Michael Mantenuto was an American soldier, actor, and former college field hockey player, who became famous for his role as Jack O’Callahan in the 2004 Disney movie “Miracle”. He was also a non-commissioned officer in the US Army.
Michael committed suicide under very bizarre circumstances on April 24, 2017. His death was a shock for many, as the young American was in the prime of his career. In the following sections, you will learn more about his background, his career, and his death.
Michael Mantenuto Biography
Michael Mantenuto was born May 13, 1983, in Holliston, Massachusetts, United States of America, the son of Ed Mantenuto (father), who worked as a Hall Monitor at Algonquin Regional High School in Northborough, and Kerry Lee Mantenuto (mother). He grew up in Holliston with 3 of his siblings Katie Mantenuto, Meggan Mantenuto Hope, and Lauren Mantenuto. He was American by nationality, although his ethnic background is not yet known.
During his childhood, Michael’s sudden interest in skating and playing field hockey was sparked by his father Ed, who was always there to see him through and teach him the basics and fundamentals of the game.
In terms of his education and background, Michael began his journey by enrolling at Holliston High School, which was located in his hometown. After graduating from Holliston High School, he went on to enroll at the University of Maine. During this time he joined the school’s field hockey team. Similarly, Michael played for Walpole Junior Stars in the Eastern Junior Hockey League for three years. Before joining Walpole Junior Stars, he played for the University of Maine in 2000. And in 2001 Michael moved to the University of Massachusetts, where he also played for the school field hockey team.
In 2004, Michael had his very first appearance as an actor in a movie called “Miracle” in which he played the character of Jack O’Callahan. The film is based on true events and the story of Herb Brooks, a US hockey player who became a coach and led the US Olympic ice hockey team to victory in 1980 against a very tough Russian team that was unbeatable. In a similar vein, he appeared in his third and last film in 2008, entitled “Surfer, Dude”. Before that, in 2006, he played the leading role in a film called “Dirtybags”, which was well received and welcomed by film lovers.
Records indicate that Michael joined the United States Army in 2010, where he served as a Special Forces (“Green Beret”) communications sergeant. During his time in the Army, in addition to serving in Operation Inherent Resolve (the U.S. military intervention against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIL), popularly known as “Daesh”), he served in the HHC (Headquarters and Headquarters Company), 1st Special Forces Group. For his exemplary military service Michael Mantenuto received the Army Commendation Medal, 3 Army Achievement Medal, 3 Good Conduct Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
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Wife
Katie Vienneau is the name of the wife of the late American actor, former field hockey player, and sergeant Michael Mantenuto. Details of how long they were together and when they got married are not known. Information about the marital status and background of Katie is also not known. The marriage was blessed with one son and one daughter. The names are Leo Mantenuto and Ava Mantenuto.
Life and Death
Michael Mantenuto lived and had an amazing life. He was surrounded by many people who loved and cared for him; his wife Katie, his children Leo and Ava, his parents, his siblings, friends, and fans alike. Interestingly, when he was growing up as a young boy, Michael’s father was his best friend and close ally. So it is not surprising that although Michael was not a lover of skating and field hockey at first, his father took good care of him and taught him how to play. He immediately fell in love with the game. He started playing right from his school days to his university days.
In fact, it was his love of the game that served as the motivation that inspired him to audition for the 2004 movie “Miracle”. It was above all a combative incident that led him to take the role of Jack O’Callahan from the film director after he apologized. Mantenuto starred in 3 films during his short film career, including the aforementioned “Miracle” (2004), “Dirtybags” (2006), and “Surfer, Dude” (2008). As mentioned above, he later joined the United States Army.
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Unfortunately and sadly, the American public was awakened on April 24, 2017, by the shocking news of his death. According to reports from the relevant authorities, Michael committed suicide by shooting himself in the head. Since then, investigations have been launched to clarify the circumstances of his death, but nothing has been said about why Michael ended his own life.