Joe Pantoliano Considers Leaving U.S. Over Trump Era Unrest

Joe Pantoliano Opens Up About Political Anxiety

Things have gotten plenty tense in the United States, and veteran actor Joe Pantoliano isn’t shy about saying so. Catching up with journalists at the New York premiere of Stanley Tucci’s food and travel show, Tucci in Italy, Pantoliano made it clear that the political atmosphere—especially under the Trump administration—is making him restless. At 73, the actor, fondly known for his roles on The Sopranos and The Matrix, admitted he sometimes wants to just disappear from the chaos. "I’m so uncomfortable with the nature of what’s happening in our country, and I just want to run for the hills," he confessed.

Pantoliano didn’t stop there. He talked about how the state of the world—including rising global tensions—has made it hard for him to focus on work at all. The ever-present background noise of politics, scandals, and international drama keeps creeping into his creative space, leaving him and plenty of his peers feeling drained and distracted.

Looking for a Fresh Start in Portugal

This isn’t just dinner-table talk for Pantoliano and his wife, Nancy Sheppard. The couple recently spent time in Portugal and have seriously discussed what it would be like to make a permanent move. They fell in love with the country’s easygoing vibe during their visit, thinking a quieter life might be in reach—far from America’s constant political firefights.

But even paradise has its hiccups. Pantoliano pointed to a recent 18-hour blackout that swept through parts of Portugal and Spain. While locals brushed it off as a fluke, Pantoliano’s mind went to cybersecurity threats, wondering out loud if this could be a warning sign. He speculated that the outage might have been a "dress rehearsal" for something bigger, showing his unease about potential instability stretching beyond U.S. borders.

The actor didn’t dwell on worries alone. He talked about having real conversations with people in Portugal about the ups and downs of expat life, especially for Americans with options. The attractiveness of better weather, lower stress, and less political noise is clear—but concerns about unexpected problems can break the spell.

Despite the distractions, Pantoliano’s not slowing down. He’s already lined up his next big gig, joining the cast of HBO’s adaptation of The Last of Us as Eugene. Still, he admits it’s a challenge to totally immerse himself in acting and creativity when the headlines threaten to pull his focus away.

Pantoliano’s frank take on the political climate puts a personal face on the unease many Americans are feeling. Whether he stays in the U.S. or packs up for Portugal, his story shows just how deeply the country’s divisions are impacting the creative world—and even the day-to-day plans of household names.