Sopranos Star Joe Pantoliano's Harrowing Battle with Depression: 'Almost Destroyed' My Life

SOPRANOS STAR JOE PANTOLIANO OPENS UP ABOUT HIS DARK PAST: FROM CLINICAL DEPRESSION TO CELEBRITY MOVES ABROAD

In a shocking revelation, Joe Pantoliano, the 73-year-old actor best known for his Emmy-winning role as Ralph Cifaretto in The Sopranos, has shared the darkest secrets of his past. In an exclusive interview with Page Six, Pantoliano revealed that he struggled with clinical depression for nearly a decade before getting a diagnosis.

The Goonies star's confession is all the more astonishing given his A-list status and seemingly perfect life. However, behind closed doors, Pantoliano was struggling to cope with the pressures of fame and family life. "I was a mess for a long time," he admitted candidly. "My wife [actress Nancy Sheppard] and my kids were ready to throw me out."

Pantoliano's downward spiral began when he turned to self-medication as a way to alleviate his symptoms. He confessed that he would engage in what he called his "seven deadly sins" – alcohol, sex, risk-taking behavior, and more. The actor's reckless abandon almost destroyed his relationships with those closest to him.

"I was living in a haze," Pantoliano recalled. "The only people who were happy to see me weren't people; they were my dogs." His canine companions became his lifeline during a period of great turmoil. "They were the only spark that was left in me," he said. "I was like Tinkerbell and the light was dying."

Pantoliano's struggles with depression continued until 2007, when he finally received a diagnosis. The turning point came two years later when he discovered an organization called No Kidding, Me Too! – a group dedicated to raising awareness about mental health issues.

"We've done such a great job," Pantoliano proudly stated. "Our mission for No Kidding, Me Too! was to make the discussion of mental disease cool and trendy." His efforts have indeed succeeded in normalizing conversations around mental health. As he quipped, "You can't get them to shut up now!"

The Last of Us star's candid interview comes as no surprise given his recent decision to join the cast of the off-Broadway show Ginger Twinsies. However, Pantoliano and his wife may soon be packing their bags for good – at least temporarily. Amidst the chaos in the United States, they're considering a move to Europe.

"It's hard for me to think about people's bulls* like making a TV show," Pantoliano said wryly. "The world is on fire; it's hard for me to concentrate." His words are eerily reminiscent of his Sopranos character's infamous outburst.

In a recent social media post, Pantoliano shared that he and his wife had been exploring the possibility of living part-time in Portugal. The couple has fallen in love with the charming European country, which they believe offers a tranquil retreat from the stresses of Hollywood.

"It's a great place to retire," Pantoliano gushed. "I love to walk; I take amazing walks there." The thought of escaping the chaos and drama of the entertainment industry is undoubtedly tempting for the actor and his wife.

They're not alone in their decision, however. Other celebrities such as Rosie O'Donnell, Ellen DeGeneres and her wife Portia de Rossi, designer Tom Ford, Ryan Gosling, and partner Eva Mendes have all opted to leave the United States behind in search of a more peaceful life abroad.

As Pantoliano prepares for his next chapter, one thing is clear – he's no longer hiding behind the mask of Hollywood. The actor has finally found his voice and is using it to raise awareness about mental health issues that affect millions worldwide.

In an era where celebrities are increasingly vocal about their struggles with mental health, Pantoliano's candor serves as a powerful reminder that even those who appear to have it all can be struggling in silence.

For more on Joe Pantoliano and his journey towards recovery, visit thescholarlynote.com