Michael Mantenuto was an American soldier, actor, and former college hockey player who became popular for the role he played as Jack O’Callahan in the 2004 Disney movie “Miracle.” He was also a non-commissioned army officer with the United States Army.
Michael under very bizarre circumstances committed suicide on the 24th of April 2017. His death came as a shock to many because the young American was in the prime of his career. Find out more about his background, career, and death in the paragraphs below.
Michael Mantenuto Biography
Michael Mantenuto was born on the 13th day of May 1983 in Holliston, Massachusetts, the United States of America to Ed Mantenuto (father) who worked in Algonquin Regional High School in Northborough as a Hall Monitor and a Kerry Lee Mantenuto (mother). He was raised alongside 3 of his sibling; Katie Mantenuto, Meggan Mantenuto Hope, and Lauren Mantenuto in Holliston. He was an American by nationality, although his ethnic origin is not yet known.
While growing up Michael’s sudden interest in skating and playing hockey was ignited by his father Ed who was always there putting him through and teaching him the rudiments and basics of the game.
In regards to his educational status and background, Michael began his journey by enrolling into Holliston High school which was located in his locale. Following his graduation from Holliston, he went further and gained admission into the University of Maine. While there he joined the school’s hockey team. Similarly, for 3 years Michael played for the Walpole Junior Stars in the Eastern Junior Hockey League. Prior to his joining the Walpole Junior Stars, he played for the University of Maine in the year 2000. And in 2001, Michael moved to the University of Massachusetts where he also played hockey for the school team as well.
In the year 2004, Michael made his first-ever appearance in acting in a movie titled “Miracle” portraying the character of Jack O’Callahan. The movie is based on true life events and the story of Herb Brooks, a US hockey player who became a coach and led the US Olympic hockey team to victory in 1980 against a very tough Russian side that was unbeatable. Similarly, he featured in his third and last movie titled “Surfer, Dude” in 2008. Prior to that, he starred in a 2006 movie “Dirtybags” which was well received and welcomed by movie lovers.
Records have it that Michael joined the United States Army in the year 2010 where he served as a Special Forces communications sergeant (“Green Beret”). His stay in the army saw him serve with the HHC (Headquarters and Headquarters Company), 1st Special Forces Group in addition to his deployment in Operation Inherent Resolve (the US military intervention against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIL) in the vernacular, Daesh). For his exemplary military service, Michael Mantenuto earned Army Commendation Medal, 3 Army Achievement Medals, 3 Good Conduct Medals, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
Wife
Katie Vienneau is the name of the wife of the deceased American actor, former hockey player, and non-commissioned army officer Michael Mantenuto. Details about how long they dated and when they got married are not know. Similarly, information about Katie’s family status and background is also not known. The marriage was blessed with a son and a daughter. They are Leo Mantenuto and Ava Mantenuto.
Life and Death
Michael Mantenuto was living and having an amazing life. He was surrounded by a lot of people who loved and cared for him; his wife Katie, his kids Leo and Ava, his parents, his siblings, friends, and fans alike. Interestingly, while growing up as a young boy, Michael’s father was his best friend and close ally. So it is not surprising that even though Michael initially was not a lover of skate and hockey, his father did a good job of mentoring and teaching him how to play the game. He instantly fell in love with the game. He started playing right from his high school days to his university days.
In fact, it was his love for the game which acted as motivation that inspired him to audition for the 2004 movie “Miracle”. It was particularly a fighting incident that made him be given the role of Jack O’Callahan by the movie director after he tendered his apology. Mantenuto featured in 3 movies within his short movie career which include the aforementioned films, Miracle (2004), Dirtybags (2006), and Surfer, Dude (2008). As stated, he later joined the United States Army.
Unfortunately and sadly so, the American public woke up to the shocking news of his demise on the 24th of April 2017. According to reports from the relevant authorities, Michael committed suicide by shooting himself in the head. Ever since investigations have been launched to unravel the circumstances surrounding his death, but nothing has been said why Michael ended his own life.
