Joe Pantoliano Considers Portugal Escape Due to Political Discontent
Emmy award-winning actor Joe Pantoliano, best known for his captivating portrayal of Ralph "Ralphie" Cifaretto in the acclaimed HBO drama "The Sopranos," is contemplating a significant life change. Disillusioned with the current political climate in the United States and openly critical of President Donald Trump, the 73-year-old actor is actively exploring the possibility of relocating to Portugal. Pantoliano’s anxieties extend beyond mere political disagreement, encompassing concerns about the nation’s stability and future.
Pantoliano revealed his intentions to his social media followers, admitting that he’s taken concrete steps toward securing visas in Portugal, indicating a serious commitment to potentially establishing a new home abroad. The actor’s unease was further underscored during the New York premiere of "Tucci in Italy," where he spoke candidly about the current state of affairs in America.
"I’m so uncomfortable with the nature of what’s happening in our country, and I just want to run for the hills," Pantoliano confessed to Page Six. His distress seemingly extends to his professional life, as he acknowledged the difficulty in focusing on entertainment projects amidst a backdrop of global instability. "It’s hard for me to think about people’s bulls–t like making a TV show. The world is on fire, it’s hard for me to concentrate."
Pantoliano’s potential move to Portugal is not merely a spur-of-the-moment decision. He and his wife, Nancy Sheppard, recently returned from a trip to the country, where they apparently found much to admire. "We just got back. We really love it there," he remarked, hinting at the possibility of "planting new roots abroad."
However, Pantoliano’s concerns are not solely focused on the political landscape. He also expressed worries about the vulnerability of the power grid, referencing a recent 18-hour blackout that impacted both Spain and Portugal. "They just got hit with a cyberattack, and I think that’s just a rehearsal for what will happen here," he warned, highlighting his broader anxieties about potential societal disruptions.
The actor admitted that the fear of such events has led him to take precautionary measures, including keeping a stash of cash at home. "Keep a lot of cash at home, not a lot but enough to get me going for a couple [of] weeks." He emphasized the difficulty in locating this emergency fund, revealing that it’s "buried and there’s no map," underscoring the seriousness with which he views these potential threats.
Pantoliano further elaborated on his plans in a recent Instagram post, confirming his active pursuit of visas to facilitate living in Portugal for a significant portion of the year. "We actually looked into getting visas so that we could live there part of the time, or most of the time. It’s a great place to retire," he stated. He also emphasized the personal appeal of the country, citing his love for walking and the overall lifestyle. "It’s just, it suits me. I love to walk … I take amazing walks there."
The power outage, which affected a large swath of Europe, further cemented his concerns. "They had a blackout, I mean, all of Spain … half of Europe, France, Spain, Portugal." The incident, attributed to a "strong oscillation" in the European grid, prompted a state of emergency in Spain and caused widespread disruptions.
Pantoliano views such events as potential warning signs, suggesting they could be "a dress rehearsal for what’s going to happen here." He implored his followers to consider the potential implications, emphasizing the need to think about the future and understand the underlying causes of these disruptions. "You gotta think about that. You’ve got to think about our future, why is all of this happening? I’m very confused … and I wish I could understand why this is happening."
Pantoliano is not alone in his contemplation of leaving the United States. He joins a growing list of celebrities who have expressed similar sentiments, often citing political or social anxieties as their primary motivations. Rosie O’Donnell, for instance, confirmed her move to Ireland in March, stating that she left the U.S. shortly before Trump’s inauguration. She explained that the move would be beneficial for her son, Clay, and also alluded to her long-standing feud with the former president.
O’Donnell, during an appearance on Ireland’s "Late Late Show," discussed her decision to relocate, highlighting the impact of her contentious relationship with Trump. "The President of the United States has it out for me and has for 20 years," she said, adding that "he sort of uses me as a punchline whenever he feels the need."
Similarly, Ellen DeGeneres and her wife, Portia de Rossi, reportedly sold their Montecito estate and purchased a farmhouse in the U.K. following Trump’s successful bid to return to the White House during the 2024 presidential election. While they haven’t explicitly stated their reasons for moving, the timing suggests a possible connection to the political climate in the United States.
Joe Pantoliano’s potential relocation to Portugal represents more than just a change of scenery; it’s a reflection of his deep-seated concerns about the direction of the United States. His decision, along with those of other prominent figures, highlights the growing anxieties and uncertainties felt by many in a politically polarized and increasingly unstable world. Whether he ultimately makes the move remains to be seen, but his exploration of this possibility underscores the profound impact of current events on individuals from all walks of life.
