Tony Rosato
Description
Tony Rosato was an Italian-Canadian actor and voice actor known for his extensive work in both live-action comedy and animated series. Born in Naples, Italy, on December 26, 1954, he was raised in Canada, primarily in Toronto. He initially studied chiropractic medicine at the University of Toronto but discovered improvisational comedy through The Second City troupe, which led him to leave his studies and pursue a career in entertainment in 1979.
Rosato's career began in live-action comedy, gaining prominence as a cast member on the influential sketch comedy series SCTV in 1980. He subsequently joined the cast of Saturday Night Live for its 1981-1982 season, becoming the first cast member born outside North America. Following his time on these programs, he continued to act in television, including a notable role in the Canadian police drama Night Heat from 1985 to 1989.
In the 1990s, Rosato transitioned into voice acting, which became a significant part of his career. He is widely recognized for voicing the character Luigi in the animated series The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3 (1990) and Super Mario World (1991). This role established him as a prominent voice in animation during that era.
His voice acting portfolio includes a wide range of characters in numerous animated series throughout the 1990s and 2000s. Among his later and notable roles in anime-styled productions were his contributions to the Bakugan franchise. In Bakugan: Gundalian Invaders, he provided the voice for Dharak, the powerful dragon-like guardian Bakugan of Emperor Barodius. He continued his work in the franchise by voicing Razenoid in the subsequent series, Bakugan: Mechtanium Surge. Other voice credits include roles in Pelswick, The Busy World of Richard Scarry, Monster by Mistake, Mythic Warriors, and the video game Resident Evil 3: Nemesis.
Tony Rosato passed away on January 10, 2017, at the age of 62. His legacy includes a substantial body of work that spanned comedy and animation, making him a recognizable voice for audiences across several decades.
Rosato's career began in live-action comedy, gaining prominence as a cast member on the influential sketch comedy series SCTV in 1980. He subsequently joined the cast of Saturday Night Live for its 1981-1982 season, becoming the first cast member born outside North America. Following his time on these programs, he continued to act in television, including a notable role in the Canadian police drama Night Heat from 1985 to 1989.
In the 1990s, Rosato transitioned into voice acting, which became a significant part of his career. He is widely recognized for voicing the character Luigi in the animated series The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3 (1990) and Super Mario World (1991). This role established him as a prominent voice in animation during that era.
His voice acting portfolio includes a wide range of characters in numerous animated series throughout the 1990s and 2000s. Among his later and notable roles in anime-styled productions were his contributions to the Bakugan franchise. In Bakugan: Gundalian Invaders, he provided the voice for Dharak, the powerful dragon-like guardian Bakugan of Emperor Barodius. He continued his work in the franchise by voicing Razenoid in the subsequent series, Bakugan: Mechtanium Surge. Other voice credits include roles in Pelswick, The Busy World of Richard Scarry, Monster by Mistake, Mythic Warriors, and the video game Resident Evil 3: Nemesis.
Tony Rosato passed away on January 10, 2017, at the age of 62. His legacy includes a substantial body of work that spanned comedy and animation, making him a recognizable voice for audiences across several decades.
All Characters
- EnglishAnime overview: Bakugan Battle Brawlers: Gundalian Invaders
- EnglishAnime overview: Bakugan: Mechtanium Surge