Mario Cantone

Mario Cantone (born December 9, 1959) is an American comedian, writer, actor, and singer with numerous appearances on Comedy Central including Chappelle’s Show. He also played Anthony Marentino on Sex and the City. His style is fast-paced and energetic, with much of his humor coming from his impersonations of various characters ranging from his family members, to celebrities, to stereotypes.

Cantone was born in Massachusetts, and raised in Stoneham, where his Italian-American family moved when he was two.[1] He was the fourth of five children of Mario, Sr., a Boston restaurant owner, and his wife, Elizabeth (née Pescione).[2] His father moved the family to Stoneham, according to Cantone in a 2004 New York Times interview to get her away from her bookie relatives.[1] Cantone stated that the problem “was that she was not only a bookie but she was also a compulsive gambler.”[1] His mother, who had been a big band singer in her youth, died when he was 21.[1]

As a child, Cantone would direct reenactments of shows.[3] Cantone’s first impression was of Julia Child, which he presented in a junior high school talent show.[4] He graduated from Stoneham High School in 1978[5] and Emerson College in 1982.[6] He moved to New York City in 1983 and got a job as a chocolate vendor at Trump Tower.[7