Joe Mantegna is an acclaimed American actor, producer, writer, and director best known for his versatile roles in film, television, and stage productions, including notable work in “The Godfather Part III” and the long-running TV series “Criminal Minds.” With a career spanning over five decades, Mantegna has earned prestigious awards such as the Tony Award and Joseph Jefferson Award and has become a respected figure for his artistic contributions and advocacy.
Table of Contents
Who is Joe Mantegna?
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 78 years |
| Parents/ Family | Joseph Henry Mantegna and Mary Ann (Novelli) |
| Ethnicity | Mixed (Italian and American) |
| Wife | Arlene Vrhel |
| Daughters | Mia and Gina |
| Net Worth | Approximately $25 million |
| Illness/ Cancer | Mantle cell lymphoma |
| Height | 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) |
| Weight Loss | To be updated |
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Early Life and Background
Joseph Anthony Mantegna was born on November 13, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois, to Italian-American parents. Raised in a working-class family in Cicero, Illinois, Mantegna developed an interest in acting during his youth. He attended Bowen High School and later DePaul University, where he honed his craft and launched into theatrical performance. His early exposure to the arts and a supportive cultural environment heavily influenced his decision to pursue acting as a career.
Theater Career and Breakthrough
Mantegna’s acting career began on stage in 1969 with the Chicago production of the musical Hair. He quickly gained acclaim as a versatile stage actor, known especially for his work in David Mamet’s plays. His portrayal of Richard Roma in the original American productions of Mamet’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Glengarry Glen Ross earned him a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play and a Joseph Jefferson Award, marking a major breakthrough and solidifying his reputation in the theater world. He continued to work extensively in theater, including roles in Godspell (as Judas), Working, Speed-the-Plow, and other prestigious productions.
Film and Television Career Highlights
Mantegna has appeared in over 200 film and television roles, demonstrating his range across comedy, drama, and voice acting. His film credits include:
- The Godfather Part III (1990), where he played Joey Zasa, a critical role that brought him widespread recognition.
- Three Amigos (1986), Forget Paris (1995), and Up Close & Personal (1996).
- Numerous TV movies and miniseries, including The Rat Pack (1998) where he portrayed Dean Martin.
On television, Mantegna is renowned for his role as FBI Special Agent David Rossi on Criminal Minds (2007–2020, 2022–present), which earned him a devoted fan base. He has also contributed voice roles, most famously as Fat Tony on The Simpsons, spanning over 46 episodes. His other notable TV appearances include Joan of Arcadia, The Sopranos, and As We See It.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Joe Mantegna has garnered critical acclaim and numerous accolades:
- Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play for Glengarry Glen Ross.
- Joseph Jefferson Award for the same role.
- Various film critic awards, including one from the Chicago Film Critics Association.
- A Commitment to Chicago Award (1999).
- A Family Film Award – Lifetime Achievement Award (2023).
- Humanitarian Award from Satellite Awards (2023).
- Multiple nominations, including a Golden Globe nomination in 1999 for his supporting role in The Rat Pack.
Wife and Daughters
Joe Mantegna has been in a long-term, enduring relationship with his wife, Arlene Vrhel. Joe Mantegna met Arlene Vrhel in Chicago in 1969 when both were cast in a local production of the musical Hair. They began dating the same year.
Joe and Arlene developed their relationship but did not rush into marriage, describing themselves as ‘hippies’ who enjoyed their time together without immediate plans to wed. The couple exchanged private, informal vows at the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris in 1975 before marrying officially later that year. Moved from Chicago to Los Angeles, California in 1978, with actor Dennis Franz to further Joe’s acting career.
Welcomed their first daughter, Mia in 1987. Mia faced serious health challenges at birth, and was later diagnosed with autism at age two. Mia was born prematurely due to an umbilical cord infection, weighing just 1 pound 13 ounces.
She spent her first three months in intensive care but survived against the odds. Despite initial concerns, with guidance from an inclusive teacher in Chicago, Mia attended regular classrooms throughout most of her schooling, except for some special education classes. Her parents prioritized openness and inclusion, ensuring her classmates understood autism and could support her.
This approach made her educational experience more supportive and successful. Mia excelled at numbers and using computers. She worked as a bookkeeper at her mother’s restaurant, Taste Chicago, and later trained as a makeup artist, graduating as the first autistic person from Mudd School’s professional course.
The couple’s second daughter, Gina, was born in 1990. Joe also supported Arlene in opening and running the “Taste Chicago” restaurant in Burbank, California, between 2003 and 2019.
