430: Enrico Colantoni—The Balls on this Guy!

Tue Mar 25 2025

Award-winning actor and old friend Rico drops by for a hysterical, if not irreverent, hang with Mike and Chuck, friends he’s had for 40+ years. There is laughter; there are tears, and there is laughter that turns into tears. Warning: Don’t listen...

Transcript

Mike Rowe (0:04)

He's your friend. He's my friend, yes. He's Canada's friend. He's America's friend. He's our friend. Rico Colantoni, second time on the podcast. This time I think it really is just a. It's kind of an opportunistic get that you got. But I'm so glad you got him because. Crap. That was fun.

Chuck (0:25)

Yeah, that was a lot of fun. And you're right, it was a crime of opportunity. Or a podcast episode of opportunity. He's actually in town to get hip replacement, which he just got. He's 12 days out. He's been convalescing at my house. I had the great misfortune to assist our friend Amy in changing his bandage last Saturday, which, of course, I showed you a picture of that, which was horrifying. Yeah. And this was really, really fun.

Mike Rowe (0:53)

Yeah. It's not NC17. I don't even think it's R rated, but I will tell you, we come in kind of hot. We've known each other, me and Rico, 40 years, as long as you've known him. And of course, you've known him a lot better than I have. He's living with you now in his convalescence. Look, if you don't know Rico well, then I don't. You probably don't have a tv.

Chuck (1:15)

Hope and Gloria. Just Shoot me. Veronica Mars, Galaxy Quest, Contagion, Stigmata. Stigmata. He played the Italian priest in Stigmata.

Mike Rowe (1:26)

AI. AI. Yeah.

Chuck (1:27)

Yeah.

Mike Rowe (1:28)

So many movies, so many shows, so many plays. He is our favorite and consummate working actor. He's a true actor. But he is such a real human and such a sweetheart and so vulnerable at the moment that I. I almost feel bad. I made him cry twice. Oh, yeah. And he. He made me laugh, and then I made him laugh. And then we both laughed so hard for so long, I don't even know if it's usable.

Chuck (1:58)

I don't know.

Mike Rowe (1:59)

God.

Chuck (1:59)

Yeah, that's funny. It's very funny.

Mike Rowe (2:01)

Yeah. Look. And you know what? You learn some things along the way because he's. He's thoughtful and he's smart and he's lived six decades. And he has a unique perspective on the world, I think, as most actors do who stay that busy for that long. But he's so forthcoming, our friend. He's so honest about the things in his life that are challenges and, well, some things that are attached to his body that have swollen to dimensions that a lot of people would not be comfortable discussing. And yet.

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe Episode: 430: Enrico Colantoni—The Balls on this Guy! Release Date: March 25, 2025

Introduction and Reunion

In episode 430 of The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe, host Mike Rowe welcomes returning guest Enrico Colantoni for a heartfelt and humorous conversation. Mike introduces Enrico with warmth, highlighting their long-standing friendship spanning over three decades.

Notable Quote:

Mike Rowe [00:04]: "He's your friend. He's my friend, yes. He's Canada's friend. He's America's friend. He's our friend."

Enrico’s Recent Surgery and Recovery

The episode delves into Enrico Colantoni's recent hip replacement surgery. Enrico shares his recovery journey, including the challenges of convalescing at Chuck’s house. He candidly discusses dealing with complications such as an allergic reaction to his bandages, leading to unexpected physical discomfort.

Notable Quotes:

Enrico Colantoni [10:12]: "I still marvel at what comes out of my ass after. You know, I mean."

Mike Rowe [13:56]: "The minute my dog squatted, he was in front of a driveway and the people walked out of the house... I won an Emmy."

Reflections on Acting Career

Enrico reflects on his extensive acting career, boasting over 110 acting credits across various mediums, including beloved TV shows like Veronica Mars, Galaxy Quest, and Contagion. He speaks with pride about roles that have been significant in establishing him as a "working class actor."

Notable Quotes:

Enrico Colantoni [35:18]: "It was the first job that got me to LA. It was the first steady gig that made me feel like I'm a working class actor."

Mike Rowe [23:15]: "You're a remarkably successful actor who has thrived in his chosen field."

Personal Stories and Anecdotes

The conversation takes a personal turn as Mike and Enrico reminisce about past experiences, including their time in New York and humorous incidents like Mike accidentally throwing up during a meeting. Enrico shares anecdotes about his interactions with prominent actors like Alan Rickman and Whoopi Goldberg, emphasizing the genuine friendships he has cultivated in the industry.

Notable Quotes:

Enrico Colantoni [56:31]: "But, you know, people who can't help but dig into them and call them things like racist or this or that..."

Mike Rowe [85:19]: "I saw you do Vanya or Macbeth... It's a mouthful."

Discussion on Persistence and the Creative Spirit

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the themes of persistence, dedication, and the unyielding creative spirit required to succeed in the acting world. Enrico and Mike discuss the importance of unwavering commitment, drawing parallels between their personal experiences and broader life lessons.

Notable Quotes:

Enrico Colantoni [48:37]: "I'm a working class guy... I just wanted to work and keep working."

Mike Rowe [51:07]: "She's doing really well. It was here, and it's dripping and pussing, and everything was leaking. And I go, I'm gonna die."

Friendship and Emotional Moments

The episode is peppered with moments of vulnerability and emotional honesty. Enrico opens up about his fears and the physical pain from his surgery, while Mike shares a touching story about his mother’s unwavering dedication to writing, reflecting on the importance of persistence without immediate success.

Notable Quotes:

Mike Rowe [75:10]: "Don't cry."

Enrico Colantoni [52:14]: "I think it's different because that machine is an expectation outside of yourself. You're waiting for the world to change as opposed to staying connected, to putting your work boots on and going to work."

Closing Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Mike and Enrico reaffirm their deep friendship and mutual support. They share final humorous exchanges and heartfelt sentiments, emphasizing the enduring nature of their bond despite life's challenges.

Notable Quotes:

Enrico Colantoni [89:07]: "We have to keep always being uncomfortable somehow."

Mike Rowe [94:15]: "And before you go, won't you leave."

Conclusion Episode 430 of The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe offers listeners an intimate glimpse into Enrico Colantoni’s life, blending humor with profound reflections on career longevity, personal resilience, and the sustaining power of friendship. Through candid discussions and memorable anecdotes, Mike and Enrico explore what it truly means to persevere in the demanding world of acting while maintaining genuine personal connections.