Pat Mastroianni

Pasquale Mastroianni (born December 22, 1971), known professionally as Pat Mastroianni, is a Canadian actor who is best known for his role as Joey Jeremiah in the Degrassi television franchise, playing the role as a student in Degrassi Junior High (1987–89) and Degrassi High (1989–91), and then reprising the role as an adult on Degrassi: The Next Generation (2001–06). In 1988, he received a Gemini Award for Degrassi Junior High.

Mastroianni grew up in Toronto, the son of Angela and Angelo Mastroianni. He is of Italian heritage. He later recalled that he had first heard about the audition of Degrassi over his school's PA system.

Mastroianni was among the cast of Degrassi that were named UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors by the Ontario branch of UNICEF Canada in 1989. Along with cast member Amanda Stepto, Mastroianni visited the Headquarters of the United Nations in New York City.

After Degrassi High ended in 1992, Mastroianni worked as a waiter and a paver in his father's construction business, and gave up college for acting when his university mandated that he devote all his time to his studies. He had roles in several Canadian productions, including Liberty Street and Music Works. Though he was quoted as saying in 1998 that there was "very little" chance of a Degrassi sequel,[citation needed ] Degrassi: The Next Generation began in 2001, where Mastroianni reprised his role as Joey for five seasons.

Mastroianni was a guest star on the supernatural medical drama Saving Hope.