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Joe Pantoliano is actively contemplating a significant lifestyle change, expressing a desire to relocate abroad.
The Emmy award-winning actor, recognized for his role as Ralph “Ralphie” Cifaretto in HBO’s acclaimed series “The Sopranos,” has voiced his dissatisfaction with the current political climate in the United States, particularly under the administration of President Donald Trump.
At 73 years old, Pantoliano candidly shared his feelings with his social media followers, revealing that he is taking practical steps to secure a future outside the country, including pursuing visas for residency in Portugal.
Seeking a Fresh Start
While attending the premiere of “Tucci in Italy” in New York, Pantoliano opened up about his concerns regarding the state of the nation.
He stated, “I’m so uncomfortable with the nature of what’s happening in our country, and I just want to run for the hills.” He articulated how the ongoing crisis makes it challenging to focus on creative projects, saying, “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.”
A Love for Portugal
Pantoliano, alongside his wife Nancy Sheppard, recently returned from an enjoyable trip to Portugal, where they are contemplating establishing new roots.
He expressed, “We just got back. We really love it there.” However, he also raised concerns over the recent power grid vulnerabilities due to an 18-hour blackout that affected both Spain and Portugal, indicating that the incident was troubling.
He pointed out, “They just got hit with a cyberattack, and I think that’s just a rehearsal for what will happen here.” Such incidents contribute to his motivation for considering a relocation.
Financial Preparedness
Pantoliano further divulged his strategy for financial readiness, mentioning that he keeps a small stash of cash at home, noting, “not a lot but enough to get me going for a couple [of] weeks.” He explained the difficulty in locating the money, stating, “It’s buried and there’s no map.”
Deep Concerns Over the Future
On a recent Instagram update, Pantoliano reiterated his serious intentions to leave the United States. He mentioned, “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; it suits me. I love to walk … I take amazing walks there.”
The actor reflected on the extensive blackout that impacted much of Europe, including Spain and Portugal, where a state of emergency was declared. The outage resulted in traffic signal failures and subway evacuations, underscoring the fragility of modern infrastructure.
Power Outage Insights
Spain’s Interior Ministry attributed the power outage to a significant oscillation in the European grid. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez acknowledged that the cause is still under investigation. According to officials from Red Eléctrica, restoring power was expected to take between six to ten hours.
Pantoliano pondered the implications of such outages, saying, “I dunno, maybe it’s a dress rehearsal for what’s going to happen here. 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.”
The Trend of Celebrities Leaving the US
The actor may not be alone in his contemplation of leaving the country. A number of celebrities have publicly discussed their decisions to relocate amid political and social unrest.
Rosie O’Donnell announced her move to Ireland in March after expressing dissatisfaction with Trump’s presidency, citing the transition as beneficial for her son, Clay.
During her appearance on Ireland’s “Late Late Show,” O’Donnell conveyed her long-standing feud with Trump, stating, “The President of the United States has it out for me and has for 20 years.” She highlighted how he often references her as a punchline in his speeches.
Other notable figures, such as Ellen DeGeneres and her wife Portia de Rossi, have made similar moves, selling their properties in the United States and acquiring a farmhouse in the U.K. amid growing unrest surrounding upcoming elections.
Shifting Tides
Pantoliano’s reflections and plans for moving abroad encapsulate a growing sentiment among notable personalities seeking refuge from a political environment they find increasingly intolerable. As societal tensions rise, it remains to be seen how these individual journeys will unfold.
As he navigates this pivotal moment in his life, Joe Pantoliano’s story highlights a broader narrative of change and reflection, prompting discussions about the future of American citizenship amid political discontent.
