Joe Pantoliano

Joe Pantoliano is an award-winning actor known for his tough-guy roles in Risky Business, Memento, "The Sopranos." In 2016, he acted in The Perfect Match and Sense8 on Netflix. But it was his role as a father dealing with his wife's mental illness in 2006's Canvas that inspired him to face his own clinical depression and his childhood growing up with a mother who was bipolar. In response, he authored two memoirs: "Who’s Sorry Now: The True Story of a Stand-Up Guy" and "Asylum: Hollywood Tales From My Great Depression: Brain Dis-Ease, Recovery and Being My Mother's Son."

Making it his life’s calling to help others, Pantoliano has become an outspoken advocate for mental health awareness. He encourages audiences to take action and become more knowledgeable about mental illness—including its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Pantoliano launched the non-profit No Kidding, Me Too!, which works to promote education and awareness with the hope of removing the stigma that surrounds mental illness. Through No Kidding, Me Too!, he directed the powerful documentary Hope's Messengers, which presents an honest, empowering portrayal of those living with mental illness.

With courage, humor, and compassion, Pantoliano has put a face on the mental health issue. Speaking in his no-nonsense style, he shares the experiences that have fueled his craft and creativity while offering hope to those affected by mental illness.