Joe Pantoliano Biography: Joseph Peter Pantoliano, born on September 12, 1951, is an American actor with a career spanning over 150 roles in film, television, and theater. He is best known for his portrayal of Ralph “Ralphie” Cifaretto on HBO’s acclaimed crime drama The Sopranos (1999–2007), a role that earned him a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. He also gained wide recognition for playing Cypher in the 1999 science fiction action blockbuster The Matrix. Pantoliano first appeared in smaller roles on shows like MASH* and films such as Risky Business, later gaining more attention through his performances in popular projects including Hill Street Blues, The Goonies, La Bamba, Empire of the Sun, Midnight Run, NYPD Blue, Memento, and the Bad Boys franchise.
Joe Pantoliano Biography
Joe Pantoliano is a seasoned American actor with a career spanning both film and television, boasting over 150 credits. He’s recognized for his standout performances in major films such as The Goonies, La Bamba, The Fugitive, The Matrix, Memento, and all three Bad Boys movies. On television, Pantoliano has had notable roles in acclaimed series like Hill Street Blues, NYPD Blue, The Sopranos, and Sense8. Throughout his career, he has delivered some of his most memorable performances as Ralph Cifaretto in The Sopranos, Bob Keane in La Bamba, Cypher in The Matrix, Teddy in Memento, Francis Fratelli in The Goonies, and Guido “the Killer Pimp” in Risky Business. He also played Caesar, the intense mobster boyfriend of Jennifer Tilly’s character in Bound, and portrayed Deputy U.S. Marshal Cosmo Renfro in both The Fugitive and its sequel, U.S. Marshals.
Joe Pantoliano Biography 2025 Details
| Born |
Joseph Peter Pantoliano
September 12, 1951 Hoboken, New Jersey, U.S.
|
|---|---|
| Other names | Joey Pants |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1974–present |
| Spouses |
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| Children | 4 |
| Category | Singers Bio |
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About Joe Pantoliano
Joseph Peter Pantoliano is an American actor who has played over 150 roles across film, television, and theater.
Joe Pantoliano Wiki
- Born: 12 September 1951 (age 73 years), Hoboken, New Jersey, United States
- Children: Michelle Pantoliano, Marco Pantoliano ·
- Spouse: Nancy Sheppard (m. 1994), Morgan Kester (m. 1979–1984)
- Height: 1.76 m
- Awards: Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
- Parents: Dominic Pantoliano, Mary Pantoliano
Early Life
Joe Pantoliano was born in Hoboken, New Jersey, to Italian-American parents, Dominic and Mary. His father worked as both a factory foreman and hearse driver, while his mother was a seamstress and also worked as a bookmaker. During his youth, the family relocated to Cliffside Park, New Jersey, where Joe attended Cliffside Park High School. He later pursued his passion for acting by training at New York City’s HB Studio, a respected performing arts institution.
Joe Pantoliano Facts
Where does Joe Pantoliano live? And how much money does Joe Pantoliano earn?
| Birth Date | 12-9-1951 |
| Heritage/origin | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Religion – believes in God? | Roman Catholic |
| Residence | He lives together in a house in New Jersey, United States. |
Joe Pantoliano Net Worth 2025
| Estimated Net Worth | $8 million (£6.4m) |
| Yearly Salary | N/A |
| Product Endorsements | Amici |
| Colleagues | John Matuszak & Robert Davi |
Joe Pantoliano: Wife, Dating, Family & Friends
| Relationship status | Married (Since 1993) |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Current Wife of Joe Pantoliano | Nancy Sheppard |
| Ex-girlfriends or ex-wives | Morgan Kester, Samantha Phillips |
| More info | Was previously married and divorced |
| Has any kids? | Yes, father of: Michelle, Isabella, Daniella, Bobby, Marco |
Family
Names of father, mother, kids, brothers & sisters:
- Mary Pantoliano (Mother)
- Dominic Pantoliano (Father)
- Mary Ann Pantoliano (Sister)
- Michelle Pantoliano (Daughter)
- Isabella Pantoliano (Daughter)
- Daniella Pantoliano (Daughter)
- Marco Pantoliano (Son)
- Melody Pantoliano (Daughter)
- Bobby Pantoliano (Son)
Skin, Hair & Eye Color
This attractive talented actor originating from Hoboken, New Jersey, United States has a slim body & oval face type.
| Hair color | Grey |
| Hair type | Straight |
| Hair Length | near-shaved Hair |
| Hairstyle | alternative |
| Distinct feature | eye color |
| Skin Tone/Complexion | Type I: Light skin |
| Skin Type | Normal |
| Beard or Mustache | Beardless |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Does Joe Pantoliano smoke? | No, never |
Height, Weight, Body Measurements, Tattoos & Style
| Height | 178 cm |
| Weight | 71 kilo |
| Clothing style | alternative |
| Favorite colors | white |
| Feet size | N/A |
| Does Joe Pantoliano have a tattoo? | No |
FAQs
What movies is Joe Pantoliano best known for?
Joe Pantoliano is widely recognized for his roles in hit films such as The Matrix, The Goonies, La Bamba, Memento, The Fugitive, and the Bad Boys trilogy.
Why is Joe Pantoliano called “Joey Pants”?
He is affectionately nicknamed “Joey Pants” due to the difficulty many people have pronouncing his full Italian last name, Pantoliano.
Who did Joe Pantoliano play in The Sopranos?
Pantoliano portrayed Ralph Cifaretto, a violent and complex mobster, in The Sopranos, a role that earned him a Primetime Emmy Award.
What character did Joe Pantoliano play in The Matrix?
In The Matrix, Pantoliano played Cypher, a disillusioned crew member who betrays his comrades in exchange for a simulated life.
Where did Joe Pantoliano grow up?
Pantoliano was born in Hoboken, New Jersey, and later moved with his family to Cliffside Park, where he attended high school.
Did Joe Pantoliano study acting formally?
Yes, he studied acting at the HB Studio in New York City, training under respected instructors including Herbert Berghof.