Joe Mantegna, born November 13, 1947, in Chicago, is an acclaimed American actor, producer, writer, and director.
He is best known for his role as David Rossi in Criminal Minds and as Joey Zasa in The Godfather Part III.
Mantegna has a rich theatrical background, winning a Tony Award for Glengarry Glen Ross and collaborating extensively with playwright David Mamet.
He has also voiced Fat Tony in The Simpsons since 1991.
Siblings
Mary Mantegna, Joe’s older sister, has played a supportive role in his life and career.
Although she is not in the public eye like Joe, she has been a source of inspiration and encouragement throughout his journey in the entertainment industry.
Michael Mantegna, his younger brother, shares a close bond with Joe as well.
Like Mary, Michael has maintained a more private life away from the spotlight.
Joe often speaks fondly of his family, emphasizing how their support and values shaped his work ethic and approach to acting.
Theater career
Mantegna’s theatrical roots run deep, and he has made significant contributions to the stage throughout his career.
His breakout role came in 1969 when he made his acting debut in the Chicago production of the musical Hair.
However, his most notable theatrical achievement was winning the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play for his portrayal of Richard Roma in David Mamet’s Glengarry Glen Ross in 1984.
Mantegna’s collaboration with Mamet has been a defining aspect of his theater work.
He has appeared in numerous Mamet plays, including American Buffalo, Speed-the-Plow, and The Disappearance of the Jews.
Their partnership has showcased Mantegna’s ability to bring complex, gritty characters to life on stage.
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In addition to his acting work, Mantegna co-wrote the award-winning play Bleacher Bums, which was inspired by his experiences watching the Chicago Cubs play at Wrigley Field.
The play has been produced numerous times and has become a beloved part of Chicago’s theater scene.
Film career
Mantegna’s film career has been equally impressive, with roles in both critically acclaimed independent films and mainstream box-office hits.
He made his feature film debut in 1977’s Medusa Challenger, but it was his collaborations with David Mamet in the late 1980s that truly showcased his talent on the big screen.
Films like House of Games and Things Change demonstrated Mantegna’s ability to inhabit complex, morally ambiguous characters.
His portrayal of Joey Zasa in The Godfather Part III further solidified his reputation as a versatile and compelling actor.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Mantegna continued to take on diverse roles in films such as Three Amigos, Forget Paris and Up Close & Personal.
His ability to adapt to different genres and work with a wide range of directors has made him a sought-after actor in Hollywood.
Television career
While Mantegna’s theater and film work have been highly acclaimed, his television career has been equally impressive.
He has earned Emmy Award nominations for his roles in three different miniseries: The Last Don, The Rat Pack and The Starter Wife.
Mantegna has also had success with television series, starring in shows like First Monday and Joan of Arcadia.
However, his most enduring television role has been as FBI Supervisory Special Agent David Rossi in the CBS series Criminal Minds, which he has played since 2007.
In addition to his acting work, Mantegna has also lent his voice to the animated series The Simpsons, voicing the character of mob boss Fat Tony since 1991.
He has reprised this role in various Simpsons projects, including the 2007 feature film.
Throughout his career, Mantegna has consistently demonstrated his talent, versatility, and dedication to his craft.
His contributions to theater, film, and television have earned him a place as one of the most respected and accomplished actors of his generation.
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