Joseph Anthony Mantegna began his professional performance career in 1969 as part of the Chicago production of the musical Hair. Since those early stage days, he has established a prolific career spanning Broadway, television, and film, maintaining a significant presence in the American entertainment industry as an actor, director, and voice talent.
Early Career and Stage Work
Born in Chicago in 1947, Mantegna attended The Theatre School at DePaul University before launching his acting career. His Broadway debut occurred in 1978 with the production Working. He gained significant professional recognition for his collaboration with David Mamet, most notably portraying Richard Roma in the original production of Glengarry Glen Ross. This performance earned him a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play in 1984. His stage history also includes co-writing the play Bleacher Bums and directing a production of Lakeboat.
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Mantegna's filmography includes a range of dramatic and comedic roles, such as his appearances in Three Amigos, The Godfather Part III, and Up Close and Personal. He frequently collaborated with Mamet on screen, appearing in House of Games, Homicide, and Redbelt. His performance in Things Change garnered him the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the Venice Film Festival. In the television sphere, he starred in First Monday and Joan of Arcadia, alongside recurring voice work as Fat Tony on the animated series The Simpsons. He also earned Emmy Award nominations for his work in the miniseries The Last Don, The Rat Pack, and The Starter Wife.
Criminal Minds and Directing
In 2007, Mantegna joined the cast of the CBS crime drama Criminal Minds, portraying FBI Supervisory Special Agent David Rossi. Beyond his acting role in the long-running series, he expanded his duties to include directing several episodes starting with the ninth season. His broader industry work includes executive producing various projects, such as the film version of Lakeboat, and providing narration for audiobook editions of Robert B. Parker's Spenser novels.
Fast facts
- Born: 1947, Chicago
- Citizenship: United States
- Tony Award: Best Featured Actor in a Play (1984)
- Notable Role: David Rossi on Criminal Minds
- Voice Role: Fat Tony on The Simpsons
- Venice Film Festival: Volpi Cup for Best Actor
- Education: The Theatre School at DePaul University
- Hollywood Walk of Fame: Star recipient
Questions readers ask
What is Joe Mantegna best known for?
He is widely recognized for his long-running role as David Rossi on the television series Criminal Minds and his voice work as Fat Tony on The Simpsons.
Has Joe Mantegna won any major acting awards?
Yes, he won a Tony Award in 1984 for his role in Glengarry Glen Ross and the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the Venice Film Festival for his performance in Things Change.
Achievements
- Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play — 1984
- Worked as film director, screenwriter and dub actor
