foul-mouthed, double-crossing bail bondsman Eddie Moscone.
- // 8th Sep 1990 To 16th Feb 1991He essayed the main role of Dominic Fanelli in the American sitcom ‘The Fanelli Boys’ that aired on NBC for 19 episodes from September 8, 1990, to February 16, 1991.
- // 1993The 1993 film ‘The Fugitive’ featured him in the role of Deputy U.S. Marshal Cosmo Renfro and garnered a whopping $368.9 million at box-office. This thriller also starred Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones. The latter won an Oscar as ‘Best Supporting Actor.’
- // 7th Apr 1995 To 2003His next notable film was the Martin Lawrence and Will Smith starrer American buddy cop action comedy ‘Bad Boys’ that released on April 7, 1995 and grossed $141.4 million at box-office. He played Captain Howard in the film and reprised the role in its sequel ‘Bad Boys II’ (2003) that also became huge commercial success.
- // 1998He reprised the role of Deputy U.S. Marshal Cosmo Renfro in the spin-off of ‘The Fugitive’ titled ‘U.S. Marshals.’ He starred with the likes of Tommy Lee Jones, Wesley Snipes, and Robert Downey Jr. among others in the1998 film that grossed $102.4 million at box-office.
- // 1999His next notable film was the 1999 sci-fi action flick ‘The Matrix’ where he starred as Cypher along with Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Hugo Weaving, and Carrie-Anne Moss. The film was a major critical and commercial success with worldwide box-office collection of US$463.5 million. The film won four ‘Academy Awards.’
- // 5th Sep 2000He starred as "Teddy" James Edward Gammell along with Guy Pearce and Carrie-Anne Moss in the Christopher Nolan directed American neo-noir psychological thriller film ‘Memento.’ The film premiered at the Venice International Film Festival on September 5, 2000, and became a critical and commercial success. It was among the best films of the 2000s.
- // 2003He featured in the two-character Broadway play ‘Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune’ in 2003 in place of Stanley Tucci.
- // 9th Oct 2006 To 9th Oct 2007He declared on the National Alliance on Mental Illness blog on October 9, 2007, that for the past decade he has been a victim of clinical depression, which was, however, formally diagnosed quite late. He mentions that the 2006 drama film ‘Canvas,’ where he starred as John Marino, aided him in his fight with depression.
- // 30th Mar 2018His upcoming film ‘Happy Anniversary,’ a comedy, is scheduled for a March 30, 2018 release by Netflix.
// Famous Depression peoples
Tennessee Williams
Tennessee Williams was one of the greatest playwrights of the 20th century. This biography of Tennessee Williams provides detailed information about his childhood, life, achievements, works and timeline.
Mike Tyson
Mike Tyson is a former heavyweight boxing champion, known for his ferocious and intimidating style. Read this biography to know about his life, profile & timeline.
Jack Dee
Jack Dee is an English stand-up comedian, actor and writer. This biography provides detailed information about his childhood, life, works, achievements and timeline.
Chris Farley
Chris Farley was an American comedian and actor who made millions of people laugh with his lively comic acts. This biography of Chris Farley provides detailed information about his childhood, life, achievements, works & timeline.
David Walliams
David Walliams is an English comedian, actor, author, talent-show judge, and activist. Check out this biography to know about his childhood, family life, achievements and fun facts about his life.
Stephen Fry
Stephen Fry is a comedian, actor, author, television and radio presenter. Read the biography and know all about his childhood, career, profile and timeline.
Joe Pantoliano's FAQ
What is Joe Pantoliano birthday?
Joe Pantoliano was born at 1951-09-12
Where is Joe Pantoliano's birth place?
Joe Pantoliano was born in Hoboken, New Jersey
What is Joe Pantoliano nationalities?
Joe Pantoliano's nationalities is American
Who is Joe Pantoliano spouses?
Joe Pantoliano's spouses is Morgan Kester (m. 1979–1985), Nancy Sheppard (m. 1994)
What is Joe Pantoliano's sun sign?
Joe Pantoliano is Virgo
How famous is Joe Pantoliano?
Joe Pantoliano is famouse as Character Actor