Anthony LaPaglia is a well-known Australian actor with a remarkable career spanning over several decades. He came into this world on January 31, 1959, in Adelaide, Australia. From winning prestigious awards to making a mark in both the Australian and international film industries, LaPaglia’s journey is one of talent, dedication, and versatility.
This article will help you to explore his life journey along with his achievements. So, let’s begin!
Early Life and Education
LaPaglia’s story begins in Adelaide, South Australia, where he was born to Maria Johannes and Egidio “Eddie” LaPaglia. His mother was Dutch, and his father immigrated from Calabria, Italy.
He was raised with his younger brother Jonathan, who is also an actor, and another brother, Michael. Also, LaPaglia attended Rostrevor College and Norwood High School.
In the early 1980s, LaPaglia worked as a shoe salesman in Adelaide. His passion for acting led him to request a transfer to the United States while studying acting.
Initially, he was rejected by the prestigious Sydney drama school NIDA. Later, LaPaglia embarked on his acting journey in Los Angeles after completing an acting course in Adelaide.
Career Beginnings (1985–1999)
LaPaglia’s earliest credit dates back to 1985 with a part in an episode of Steven Spielberg’s Amazing Stories. Cold Steel was his first feature film in 1987.
Notable roles in Betsy’s Wedding (1990) and So I Married an Axe Murderer (1993) established him as a versatile actor.
His career gained momentum with roles in films like Innocent Blood (1992), The Client (1994), and the comedy Empire Records (1995). In 1997–98, LaPaglia graced Broadway in Arthur Miller’s A View from the Bridge, earning a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play.
Achievements and Recognition (2000–2011)
From 2000 onwards, LaPaglia continued to contribute to major Australian films, including Looking for Alibrandi (2000) and Lantana (2001). His role as Jack Malone in the television series Without a Trace (2002–09) earned him a Golden Globe Award in 2004.
LaPaglia’s talents extended to sitcoms, with a Primetime Emmy Award for his role as Simon Moon on Frasier (2000–04). He portrayed real-life Australian journalist Roger East in the political thriller Balibo (2009).
Recent Years (2012–present)
In recent years, LaPaglia balanced his work between Australia and the U.S. Notable roles include Underground (2012), Mental (2012), and the Australian romantic drama Holding the Man (2015), earning him an AACTA Award nomination.
Returning to Adelaide, he starred in A Month of Sundays (2015) and ventured into Australian TV with The Code (2016) and the miniseries Sunshine (2017). LaPaglia continued his TV success in series like Bad Blood (2017–2020) and Riviera (2017–2020).
His Personal Life
Anthony LaPaglia currently resides in Santa Monica, California. He shared that when he moved to the United States, he adopted an American accent to enhance his chances in the acting industry. His accent is now a blend of both American and Australian influences, showcasing his unique background.
LaPaglia is also the godfather of Poppy Montgomery and Adam Kaufman’s son, Jackson. He has experienced love and family in his personal life.
His first marriage was to actress Cherie Michan. Later, he tied the knot with actress Gia Carides, whom he met at a party. The couple starred together in the 1994 Australian movie “Paperback Romance” (also known as “Lucky Break”) and married in 1998.
They welcomed their daughter Bridget in January 2003. Unfortunately, in April 2015, news surfaced about LaPaglia and Carides parting ways after 17 years. Subsequently, he entered his third marriage with Alexandra Henkel, who is 30 years younger, on April 28, 2018.
His Love For Soccer
In the 1980s, Anthony LaPaglia showcased his athletic side as a goalkeeper in the National Soccer League, playing for Adelaide City and West Adelaide.
His love for the sport extended to ownership, as he became a part-owner of the A-League club Sydney FC until 2008. Despite living in California, LaPaglia made the effort to fly to Sydney for their matches since the club’s inception in 2005.
An active participant in soccer-related activities, LaPaglia serves as the club president of Hollywood United, an amateur organization.
Alongside fellow entertainment industry personalities like Frank Leboeuf, Vinnie Jones, and Steve Jones (of the Sex Pistols), he occasionally takes to the field.
Additionally, LaPaglia contributes to the world of soccer through his minority shareholding in the International Goalkeepers Academy. Founded and operated by James Fraser, who represented the Australian national team leading up to the 1974 FIFA World Cup, the academy focuses on developing goalkeeping talent.
His Philanthropic Work
Beyond his achievements in the entertainment and sports realms, Anthony LaPaglia has actively engaged in philanthropy. He volunteered as an actor with the Young Storytellers Program, showing his commitment to supporting youth and education.
In 2007, LaPaglia participated in a charity soccer match to raise funds for Southern California wildfire relief, highlighting his dedication to making a positive impact on the community.
Wrapping Up
Anthony LaPaglia’s journey from Adelaide to Hollywood showcases his enduring talent and commitment to the craft just like Anna Torv. His personal life and philanthropic endeavors reflect a man of diverse interests and a heart committed to giving back.
His diverse roles in film, television, and theater showcase a versatile actor who has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. LaPaglia’s achievements, both on and off the screen, make him a celebrated figure in Australian and international cinema.
