Joe Manganiello’s Hoboken Routine, "Nonnas," and Advocacy

Joe Manganiello, the actor known for his roles in "True Blood," "Magic Mike," and now, Netflix’s "Nonnas," found himself embracing a slice of New Jersey life while filming his latest project. Instead of the glitz and glamour often associated with Hollywood, Manganiello temporarily settled in Hoboken, developing a comfortable routine that included familiar coffee shops, a regular dog-walking route, and a newfound relationship with his local gym.

The need for extra gym time arose from the generous hospitality he experienced during the filming of "Nonnas." The movie, based on the true story of Enoteca Maria, a Staten Island restaurant famous for employing Italian grandmothers ("nonnas") as chefs, saw Manganiello and his fellow cast members indulging in lavish Italian meals.

"We were out at some Italian restaurant eating giant meals," Manganiello, 48, revealed, describing how the chefs would shower them with complimentary appetizers. But with everyone trying to maintain their physique for their roles, much of the food went untouched. This led to a charming dynamic where the veteran actresses playing the "nonnas" would playfully encourage Manganiello to eat the leftovers. "Nobodys eating it all because theyre trying to fit into their costumes. So theres all this food leftover and all the actresses are like reverting to character and going, Here, honey, eat it. And pushing it to me, like Im the kid." He happily obliged, embracing the culinary abundance.

"Nonnas" features Vince Vaughn as Joe, the restaurant’s owner, with Manganiello playing his best friend, Bruno. The heart of the film lies with the "nonnas" themselves, portrayed by a stellar cast including Lorraine Bracco, Susan Sarandon, Brenda Vaccaro, and Talia Shire. In a delightful twist of casting, these actresses are all of an age where they could realistically be Manganiello’s mother, adding to the film’s heartwarming and authentic feel.

The constant stream of delicious food took its toll. "For the whole movie, three or four times a week, Im at home after these giant meals in my hotel room, just staring at the ceiling, just trying to breathe," Manganiello confessed. His solution? "Then, off to Crunch gym in Hoboken the next day to try to work it all off."

During the interview, Manganiello was joined by his girlfriend, actress and host Caitlin O’Connor, who remained off-camera, and his beloved chihuahua, Bubbles, who nestled comfortably on his lap. Bubbles, a rescue from Dogs Without Borders, holds a special place in Manganiello’s heart, marking his first foray into pet ownership.

"The first time I held a dog in my lap was her," he shared, recalling how Bubbles came into his life while he was still married to Sofia Vergara. The couple divorced in 2023 after seven years. "She wanted me to pick her up like right away. It was the universe telling me it was time to have a dog."

Bubbles’ journey hasn’t been without its challenges. The tiny chihuahua overcame several health issues, including cancer, demonstrating her resilience and the strong bond she shares with Manganiello. Now, she’s a seasoned traveler, accompanying Manganiello and O’Connor on their adventures around the world.

Despite his initial reluctance, Manganiello has embraced Bubbles’ growing online presence. "I swore I was never going to do an Instagram account for the dog, I wasnt going to be that guy," he admitted. "But my girlfriend started one. And so she posts and shes doing a great job."

Bubbles even made an appearance at the "Nonnas" premiere, where the couple’s attire sparked a wave of speculation among fans who mistook their photos for wedding pictures. Manganiello humorously addressed the confusion, pointing out the unconventional details. "Traditionally, the guy doesnt hold the wedding bouquet," he quipped, referring to Bubbles, who he held in his arms, resembling a floral arrangement at first glance. "Traditionally, the guy isnt holding a five-pound chihuahua, either."

Beyond his acting career and newfound love for Hoboken, Manganiello is deeply connected to his heritage. While his last name is Italian, he also has Armenian ancestry. His maternal great-grandmother survived the Armenian genocide perpetrated by the Ottoman Empire during World War I.

In April, Manganiello traveled to Washington D.C. to deliver a speech at the Armenian Assembly of America, commemorating the 110th anniversary of the genocide and advocating for the release of 23 hostages detained in Azerbaijan.

"I felt like my great-grandmother wouldve been proud of what I did," Manganiello said of his meeting with lawmakers. He acknowledged the emotional toll of revisiting those painful memories. "But it was also very difficult emotionally to drum (those memories) up."

While President Joe Biden formally recognized the genocide in 2021, Manganiello expressed concern over the recent conflict with Azerbaijan, leaving Armenians "worried that theyre being left out to the wolves."

Manganiello feels a strong sense of responsibility to share his family’s story. "I dont think any of the survivors wouldve thought that any of their stories would be told a century later," he reflected. "I really feel like its my obligation to speak about what she went through. I meet Armenians all over the world who stop me and thank me for speaking up. So I know that it means something."

From indulging in delicious Italian cuisine and hitting the gym in Hoboken to advocating for Armenian rights, Joe Manganiello navigates his life with a blend of humor, heart, and a deep commitment to his roots. His role in "Nonnas" is just the latest chapter in a multifaceted career that extends far beyond the screen.