Tony Award-winning actor Joe Mantegna, renowned for voicing Anthony ‘Fat Tony’ D’Amico on The Simpsons, recently shared insights regarding character deaths on the long-running animated series, following the demise of Larry the Barfly.
Mantegna emphasized that in the world of The Simpsons, no character’s death is definitive. Despite Larry’s departure after 35 years, Mantegna stressed that this doesn’t spell the end for any character. Drawing from personal experience, Mantegna mentioned how his own character, Fat Tony, had been resurrected twice after being killed off.
Speaking to The Mirror US, Mantegna, who starred in The Simpsons movie, expressed his intention to continue causing mischief for Homer, Marge, and the rest of Springfield for years to come, as he harbors no plans of retiring from acting.
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Reflecting on the cartoon controversy, Mantegna chuckled, recalling his tenure on the show spanning over three decades. He noted how Fat Tony had been ‘killed off’ twice but always managed to return, once even as his nephew, Fit Tony. Despite acknowledging that everything comes to an end eventually, Mantegna humorously remarked, “Last I heard, I’m still doing it.”
At The 17th Annual George Lopez Celebrity Golf Classic, Mantegna reassured fans of Fat Tony’s enduring presence, stating that despite attempts to write him out, he remains a fixture on the show, much to the delight of viewers.
The Tony award-winning actor affirmed his commitment to The Simpsons, citing his love for the job and his contentment with fame and success. At 76 years old, Mantegna expressed his vitality and dismissed retirement, asserting that he’s still going strong and plans to continue working.
Reflecting on the show’s longevity, Mantegna admitted that he never anticipated its enduring success. He attributed The Simpsons’ global resonance to its universal appeal and expressed gratitude for being part of the phenomenon.
Meanwhile, fans recently mourned the passing of Larry, a character with minimal dialogue but a significant presence. Mantegna spoke at the George Lopez Celebrity Golf Classic, an event supporting children suffering from kidney disease, underscoring the importance of charitable endeavors.
Amidst the banter and camaraderie on the golf course, Mantegna, alongside fellow celebrities like George Lopez, Cedric The Entertainer, DL Hughley, and Tim Allen, enjoyed the opportunity to support a meaningful cause while indulging in some friendly competition.
