Actor Joe Pantoliano, known for his roles in The Sopranos and The Matrix, says he’s seriously exploring a permanent move to Portugal, citing discomfort with the current state of affairs in the United States.
Appearing at a recent premiere event in New York, the 73-year-old actor shared his growing concern over political and social instability, admitting that it has made him feel increasingly unsettled. He remarked that it’s difficult to focus on his work when “the world is on fire” and expressed a desire to step away from what he described as a tense national atmosphere.
Pantoliano and his wife, Nancy Sheppard, recently returned from a trip to Portugal, which they found appealing despite a lengthy power outage during their stay—an incident he suspects may have been the result of a cyberattack. Despite that concern, he joked about being prepared for emergencies by stashing cash at home with no map to find it.
If he follows through on the move, Pantoliano would join a number of other high-profile figures who have considered or acted on relocating abroad due to political or cultural unease.
While the actor has not confirmed any final decision, his candid remarks highlight how even public figures are grappling with the growing divide and volatility in American society.