Sopranos Star Joe Pantoliano Reveals Decade-Long Depression Battle Nearly Destroyed Life

Joe Pantoliano, the Emmy-winning actor known for his role in The Sopranos, has publicly shared his decade-long battle with clinical depression that nearly destroyed his family and life. He self-medicated through what he calls his 'seven deadly symptoms,' including alcohol, risky behavior, and impulsiveness, which worsened his condition before he was diagnosed in 2007. Pantoliano revealed that his wife and children were ready to leave him during his darkest moments, with only his dogs providing him comfort and a reason to carry on. Tracing his mental health struggles back to a difficult childhood and a mother who also faced mental illness, he likened his fading hope to the character Tinkerbell's dying light. Since his diagnosis, Pantoliano has become an advocate for mental health awareness, founding the nonprofit 'No Kidding, Me Too!' to destigmatize mental illness and promote open discussions, a mission he believes has been successful. He continues to raise awareness while maintaining a prolific acting career, recently appearing in The Last of Us and the off-Broadway show Ginger Twinsies.