Biography
Who is Anthony LaPaglia?
Early life and education
Born in Adelaide, Australia, he grew up in a family that included his father, an auto mechanic, and his mother, who worked as a secretary. He attended Rostrevor College during his formative years in South Australia. Before finding success as a performer, he worked in retail as a shoe salesman in his hometown.
He began his initial training in dramatic arts during his late teens by enrolling in a course at the South Australian Castings Agency. After completing part of this coursework, he eventually relocated to Los Angeles to pursue professional acting opportunities.
Career beginnings
His initial professional credits in the United States included an appearance on the series Steven Spielberg's Amazing Stories in 1985. His first feature film appearance arrived two years later in the movie Cold Steel, followed by the title role in the television film Nitti: The Enforcer.
Throughout the early 1990s, he built a resume that included parts in Betsy's Wedding, Innocent Blood, and The Client. He also appeared in the comedy Empire Records and the romantic comedy Paperback Romance, where he acted alongside Gia Carides. During the 1990s, he performed in several Broadway productions, including a revival of A View from the Bridge, where he portrayed Eddie Carbone. This specific role earned him a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play.
Television and film success
Anthony LaPaglia became widely recognized for his performance as Jack Malone on the television series Without a Trace, a role he held from 2002 to 2009. During this same period, he gained critical attention for his portrayal of Simon Moon on the sitcom Frasier, which earned him a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series.
His film career spans multiple genres, including dramas like Lantana and Balibo, as well as the film Nitram. He also provided voice work for the animated film Happy Feet and its sequel. His filmography includes roles in Road to Perdition, Summer of Sam, and the biographical comedy 29th Street, where he played the lead character Frank Pesce Jr.
Recent work and theater
In more recent years, he has returned to Australian productions more frequently. This includes roles in the miniseries Sunshine and the television series The Code. He also starred in the series Bad Blood and the show Riviera, which was set in the French Riviera.
In 2023, he appeared in the television series The Black Hand. He also returned to the stage to perform in a production of Death of a Salesman at Her Majesty's Theatre in Melbourne. This role as Willy Loman marked his first stage performance in his home city of Adelaide, where the production toured to the Festival Theatre in 2026.
Personal life and interests
He has two brothers, including Jonathan LaPaglia, who is also an actor. Throughout his career, he has been married twice, first to Cherie Michan and later to Gia Carides. Outside of his professional acting work, he has been involved with the Hollywood United F.C. Soccer team.
Birthday and age
Anthony LaPaglia was born on January 31, 1959, which makes Anthony 67 years old today. That birthday falls under the Aquarius sign. Anthony shares the date with 61 other famous people.
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