Advocacy and Other Endeavors
Besides acting, Mantegna is an outspoken autism activist, using his platform to raise awareness and support for individuals and families affected by autism spectrum disorder. He often participates in events and speaks publicly on related issues.
He has also worked as a director, with credits including the film Lakeboat (2000) and several episodes of Criminal Minds. His directorial work is marked by a keen understanding of character-driven narratives and suspense storytelling.
Legacy and Influence
Joe Mantegna’s versatile performances across stage, film, and television have made him a respected figure in American entertainment. His ability to portray complex characters with depth and authenticity has earned him a loyal fan base and critical respect. His contribution to theater, particularly through his work in David Mamet’s plays, is remarkable and influential in contemporary American drama.
His long-standing career, coupled with his successful transition into directing and advocacy work, positions him as a multifaceted artist whose impact extends beyond acting alone.
Net Worth
Joe Mantegna, a seasoned American actor, producer, writer, and director, has an estimated net worth of $25 million in 2025. His wealth is built on decades of successful work in film, television, and voice acting, with major contributions from his roles on the TV series “Criminal Minds” and in notable films like “The Godfather Part III.”
Mantegna’s salary from “Criminal Minds,” where he starred as FBI Supervisory Special Agent David Rossi since 2007, has been significant, with reports suggesting that the show alone earned him tens of millions over its run. Though exact seasonal salaries are not publicly detailed, “Criminal Minds” was a highly rated, long-running series, contributing heavily to his income. His role in “The Godfather Part III” and other films, such as “The Money Pit” and voice work as mob boss Fat Tony on “The Simpsons,” also added to his financial success.
Illness and Cancer Diagnosis
Joe Mantegna was diagnosed with mantle cell lymphoma, a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, in 2017. This diagnosis marked a significant turning point in his life and health. Following the diagnosis, Mantegna underwent intensive treatment, which included chemotherapy and radiation.
These treatments took a toll on his physical and emotional well-being, yet he maintained a positive outlook throughout the process and continued working on his various projects. By 2019, Joe Mantegna had achieved remission. Since then, he has become an advocate for cancer awareness, encouraging others to get regular checkups and be vigilant about cancer symptoms. His experience has also led him to support cancer research and organizations focused on lymphoma, helping to raise awareness and funds for the cause.
Weight Loss
Joe Mantegna’s weight loss journey centers on adopting a healthier and balanced lifestyle rather than a drastic or fad diet program. Mantegna has openly discussed the need to change habits and lifestyle choices to improve his health, rather than just aiming for short-term weight loss. This is tied to a broader shift in his life where he had to adapt to family priorities and professional changes.
His approach appears practical, sustainable, and mindful, promoting overall well-being rather than just weight loss alone. While specific branded diets or fitness regimens associated directly with him aren’t prominent, his story highlights a personalized approach to fitness that fits his age, career, and family life commitments. This includes choosing nutritious food options and staying physically active to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
Was Joe Mantegna in the military?
Joe Mantegna was not in the military. He grew up around family members who were combat veterans of World War II and even tried to become a pilot in the US Marine Corps, but he did not serve. In fact, he is known for his strong support of the military and veterans’ issues, including serving as a spokesperson and advocate for veterans’ causes, but he himself did not have military service.
What happened to Joe Mantegna’s eye?
Joe Mantegna’s eye issue is related to a medical condition called Bell’s palsy, which he was diagnosed with in the 1980s while performing in the play “Speed the Plow.” Bell’s palsy is a temporary facial paralysis caused by stress or viral infection that can affect facial muscles, including those around the eye. Although it is typically temporary, Mantegna still has some persistent facial characteristics from the disease, which likely affected his eye area as well.
What disability does Joe Mantegna’s daughter have?
Joe Mantegna’s daughter, Mia, has autism. She was diagnosed with autism when she was about two and a half years old.
What is Joe Mantegna doing now?
As of 2025, Joe Mantegna is actively involved in multiple projects. He continues his long-running role as FBI Special Agent David Rossi on the CBS crime drama “Criminal Minds,” including directing several episodes. Additionally, he is producing and consulting on various documentaries and TV series, such as the National Memorial Day Concert, “Nobody Heals Alone,” and a documentary on science fiction icon Ray Bradbury.
Is Joe Mantegna sick?
Joe Mantegna is currently experiencing a health issue related to his ear, which has recently caused him to step down from hosting the 2025 National Memorial Day Concert—a role he had held consistently since 2006.
who is Joe Mantegna’s wife?
Joe Mantegna has been married to his wife Arlene Vrhel since 1975.