‘A Shocking Revelation’: Joe Mantegna and Wife Open Up About Life with Their Two Daughters, Including One with Autism
‘It Hit My Wife and Me like a Ton of Bricks’: Meet Joe Mantegna’s 2 Daughters, One of Whom Has Autism
Joe Mantegna is a devoted father in addition to his renown as an actor. Meet his two daughters: one who pursued his example and the other who encountered health issues from birth before being diagnosed with autism.
Although Joe Mantegna achieved fame as Special Agent David Rossi on “Criminal Minds,” he is a devoted husband and father who lives a life of love off the screen. The onset of his voyage was marked by both unexpected challenges and profound family bonds when he and his wife welcomed their first daughter.
Although his eldest child encountered early health challenges, his second child served as her sister’s protector. Examine the actor’s enduring marriage and the manner in which both of his daughters have since established their own identities and earned their father’s admiration.
A Hollywood Legend and a Lasting Love Story
The journey to acting for Joe commenced in 1963 with a high school dare. He was encouraged by a friend to audition for the role of “West Side Story” at Morton East High. Although he did not secure the role, the experience of performing was transformative.
Following his graduation from high school, he became a member of the Apocryphals, a rock band that shared the Chicago music scene with the future rock group Chicago.
However, it was in the theater that Joe discovered his vocation and his partner, Arlene Vrhel. They encountered each other in 1969, when they were both engaged in a local production of “Hair.” Their friendship evolved into a romantic relationship, and they embarked on a voyage that would last for more than fifty years.
Before they were legally married in 1975, Joe and Arlene lived as free spirits for nearly a decade. “We just had a lot of fun, but we didn’t get married for the longest time because we were hippies,” according to Arlene.
The couple exchanged intimate vows at the Eiffel Tower just weeks before their wedding. In October 2023, the former star of “Criminal Minds” was questioned about the secret to his enduring marriage, as he celebrated his 77th birthday.
“The way I like to put it is that marriage is like being on a roller coaster,” according to him. “Initially, it is enjoyable; however, unsettling developments ensue.” The key, at least for me, is that we maintained our composure during those perilous turns. The situation then resumed to be more stable. The journey continues to improve for us.
Mia’s Journey: Overcoming Early Challenges and Accepting Autism
Joe and his wife welcomed their first daughter, Mia, on June 5, 1987. At first, Arlene’s pregnancy appeared to be proceeding smoothly; however, she experienced an abrupt cessation of movement, which prompted her physicians to promptly diagnose an umbilical cord infection, necessitating an early delivery.
Mia, who was delivered three months prematurely, weighed a mere one pound and 15 ounces, making her one of the smallest newborns in California that year. Joe recollected the moment he first laid eyes on his diminutive daughter, feeling simultaneously overcome and resolute. He declared, “This is our daughter, and she will be just fine.”
Mia’s health was precarious during those initial stages. In order to assist ambulance personnel in locating their residence in the event of an emergency, the renowned actor replaced the white porch light in their residence with a red bulb, as she frequently succumbed to respiratory arrest.
Despite the persistent health concerns, Mia’s strength progressively increased, and by the age of two, she appeared to be achieving new milestones. Nevertheless, her parents began to observe discrepancies in her development: Mia was not speaking, avoided eye contact, and frequently repeated phrases, a condition commonly referred to as echolalia.
Joe and Arlene were profoundly affected by her autism diagnosis. “I remember it hit my wife and me like a ton of bricks, because, first of all, it was just a word we had heard about,” according to him.
In the early 1990s, autism was not as well understood, and Joe recalled, “You were apprehensive about walking in puddles and other places because no one knew how you contracted it, and there was no cure.” Therefore, it was somewhat analogous.
In an effort to provide Mia with the utmost assistance, the Mantegnas enrolled her in a special education program and fostered her musical abilities. Using music as her preferred medium of expression, Mia acquired a nearly flawless pitch sense.
Arlene frequently expressed her admiration for her daughter’s exceptional talent, observing that the youngster would cover her ears when someone sang off-key, a testimony to her exceptional talent. Mia’s pursuits evolved beyond music to encompass makeup artistry, an area in which she excelled.
Mia became the first autistic graduate of the Mudd School after completing a professional cosmetics course with her younger sister, Gia. She is currently employed as a makeup artist at Inclusion Films, where she derives satisfaction and fulfillment from her work.
Joe shared that he could not envision a world without Mia’s distinctive character, stating, “I don’t know what it’s like not to have a daughter with autism.” As he reflected on his life with Mia, she was a source of inspiration.
Joe, Arlene, and their family supported Mia’s voyage at every turn, expressing gratitude for the milestones she achieved and optimism for the future. “She is exceptional.” She is currently engaged in the pursuit of her artistic endeavors. […] This is truly remarkable. The actor disclosed in 2023 that she is 36 years old, but she is still a juvenile at heart.
Introducing Gia Mantegna
Joe and Arlene welcomed their second daughter, Gia, three years after Mia’s birth. Mia’s steadfast protector, Gia demonstrated a distinctive comprehension of her sister’s requirements from a young age.
“Gia understood that her older sister was a lot different than the other kids,” according to Joe. He recalled the pride he experienced as he observed Gia take on the roles of both sibling and mentor, recognizing Mia’s differences with empathy that transcended her years.
Gia’s perspective on life and relationships was significantly influenced by Mia’s autism, which instilled in her a sense of forbearance and compassion. The Mantegnas were able to differentiate between the developmental milestones that were a result of Mia’s autism and those that were reflective of her individuality as a result of growing up alongside her.
Joe frequently stated that Gia resembled an elder sibling in many respects, as she fostered a sense of maturity by providing Mia with support and guidance in her daily life. Gia pursued her own course, experimenting with both acting and real estate, in addition to her role as Mia’s sister.
The protagonist of “Criminal Minds” admired his daughter’s tenacity, observing that she confronted obstacles with the same fortitude that she demonstrated in assisting her sister. Joe was impressed by her capacity to confidently address practical issues, remarking, “She’s like the son I never had.”
Joe acknowledged that he initially doubted whether his daughter possessed the talent or was merely influenced by his career, despite the fact that Gia’s interest in acting appeared to be natural. However, as he observed her work, he came to the realization that Gia possessed an inherent talent that could not be taught, a gift that she could develop.
“You can observe the children who possess the natural talent that can be enhanced.” Additionally, there are children who are not particularly fond of it. Gia possesses it. “I am not deceiving myself; she is my daughter,” he disclosed.
Arlene and Joe Mantegna’s parenting journey has been characterized by resilience and pleasure. They have established a family that is rooted in love and support, despite the obstacles posed by Mia’s autism and the development of Gia’s compassion and abilities.
