Mario Cantone is an American comedian, writer, actor, singer and television host best known for his numerous stage shows. He also played Anthony Marentino in Sex and the City and Terri in Men in Trees (2006–2008). He hosted children's television program Steampipe Alley, which aired on WWOR-TV from 1988 to 1993. His style is fast-paced and energetic, with much of his humor coming from his impersonations of characters ranging from family members to celebrities to stereotypes.

Early life

Cantone was born in Massachusetts, and raised in Stoneham, where his Italian-American family moved when he was two.[2] He was the fourth of five children of Mario Sr., a Boston restaurant owner, and his wife, Elizabeth (née Pescione). His father moved the family to Stoneham, according to Cantone in a 2004 New York Times interview to get her away from her bookie relatives. Cantone stated that the problem "was that she was not only a bookie but she was also a compulsive gambler." His mother, who had been a big band singer in her youth, died when he was 21.

Early career

While working at Trump Tower, he did impressions of people while selling chocolate truffles. He later worked as a jewelry salesman, quitting a year later to pursue comedy full time. He began his professional career hosting a children's show called Steampipe Alley, which aired on New York-New Jersey superstation WWOR-TV from 1988 to 1993