In the world of Sex and the City, Anthony Marentino, portrayed by the talented Mario Cantone, was known for his blunt lines that never failed to surprise fans. With no fear of hurting his friends’ feelings, Anthony always spoke his mind with unapologetic honesty. Cantone, now 66, recently shared a juicy detail about one of his most memorable lines in the first movie—it wasn’t scripted at all, but given to him on the spot because no one else could deliver it quite like he could.
Picture this: Samantha, played by the fabulous Kim Cattrall, makes a grand entrance after gaining weight post-breakup with Smith Jerrod. As she walks in, Anthony can’t help but blurt out, “What’s with the gut? Forget about the puppy, what’s with the gut?” The unexpected line perfectly encapsulated Anthony’s sharp tongue and no-nonsense attitude, leaving viewers in stitches.
During a recent interview on Still Here Hollywood With Steve Kmetko, Cantone reminisced about the iconic moment and how show creator Michael Patrick King specifically tailored that line for him. Known for his politically incorrect humor, Cantone joked that even in the recent series revival, And Just Like That…, he requested all the politically incorrect dialogue he could handle.
Truly a standout character in the Sex and the City universe, Anthony was not only known for his sharp wit but also for his unexpected love story with Stanford Blatch, played by the late Willie Garson, in the second movie. As the series evolved in And Just Like That…, Anthony moved on, eventually finding love with Giuseppe, portrayed by Sebastiano Pigazzi. Their on-screen chemistry translated into an off-screen friendship, adding depth to their characters’ relationship.
While the spinoff sadly met its end after three seasons, Anthony Marentino remains a beloved character in the hearts of Sex and the City fans everywhere. A testament to Cantone’s comedic timing and dynamic portrayal, Anthony’s legacy continues to live on in the hearts of viewers who appreciate a little sass and humor in their lives.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.