Joe Mantegna doesn't often share private moments on Twitter, but he broke his unspoken rule to honor a friend who made an impression on the world.
On July 21, music fans were saddened to learn that legendary singer Tony Bennett died at the age of 96. The news of the artist's death was first announced on Twitter, leading many to mourn the loss of the Hollywood icon. Among those honoring the "Because of You" singer's legacy was longtime friend and Criminal Minds: Evolution star Joe Mantegna. Uploading a heartbreaking tribute on the platform, he reminisced about the duo's first meeting and the personal impact Tony made on him over the years.
"I first met Tony Bennett in 1984 when he came to my Broadway performance of Glengarry Glen Ross," Joe wrote the day of Tony's death. "We took a photo in my dressing room and after winning a Tony award for that performance, I sent notes to everyone who sent me thanks with a photo inside. The photo said, 'I thought you'd like a shot of me with my Tony.'"
He continued: "Of course, the photo was the one with Tony Bennett. We had a 39-year friendship and I and my family were blessed to have him and his family in our lives."
When fans of both Joe and Tony saw the commendable way the actor celebrated his late friend's life, they rushed to the comments to send support over the sad loss.
"I’m so sorry for your loss. He was a treasure to so many. 🙏," one person wrote on Twitter. "That is a blessing to have had him in your life. Great photos too. He will be missed by many," another penned. "I am so sorry for the loss of your friend and an icon to all. May he [rest in peace]," a different follower replied.
Joe's public tribute wasn't the only time he has mentioned his years-long friendship with the musician. During a February 2020 segment on The Real, he divulged more about how much their introduction meant to him.
"He was one of my heroes," he said on the show. "We're lucky that sometimes we meet our heroes, as I did."
As the entertainment and news associate editor for Good Housekeeping, Adrianna (she/her) writes about everything TV, movies, music and pop culture. She graduated from Yeshiva University with a B.A. in journalism and a minor in business management. She covers shows like The Rookie, 9-1-1 and Grey's Anatomy, though when she’s not watching the latest show on Netflix, she’s taking martial arts or drinking way too much coffee.
