Talking With Santino Fontana – January 29, 2024
This week, Ira Sternberg, host of the Talk About Las Vegas Podcast, welcomes Tony Award® winner Santino Fontana. In this captivating episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Santino Fontana discusses his upcoming performance at Myron’s at The Smith Center on February 3. Santino shares his journey into the world of musical theater, the influence of his grandfather, and his multifaceted career spanning stage, film, and television. This episode provides an intimate look into the life and career of one of Broadway’s brightest stars, Santino Fontana.
Santino Fontana: A Star is Born
Santino Fontana, widely recognized for his versatile talents in both stage and screen, delves into his decision to pursue a career in musical theater. Inspired by his grandfather, Santino knew from a young age that he didn’t want a typical 9-5 job. Instead, he wanted to immerse himself in the arts. With no connections in show business, Santino grabbed any opportunity that came his way, slowly but surely building his reputation. His perseverance paid off when he realized he could truly make it as a performer, leading to a flourishing career in musical theater, film, and television.
Career Highlights and Achievements
Tootsie and Broadway Accolades
In 2019, Santino Fontana won the Tony Award, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Awards for his brilliant performance as “Michael Dorsey”/”Dorothy Michaels” in Tootsie. This role showcased his exceptional talent and versatility, cementing his status as one of Broadway's leading stars. Santino also received a Tony Nomination for Best Leading Actor in a Musical for his role as “Prince Topher” in Cinderella.
Frozen and Voice Acting
Santino Fontana is widely known for his role as the villainous ‘Prince Hans’ in Disney’s Academy Award-winning animated feature, Frozen. His performance in the hit song “Love is an Open Door” remains a favorite among fans. Santino’s voice acting prowess extends to audiobooks, where he has narrated numerous titles, including Stephen King’s The Institute and Suzanne Collins’s The Ballad Of Songbirds and Snakes. He received the Audie Award for his work on The Institute and is the original voice of ‘Joe’ in Caroline Kepnes’s You series.
Film and Television Career
Santino Fontana’s screen credits are equally impressive. He starred opposite Tina Fey and Amy Poehler in Universal Studio’s Sisters and appeared in independent films such as the romantic comedy Off The Menu and the psychological thriller Impossible Monsters. His television appearances include roles in “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” CW’s comedy “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” and NBC’s drama series “Shades of Blue,” opposite Jennifer Lopez and Ray Liotta. His diverse television credits also include “Fosse/Verdon,” “Mozart in the Jungle,” “The Good Wife,” “Nurse Jackie,” “Royal Pains,” and the popular web series “Submissions Only.”
Upcoming Projects
Santino Fontana will soon appear in the feature film Lost And Found In Cleveland, alongside Martin Sheen and Dennis Haysbert. Other upcoming projects include Stalking The Bogeyman and the Tribeca comedy Billy & Brenda and the Pothos Plant. His continuous work in various media highlights his dynamic range as an actor.
Personal Life and Influences
Santino Fontana shares insights into his personal life, including the significant influence of his grandfather and the constant support from his wife, Jessica Fontana. Balancing his professional career with his role as a father, Santino reflects on the impact of COVID-19 and how it has shaped his approach to his craft. He emphasizes the importance of relationships and the joy he finds in the “doing” of his work, whether on stage, in film, or in recording.
Performance at Myron’s at The Smith Center
Santino Fontana’s upcoming performance at Myron’s at The Smith Center on February 3 promises to be an engaging and interactive experience. Known for his dynamic stage presence and captivating performances, Santino plans to involve the audience in a memorable evening of music and storytelling. His passion for performing live shines through as he prepares to connect with fans in an intimate setting.
Engaging with Santino Fontana
For fans and followers who want to stay updated on Santino Fontana’s latest projects and performances, you can connect with him on social media. Follow Santino Fontana on Instagram and Twitter for behind-the-scenes glimpses and personal updates.
Santino Fontana: Accolades and Recognition
Santino Fontana’s career is marked by numerous accolades and recognition. He has received prestigious awards for his work on stage, including the Tony, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Awards. Highly regarded for his performances, Santino has been praised by The New York Times and New York Magazine. The New York Times hailed him as “one of the most promising actors to emerge in the New York theater,” while New York Magazine described him as an “indispensable stage star.”
Broadway and Off-Broadway Success
Santino Fontana’s Broadway credits include notable performances in Hello, Dolly! opposite Bernadette Peters, Act One opposite Tony Shalhoub, The Importance of Being Earnest (Clarence Derwent Award), A View from the Bridge, Brighton Beach Memoirs (Drama Desk Award), Billy Elliot, and Sunday in the Park with George. Off-Broadway, he received acclaim for his role in Stephen Karam’s Sons of the Prophet and starred as ‘John Adams’ in 1776 and ‘Elliot Rosewater’ in God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater for New York City Center Encores!
A Versatile Screen Talent
In addition to his stage work, Santino Fontana has made significant contributions to film and television. He was seen in the critically acclaimed series “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” CW’s comedy “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” and NBC’s drama series “Shades of Blue,” opposite Jennifer Lopez and Ray Liotta. His diverse television credits also include “Fosse/Verdon,” “Mozart in the Jungle,” “The Good Wife,” “Nurse Jackie,” and “Royal Pains.”
Critically Acclaimed Narrator
Santino Fontana is also a critically acclaimed narrator of audiobooks. He has narrated dozens of titles, including works by Tom Perrotta, Cara Bastone, Frederik Backman, Stephen Crane, Jennifer Weiner, Alice Hoffman, and Naomi Alderman. His narration of Stephen King’s The Institute earned him the Audie Award, and he was chosen to read Suzanne Collins’s The Ballad Of Songbirds and Snakes.
Conclusion of our converstaion with actor santino fontana
This episode of Talk About Las Vegas Podcast with Ira Sternberg offers an in-depth look at the life and career of Santino Fontana. From his Tony Award-winning performance in Tootsie to his voice role as ‘Prince Hans’ in Frozen, Santino’s journey is a testament to his talent and dedication. Tune in to hear Santino discuss his career, personal life, and upcoming performance at Myron’s at The Smith Center.
FAQs About Santino Fontana
Who is Santino Fontana?
Santino Fontana is an American actor and singer known for his work in both theater and television. He gained widespread recognition for his role as Greg Serrano on the TV show "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" and as the voice of Prince Hans in Disney's "Frozen." Fontana is also acclaimed for his stage performances, particularly his Tony Award-winning role as Michael Dorsey/Dorothy Michaels in the Broadway musical "Tootsie."
Who is Santino Fontana's Wife?
Santino Fontana is married to Jessica Hershberg, an actress and Broadway performer. The couple got married in September 2015. They have since worked together on various projects and share a strong connection both personally and professionally.
What is Santino Fontana's Age?
Santino Fontana was born on March 21, 1982. As of now, he is 42 years old.
What Religion is Santino Fontana?
Santino Fontana's religious beliefs are not widely publicized, and he has not prominently discussed his faith in public forums. Therefore, his specific religious affiliation, if any, is not well-documented.
Did Santino Fontana Play Piano?
Yes, Santino Fontana is known to play the piano. He has demonstrated his musical skills in various performances, both on stage and in television appearances. His musical talents complement his acting and singing abilities, contributing to his versatility as a performer.
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