Actor Joe Pantoliano, renowned for his roles in The Sopranos and The Matrix, has expressed deep discomfort with the current political climate in the United States under President Trump’s administration. At 73, Pantoliano is contemplating relocating to Portugal, citing concerns over the nation’s direction and potential instability.
In a recent interview at the “Tucci in Italy” premiere in New York City, Pantoliano stated, “I’m so uncomfortable with the nature of what’s happening in our country, and I just want to run for the hills.” He elaborated on his difficulty focusing on work amidst the prevailing political unrest, saying, “The world is on fire, it’s hard for me to concentrate.”
Pantoliano and his wife, Nancy Sheppard, recently returned from a trip to Portugal and are seriously considering making it their permanent residence. While they “really love it there,” Pantoliano expressed concerns about a recent 18-hour power outage in Portugal, which he suspects was due to a cyberattack. He views such events as potential precursors to similar crises in the U.S., stating, “I think that’s just a rehearsal for what will happen here.”
To prepare for potential emergencies, Pantoliano mentioned keeping emergency cash at home, humorously noting, “It’s buried and there’s no map!”
Should Pantoliano decide to move, he would join a growing list of celebrities relocating abroad due to political concerns. Notable figures such as Rosie O’Donnell, Ellen DeGeneres, Portia de Rossi, and Eva Longoria have also chosen to reside outside the U.S., citing reasons ranging from political unrest to personal safety and well-being.
Pantoliano’s apprehensions extend beyond politics; he has been an outspoken advocate for mental health awareness, drawing from his personal experiences with clinical depression. He founded the non-profit organization No Kidding, Me Too! to combat the stigma surrounding mental illness and encourage open discussions about mental health challenges.
His contemplation of relocating underscores the broader anxiety felt by many in the entertainment industry and beyond, reflecting deep concerns about the nation’s future trajectory.