‘Sopranos’ Star Makes Brave Revelation About His Mental Health Journey

Joe Pantoliano is getting candid about his mental health. The “Sopranos” actor revealed he suffered from undiagnosed clinical depression for over 10 years, during which he resorted to self-medication and risky behavior. “Alcohol, what was available, women, you know, risky behavior, act first and then ask questions second,” he said, talking to Page Six. He described it as “seven deadly symptoms.”

The 73-year-old actor said his mental health challenges nearly led to the breakdown of his family life. “My wife and my kids were ready to throw me out,” he admitted. “The only people who were happy to see me weren’t people. They were my dogs.”

Dogs, Diagnosis & a Turning Point

(Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Tribeca Festival)

Pantoliano credited his dogs with helping him survive the darkest period of his life. “They saved my life because it was the only spark that was left in me,” he said. “I was like Tinkerbell and the light was dying.”

The “Goonies” and “Matrix” star was finally diagnosed with clinical depression in 2007. He later channeled his experience into advocacy, writing two books and founding the nonprofit “No Kidding, Me Too!” in 2009 to destigmatize mental illness.

Making Mental Health Advocacy ‘Cool’

“We’ve done such a great job,” he said of the organization’s mission. “Our mission for ‘No Kidding, Me Too!’ was to make the discussion of mental disease cool and trendy. And we’ve succeeded.”

Pantoliano noted that in today’s cultural climate, people are far more willing to speak openly about mental health, a change he’s proud to have helped spark.

‘Sopranos’ Stars Reunite for Hallmark’s “Holiday Touchdown’ Movie

Joe Pantoliano is no stranger to stealing scenes in short but powerful appearances. The Emmy-winning Sopranos alum, whose prolific career spans more than 140 film and TV credits—from “MASH*” and “The Goonies” to “The Matrix” and the Bad Boys franchise—has built a reputation as a veteran character actor who leaves a lasting impression.

Most recently, he made a buzz-worthy cameo in “The Last of Us”, playing Eugene, a character whose off-screen fate is revealed in a tense therapy scene.

Joe Pantoliano also has another exciting professional update. Two Sopranos alums are teaming up again—this time for a Hallmark holiday film. Joe Pantoliano has joined the cast of “Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story”. He’ll reunite with Steve Schirripa, who played Bobby Bacala on the mob drama.

Pantoliano steps in for Tony Danza, who exited the project due to a “last-minute scheduling conflict,” per a press release. The festive movie follows pediatric doctor Morgan Quinn (Holland Roden) and Buffalo Bills stadium VP Gabe DeLuca (Matthew Daddario), lifelong friends from Bills-loving Buffalo families, as they navigate love, football, and the holiday spirit.

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