History of Joe Pantoliano in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 16, 2025

Joseph Peter Pantoliano is a prolific American actor with over 150 roles in film, television, and theater. He gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Ralph "Ralphie" Cifaretto in the acclaimed HBO series, The Sopranos, earning him a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. Pantoliano is also well-known for his role as Cypher in the influential sci-fi action film The Matrix. His extensive career demonstrates his versatility and impact on popular culture.

September 12, 1951: Joe Pantoliano's Birth

On September 12, 1951, Joseph Peter Pantoliano was born. He is an American actor known for playing over 150 roles across film, television, and theater.

1979: Marriage to Morgan Kester

In 1979, Joe Pantoliano married Morgan Kester.

1983: Risky Business

In 1983, Joe Pantoliano grew to fame as Guido the killer pimp in Risky Business.

1985: Divorce from Morgan Kester

In 1985, Joe Pantoliano and Morgan Kester divorced.

1985: The Goonies

In 1985, Joe Pantoliano appeared as the villainous Francis Fratelli in The Goonies.

1994: Marriage to Nancy Sheppard

In 1994, Joe Pantoliano married his second wife, Nancy Sheppard.

1999: The Matrix

In 1999, Joe Pantoliano gained fame among a new generation as Cypher in The Matrix.

1999: The Sopranos and The Matrix

In 1999, Joe Pantoliano played Ralph "Ralphie" Cifaretto on The Sopranos and Cypher in The Matrix.

2003: Daredevil

In 2003, Joe Pantoliano played investigative journalist Ben Urich in Mark Steven Johnson's Daredevil adaptation.

2003: Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune

In 2003, Joe Pantoliano replaced Stanley Tucci in the Broadway play Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune.

2006: Canvas

In 2006, Joe Pantoliano's film Canvas helped him come to terms with his depression.

October 9, 2007: Disclosure of Mental Illness

On October 9, 2007, Joe Pantoliano announced that he had been suffering from clinical depression for the last decade.

2007: The Sopranos ended

In 2007, The Sopranos concluded after airing since 1999. Joe Pantoliano played Ralph Cifaretto in the series.

2009: No Kidding! Me 2!! Documentary

In 2009, Joe Pantoliano directed, wrote, and starred in the documentary No Kidding! Me 2!!

2012: Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life

In 2012, Joe Pantoliano starred as Oswald Oswald in the film adaptation of Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life.

2013: Bronx Bombers

In 2013, Joe Pantoliano was cast as Yogi Berra in the Broadway production of Bronx Bombers, but dropped out during rehearsals due to "creative differences."