“How Joe Mantegna and His Wife’s World Was Transformed by Their Daughter’s Autism Diagnosis”

Joe Mantegna is not only a famous actor but also a dedicated father. He has two daughters: one who pursued a career in acting like him, and the other who encountered health difficulties from birth and was later diagnosed with autism.

Joe Mantegna gained fame as Special Agent David Rossi on Criminal Minds, but off-screen, he is a devoted husband and father. The birth of his first daughter began a journey filled with unforeseen challenges and strengthened family connections.

Despite early health struggles faced by his eldest daughter, Joe Mantegna’s second child stepped in as her sister’s protector. This glimpse into the actor’s enduring marriage highlights how both daughters have grown to pursue their own paths, making their father proud along the way.

Joe Mantegna’s journey to acting began in 1963 with a high school dare. A friend challenged him to audition for West Side Story at Morton East High. Although he didn’t land the role, he discovered a passion for performing that would shape his future.

After high school, Joe joined a rock band called the Apocryphals, playing alongside other Chicago-based bands, including the future members of the rock group Chicago.

Joe Mantegna found his true calling in theater, where he also met his future wife, Arlene Vrhel. The two were cast together in a local production of Hair in 1969. What began as a friendship blossomed into romance, leading to a partnership that has lasted for more than fifty years.

Joe and Arlene took their time before getting married, enjoying a free-spirited life for nearly a decade. They finally tied the knot in 1975. Arlene shared, “We just had a lot of fun, but we didn’t get married for the longest time because we were hippies.”

Just weeks before their wedding, Joe and Arlene exchanged private vows at the Eiffel Tower. In 2023, as Joe Mantegna celebrated his 77th birthday, he was asked about the secret to his enduring marriage.

Joe Mantegna likened marriage to a roller coaster, saying, “It’s fun, but then these scary turns happen. The trick is, at least for me, is that we hung on during those scary turns. Then things smoothed out again. For us, the ride keeps getting better and better.”

On June 5, 1987, Joe and Arlene welcomed their first daughter, Mia. Although Arlene’s pregnancy had seemed smooth at first, a sudden drop in movement led to doctors diagnosing an umbilical cord infection, which resulted in an early delivery.

Mia was born three months premature, weighing just one pound and 15 ounces, making her one of California’s smallest newborns that year. Joe recalled the shock of seeing his tiny daughter for the first time, feeling both overwhelmed and determined, stating, “Here’s our daughter, and she’ll be fine.”

In those early days, Mia’s health was fragile, and she frequently stopped breathing. To help in case of emergencies, Joe replaced their home’s white porch light with a red bulb, making it easier for ambulance drivers to locate their house.

Despite the ongoing health scares, Mia gradually grew stronger and started reaching new milestones by age two. However, her parents began noticing developmental differences — Mia wasn’t speaking, avoided eye contact, and often repeated phrases, a condition known as echolalia.

When Mia was diagnosed with autism, the news deeply affected Joe and Arlene. Joe recalled, “I remember it hit my wife and me like a ton of bricks, because, first of all, it was just a word we had heard about.”

In the early ’90s, autism was not well understood, and Joe described the uncertainty they felt: “You were afraid to walk in puddles and stuff because nobody even knew how you got it, and there was no cure for it. So it was a little like that.”

Determined to support Mia, Joe and Arlene enrolled her in a special education program and nurtured her musical talents. Mia developed an exceptional sense of pitch, using music as her main form of expression.

Arlene often marveled at Mia’s abilities, recalling how the little girl would cover her ears if anyone sang off-key, a clear sign of her extraordinary talent. Over time, Mia’s interests expanded beyond music to makeup artistry, where she also excelled.

Alongside her younger sister, Gia, Mia completed a professional makeup course, becoming the first autistic graduate of the Mudd School. Today, she works as a makeup artist for Inclusion Films, where she continues to find purpose and joy in her craft.

Reflecting on his life with Mia, Joe expressed that he couldn’t imagine a world without her unique spirit, saying, “I don’t know what it’s like not to have a daughter with autism.”

Throughout every step of Mia’s journey, Joe, Arlene, and their family embraced her progress, grateful for each milestone and optimistic about the future. In 2023, Joe shared, “She’s wonderful. She’s pursuing her art. […] It’s quite incredible. She’s 36 years old but a child at heart.”

Three years after Mia’s birth, Joe and Arlene welcomed their second daughter, Gia. From an early age, Gia demonstrated a unique understanding of her sister’s needs, becoming Mia’s devoted protector.

Joe recalled, “Gia understood that her older sister was a lot different than the other kids.” He expressed pride in watching Gia embrace the role of both sister and mentor, showing empathy for Mia’s differences beyond her years.

Mia’s autism taught Gia patience and compassion, shaping her perspective on life and relationships. Growing up alongside Mia gave the Mantegnas a clearer understanding of typical developmental milestones, helping them differentiate between traits related to Mia’s autism and those that reflected her unique individuality.

Joe often mentioned that Gia, in many ways, seemed like an older sibling, developing a maturity from supporting Mia and guiding her in daily life. Beyond her role as Mia’s sister, Gia also pursued her own interests, exploring careers in both acting and real estate.

The Criminal Minds star admired Gia’s tenacity, noting how she faced challenges with the same resilience she demonstrated in supporting Mia. “She’s like the son I never had,” Joe remarked, impressed by her ability to tackle practical problems with confidence.

While Gia’s interest in acting seemed natural, Joe initially wondered if his daughter truly had the talent or if she was simply influenced by his career. However, as he watched her work, he realized that Gia possessed an innate ability that couldn’t be taught — a gift she could develop further.

Joe shared, “You can see the kids that have the kind of natural ability they can improve upon. And then there are the kids that, well, it’s not their cup of tea. Gia does have it. I’m not kidding myself because she’s my daughter.”

Arlene and Joe Mantegna’s journey as parents has been filled with both joy and resilience. Through the challenges of Mia’s autism and the growth of Gia’s compassion and talents, they’ve created a family deeply rooted in support and love.