Tony Amendola

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.