Joseph Michael "Joe" Manganiello (born December 28, 1976) is an American actor, director, producer, author and philanthropist known for roles across television and film. He first attracted attention for recurring and guest appearances on network television before moving into larger ensemble and genre projects. Manganiello is noted for a commanding physical presence on screen and for choosing a mix of mainstream and genre roles that highlight both action and character work.

Early work and television

Manganiello began building his career with guest and recurring parts on a variety of network dramas and comedies. Early credits include appearances on ER and the sitcom How I Met Your Mother, as well as work in teen and ensemble dramas that helped raise his profile. These roles provided steady exposure and led to auditions for larger projects in both television and film.

Breakthrough on True Blood and genre success

His breakout came when he joined the cast of the HBO series True Blood, airing on HBO, in which he played Alcide Herveaux, a werewolf whose storyline brought him wider recognition and a dedicated fan following. That television success opened opportunities in high-profile film projects and franchise work.

Film career and notable roles

On the big screen Manganiello has balanced supporting roles in studio films with parts in action and independent pictures. He portrayed the high school football player Flash Thompson in Sam Raimi's Spider-Man films under director Sam Raimi, and he appeared in popular films such as Magic Mike and the ensemble comedy What to Expect When You're Expecting. He also appeared in action-oriented projects like Rampage and took on the comic-book antagonist Deathstroke in Justice League, directed by Zack Snyder.

Writing, production and creative work

Outside of acting, Manganiello has worked behind the camera and entered publishing. His book Evolution was released in 2013 by Gallery Books at Simon & Schuster, and he has been involved in development and producing activities on select projects. He has described his creative interests as extending beyond performance to storytelling and collaboration in multiple roles.

Philanthropy and public activities

Manganiello is active in charitable work and frequently supports medical and arts organizations. He has supported institutions such as the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh and serves or has served on committees for arts and outreach organizations including The Art of Elysium. His visibility has helped raise funds and awareness for causes tied to children’s health and creative arts programs.

Personal life and public image

In his personal life Manganiello married actress Sofía Vergara in 2015 after a brief courtship. The couple live in Los Angeles, California, and both maintain active public profiles that combine entertainment careers with charitable activity. Manganiello is often noted in profiles for his fitness regimen, interest in genre storytelling, and engagement with fans of fantasy and comic-book culture.

Selected credits

Manganiello's career demonstrates a transition from recurring television appearances to recognizable roles in franchise films and prestige television. He continues to pursue diverse projects in front of and behind the camera while maintaining a public commitment to charitable causes and to projects that reflect his interests in genre, physical performance and storytelling.