Tony Amendola portrays Abuelo Hector, Ro’s mischievous grandfather
who always has a twinkle in his eye, in the Disney Channel Original
Movie “Christmas Again.”

Amendola is a nearly 40-year veteran of film and television. Among his
film credits are Ted Demme’s “Blow,” with Johnny Depp; Martin
Campbell’s “The Mask of Zorro,” alongside Anthony Hopkins and
Antonio Banderas; and John Sayles’ “Lone Star,” with Chris
Cooper. Other memorable work includes “Annabelle” and “The
Meddler.”

On television, Amendola has had recurring roles as the iconic Gepetto
with ABC’s “Once Upon a Time,” as well as Edouard Kagame in
“Continuum” and Master Bra’tac in “Stargate SG-1.” Other
guest appearances include roles on “Dexter,” “Seinfeld,”
“The Practice,” “Will & Grace” and “Shooter.”

Amendola spent the first 12 years of his professional life in the
theatre. Appearing off-Broadway in an acclaimed production of
“Filumena” and in leading roles on the stages of America’s top
regional theaters, including the Mark Taper Forum, Berkeley Repertory,
American Conservatory Theatre, Williamstown Theatre Festival, Utah
Shakespeare, La Jolla Playhouse and The Old Globe. His stage credits
include Cyrano, Iago, Uncle Vanya, Shylock, Salieri, Lear and the role
of Jack Henry Abbott in “In the Belly of the Beast.” He also
appeared at Walt Disney Concert Hall in their premiere First Night
series for Stravinsky’s “Rite of Spring.”

Amendola’s voice-over and motion capture work includes “World of
Warcraft,” “Black OPS” and “Star Wars.” In addition, he is a
founding member and past co-artistic director of The Antaeus Company,
a well-respected Los Angeles theater dedicated to producing the
classics.

Born in New Haven, Connecticut, into a blue-collar family, Amendola
was the first member of his family to attend college. He grew up on
the east coast before heading west to follow his dreams. He currently
lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Judith.
