For actor Joe Mantegna, portraying Italian Americans in films and television is an opportunity to broaden how his community is perceived. “I've played a variety of characters from both sides of the street,” said Mantegna, 77. “So, every time I've played a role like Joey Zasa in ‘The Godfather Part III’ or even Fat Tony in ‘The Simpsons,’” he said referring to his well-known gangster parts, “I then purposely choose roles that show other aspects of Italian American culture and life in a positive light.
“I've played Agent David Rossi for 17 years on ‘Criminal Minds’ and he's a proud Italian American. When I did a series on the Supreme Court, ‘First Monday,’ I made that character an Italian American.” That dedication to portraying his heritage with nuance and pride is no wonder the Emmy- and Tony Award-winning actor has been selected as this year’s San Francisco Italian Heritage Parade’s Celebrity Grand Marshal.
