Actor Joe Pantoliano talks about addiction and his mental health journey

The actor, who’s known for roles in TV shows like “The Sopranos” and films like “The Matrix,” “Memento,” and “The Fugitive” was in Houston to speak at The Menninger Clinic’s Annual Signature Luncheon.

Garrett Bohlmann

| May 9, 2024, 2:00 PM (Last Updated: May 9, 2024, 4:16 PM)

Listen

Actor Joe Pantoliano won an Emmy for his work on The Sopranos. He's had memorable roles in iconic films like The Goonies, Empire of the Sun, The Fugitive, The Matrix, Memento, and more.

While he's had a remarkable, decades-long career in film and television (which continues with another turn in the latest Bad Boys film out next month) mental health advocacy is what brought "Joey Pants" to Houston, and to the Houston Matters studio.

Joe Pantoliano in a scene from "The Sopranos." — Joe Pantoliano in a scene from “The Sopranos.”

In the audio above, Houston Matters host Craig Cohen talks with Pantoliano about his life, career, and the journey that's led him to treatment for depression, and to establish "No Kidding? Me, Too!" – a nonprofit that mobilizes the entertainment industry to educate the public about mental health.

Pantoliano was in town to speak today at The Menninger Clinic's Annual Signature Luncheon.

Also, we field listener questions and comments about his mental health activism, and about some of his iconic roles. Plus, he answers the ultimate question for Matrix fans: for him (not for his character Cypher, who made his position clear) – red pill or blue pill?