It pleases me no end that Mantegna receive such deserved plaudits.

Mantegna's insistence that his Supreme Court Justice character (who is 
extremely noble) be designated Italian American, and ALSO insist that an 
episode "expose" the dangers of "automatic" association of I-A = crime.  

It gives me pause, that Mantegna seems to be the ONLY I-A actor of the 
community that has done the obvious!!! Can we convince other I-A actors???
Would he be the best person to contact other IA actors?? Is NIAF and OSIA 
willing to make this a major effort??
===============================================  
ACTOR JOE MANTEGNA NAMED NIAF CELEBRITY SPOKESPERSON 

    (WASHINGTON, DC- June 5, 2002)    Actor Joe Mantegna, who portrayed
a U.S. Supreme Court Justice in the CBS-TV series, "FIRST MONDAY", has 
been selected by the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) to be the
celebrity spokesperson for the non-profit Foundation.   

    "We are proud that Joe Mantegna, an accomplished actor who has
associated with the organization for the past decade, has agreed to speak on
behalf of our national organization, said  NIAF Chairman Frank J. Guarini, "
" His positive portrayal of Italian Americans through the character of
Justice Novelli emphasized the importance we place on heritage and family
values," added Guarini. 

    "I am proud to be associated with an organization that has done so
much for our young people and our heritage, " said Joe Mantegna.

    According to NIAF President Joseph R. Cerrell, who recently hosted
Mantegna at the NIAF West Coast Gala in Los Angeles, "The positive portrayal
of one's heritage, family ties and strong values, which "FIRST MONDAY"
underscored, is a blueprint for the success of our youth."  

    As NIAF Spokesperson, Mantegna will represent the organization at
high-profile events as well as participate in a national public relations
program to encourage greater sensitivity in the areas of ethnic stereotyping.

    Joe Mantegna's career comprises stage, screen and television.  He
received a Tony Award for his Broadway performance in "Glengarry Glen Ross"
and an Emmy for "Bleacher Bums," which he conceived and co-authored.  In
Hollywood, Mantegna's feature film credits include "Searching for Bobby
Fisher", and "An Eye for An Eye", and Woody Allen's "Alice and Celebrity", 
among
many others.  His television appearances include "State of Emergency"; "A Call
to Remember", "Boy Meets Girl" and "The Rat Pack", for which he was nominated 
for an Emmy and a Golden Globe Award.

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a non-profit
organization, based in Washington, DC and dedicated to preserving the
heritage of Italian Americans.  Visit our website at: www.niaf.org
<www.niaf.org>                    

-------------------------------------
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE       

Elissa Ruffino
Director, Public Relations
1860 19th St NW
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 939-3106(direct) or 202/387-0600 (main #)
(202) 387 - 0833 (fax)
mailto:elissa@niaf.org