Are Joe Mantegna and Ringo Starr Friends? How Long Has Joe Mantegna Been Married?
Joe Mantegna and Ringo Starr, the iconic drummer of The Beatles, share a genuine friendship in real life. The bond between the two extends beyond their professional careers, and they have often referred to their castmates as a close-knit family. Within this circle, Joe Mantegna affectionately refers to Shemar Moore and Matthew Gray Gubler as his “golden boys.”
Joe Mantegna, known for his remarkable talent in the entertainment industry, has been actively involved in acting since 1969 when he began his career in the musical ‘Hair.’ His notable achievements include winning a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in the play ‘Glengarry Glen Ross.’
In his personal life, Mantegna has been married to his high school sweetheart, Arlene Vrhel, for over 40 years. The couple exchanged vows in 1975, following a period of hippie-inspired fun and adventure. Interestingly, they had already privately and informally exchanged vows on top of the Eiffel Tower a few weeks before their official ceremony.
Before their Hollywood journey began, Joe, Arlene, and fellow actor Dennis Franz, who later achieved fame with the TV series ‘NYPD Blue,’ decided to embark on their careers together. They packed their bags and moved from Chicago to Hollywood in 1978, marking the start of a new chapter in their lives.
The couple’s first child, Mia, was born on June 5, 1987, but her arrival came as a surprise, as she was born three months premature, making her one of the smallest babies born in California that year. Although the premature birth was initially shocking, Joe and Arlene embraced the situation with love and determination, recognizing it as the beginning of a unique journey. When Mia turned two, she was diagnosed with autism, which brought a mix of emotions to the family. Through specialized education and music lessons, Mia has thrived, showcasing incredible musical talent as a form of expression.
Three years later, in 1990, Joe and Arlene welcomed their second daughter, Gina, who later changed her name to Gia. Gia followed in her parents’ footsteps and pursued acting, gaining recognition for her role as Devin Levin on the ABC sitcom ‘The Middle.’ While her Instagram account remains private, Gia has made her mark in the industry.
In summary, Joe Mantegna and Ringo Starr share a genuine friendship outside of their professional lives. Joe has been happily married to his high school sweetheart, Arlene Vrhel, for over four decades. Their journey together has been filled with adventure, including their move to Hollywood with Dennis Franz. The couple’s two daughters, Mia and Gia, have brought both joy and unique experiences to their lives, with Mia overcoming challenges associated with her premature birth and autism diagnosis. Gia has pursued her own acting career and has achieved recognition in the industry.