JJ Pantano

JJ Pantano is a rising actor and comedian who gained national attention on Australia’s Got Talent at the age of 7 with his roast style comedic act before making waves in the United States on America’s Got Talent: The Champions. At just 12 years of age, the multitalented JJ Pantano has a list of credits most adults would be thrilled with.

JJ Pantano shines as young Luke Smallbone in Lionsgate’s Unsung Hero, a story that chronicles the challenges and eventual triumphs of the Smallbone family, who went on to produce Grammy award-winning artists Rebecca St. James and Joel and Luke from for King & Country. You can’t help keeping an eye on JJ Pantano who portrays Luke Smallbone. Working alongside the incredible Candace Cameron Bure, Lucas Black & Terry O’Quinn and with a 99% Rotten Tomatoes and A+ Cinema Score the film has been a hit all around the world opening at No 2 at the U.S. Box Office.

JJ also stars in the Australian comedy feature Nut Farm (available on Amazon Prime) and appears in the final installment of the iconic Australian Wog Boys franchise, Wog Boys Forever, as Mario Jnr (Paramount+).

Unsung Hero isn’t JJ Pantano’s first break, although it may turn out that way in terms of acting roles. He first entered popular culture when he appeared on Australia’s Got Talent as a 7 year old stand up comic where he left a lasting impression with his side-splitting stand-up roasting routine and received the prestigious Golden Buzzer. Next came America’s Got Talent, when he went truly viral.

Invited to showcase his talent on NBC’s America’s Got Talent: The Champions Season 2, JJ charmed both American viewers and the judges with his pint-sized stature and quick-witted roasting style. Garnering a standing ovation, he won the hearts of the audience and impressed the influential judges of the show, including the legendary comedian Howie Mandel and the discerning Simon Cowell. With their enthusiastic support and votes, JJ sailed through to the semi-finals, solidifying his status as a rising star. Howie Mandel even described him as the reincarnation of Don Rickles, while Simon Cowell commended his “star glow” and astonishing fearlessness at such a young age. Howie Mandel expressed his admiration, saying, “When I grow up, I want to be as funny as you.”

Recognizing JJ’s exceptional talent, Simon Cowell and the Executive Producers extended a special invitation for him to appear in the Champions Results Show, where he hosted his own talk show segment. In this unique opportunity, JJ interviewed Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, Alesha Dixon, and host Terry Crews, showcasing his comedic prowess in a Between Two Ferns-style format.

Following his success on America’s Got Talent: The Champions, JJ gained the mentorship of Howie Mandel, who took him under his wing and meetings with influential casting directors from Nickelodeon, Disney, and others in the entertainment industry soon followed.

In 2023, JJ was invited on stage at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena by the Roast Master himself, Jeff Ross, for an impromptu roast session. The legendary Dave Chappelle followed, turning the tables and roasting JJ to the audience’s delight. A year later, JJ returned to the stage with Jeff Ross at the Grand Finals of the Netflix Is A Joke Roast Battle at The Hollywood Palladium, where he brought the house when he roasted Jeff Ross in front of a roaring crowd.

JJ’s exceptional talent has earned him extensive recognition in various media outlets, including People, USA Today, Funny Or Die, Daily Mail, New Idea, Woman’s Day, TV Week, Herald Sun, and News.com.au. He has made guest appearances on popular shows such as Sunrise, The Morning Show, The Today Show, LA’s The Last Laugh, Today Extra, and The Watch List, among others.

With a staggering 200 million views of his Got Talent Stand-Up performances worldwide, JJ Pantano has captivated audiences across the globe. His ever-expanding fan base is a testament to his undeniable talent and magnetic presence. With his infectious energy and professional work ethic, he is destined for a remarkable journey ahead in the entertainment industry.

JJ has a U.S. O1 Visa for extraordinary abilities and is a dual citizen of Australia and Italy with an Australian and EU Passport. He sings, taps, acts, plays piano, guitar, songwrites, hosts and performs comedy. His hobbies include athletics, playing soccer, video games, hoverboarding and skiing.

He is one of the youngest Stand Ups in the world.