Net Worth Ranker
What Is Mario Cantone’s Net Worth?
Mario Cantone, a multifaceted entertainer celebrated for his comedic prowess, acting skills, writing talent, and vocal performances, has amassed a net worth of approximately $3 million. This financial standing reflects his diverse career spanning television, film, and Broadway, as well as his consistent presence in the entertainment industry for several decades.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on December 9, 1959, in Stoneham, Massachusetts, Mario Cantone displayed an early aptitude for performance. Growing up as one of five children to Elizabeth and Mario Sr., a restaurant owner, Cantone’s childhood was marked by his inclination to entertain. During his formative years, he honed his skills in celebrity impressions and showcased his talents in school talent shows, hinting at his future career path. Cantone’s educational journey led him to Stoneham High School, where he completed his secondary education, graduating in 1978. Subsequently, he pursued higher education at Emerson College, where he earned his degree in 1982. Notably, his time at Emerson College was significant, as it marked the beginning of his friendship with fellow aspiring comedian and actor Denis Leary.
After graduating from college, Cantone ventured to New York City to pursue his career aspirations. Initially, he took up employment as a chocolate vendor at Trump Tower. During this period, Cantone captivated customers with his lively celebrity impressions while selling chocolates. Following his stint as a chocolate vendor, he transitioned to working as a jewelry salesman, further broadening his professional experience before fully committing to his career as a stand-up comic. These early career experiences laid the groundwork for Cantone’s eventual success in the entertainment industry, shaping his comedic style and providing valuable exposure to diverse audiences.
Television Career: From Steampipe Alley to Sex and the City
Cantone’s foray into television began in 1988 with his role as the host of the children’s show “Steampipe Alley,” which aired on WWOR-TV, a station based in Secaucus, New Jersey. On the show, Cantone portrayed various characters, including Ted Ringer, Ciao Aldo, Richie Morales, and a parody of television chef Julia Child named Julia Children. “Steampipe Alley” ran until the spring of 1993, providing Cantone with valuable experience in comedic performance and character development.
After a brief hiatus from television, Cantone made a notable return in 2000 with his recurring role as Anthony Marentino in the HBO series “Sex and the City.” His portrayal of the gay wedding planner earned him widespread recognition and solidified his place in television history. Cantone continued in the role until the series concluded in 2004, becoming a beloved character among fans of the show. The popularity of “Sex and the City” significantly boosted Cantone’s visibility and contributed to his rising net worth.
Following his success on “Sex and the City,” Cantone secured another significant television role from 2006 to 2008 in the ABC series “Men in Trees.” In this series, he played the character of Terri Romano, a gay hairdresser, further showcasing his versatility as an actor. Although “Men in Trees” had a shorter run than “Sex and the City,” it provided Cantone with additional opportunities to expand his fanbase and enhance his reputation in the television industry. In early 2015, Cantone appeared in two episodes of the VH1 series “Hindsight.” In 2016, Cantone made his first appearance as a celebrity guest on the game show “The $100,000 Pyramid,” marking the beginning of numerous subsequent appearances. The following year, in 2017, he participated in another game show, “Match Game.” Furthermore, in 2017, he portrayed Anthony Scaramucci on Comedy Central’s “The President Show.” From 2020 to 2022, Cantone played Mal Martone in the FX series “Better Things.” During that time, he reprised his role as Anthony Marentino in the “Sex and the City” sequel series “And Just Like That…,” which premiered in 2021. Cantone also appeared on the reality singing competition series “The Masked Singer,” appearing as the character “Maize.” He has appeared frequently on the daytime television talk show “The View.”
Film Career: From Comedy to Romance
Cantone’s film career began in 1994 with a role in the comedy “Who Do I Gotta Kill?,” which featured Sandra Bullock and Steve Buscemi. Following this initial foray into film, he made a brief appearance in Gore Verbinski’s black comedy “Mouse Hunt.” In the 2000s, Cantone appeared in the comedies “Last Request” and “Three Days to Vegas” and the crime film “Staten Island.” He also reprised his television role as Anthony Marentino in the big-screen adaptation of “Sex and the City,” further solidifying his connection to the franchise. Additionally, he lent his voice to the animated film “Surf’s Up,” demonstrating his versatility as a performer. Cantone continued his film career with an appearance in “Sex and the City 2” in 2010. His subsequent film credits include the romantic comedy “In Stereo,” the comedy “Otherhood,” and the romantic drama “All My Life.” While specific financial details regarding Cantone’s earnings from these film roles are not publicly available, they have undoubtedly contributed to his overall net worth, supplementing his income from television and stage performances.
Broadway Career: From Love! Valour! Compassion! to Laugh Whore
Cantone made his Broadway debut in 1995, stepping in as a replacement for Nathan Lane in Terrence McNally’s Tony Award-winning play “Love! Valour! Compassion!” Later that year, he shared the stage with Patrick Stewart in a revival of Shakespeare’s “The Tempest.” Returning to Broadway in 2002, Cantone showcased his talent by creating the one-man show “An Evening with Mario Cantone.” The following year, he starred in Richard Greenberg’s play “The Violet Hour,” playing a role specifically tailored for him. In 2004, Cantone appeared in a revival of Stephen Sondheim’s musical “Assassins” and starred in his second Broadway one-man show, “Laugh Whore.” While specific financial details regarding Cantone’s earnings from his Broadway performances are not publicly available, these roles have undoubtedly contributed to his overall net worth, supplementing his income from television and film projects.
Personal Life and Marriage
Openly gay, Cantone married his partner of 20 years, Jerry Dixon, in 2011. Dixon is a director, actor, composer, lyricist, and choreographer known for his work on Broadway, including on Cantone’s one-man shows.
