Michael Mantenuto, a former actor and college hockey player who played Jack O’Callahan in the 2004 Disney film “Miracle,” died Monday, April 24, 2017. He was 35.
The death was announced in a news release by Col. Guillaume “Will” Beaurpere, the group commander of the U.S. Army’s 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne). Mantenuto joined the military after his acting career ended.
The release said Mantenuto was found dead by police in Des Moines, Washington.
“Those of you that knew Mike will remember him for his passionate love for his family and his commitment to the health of the force,” the release said.
Mantenuto, a former University of Maine hockey player, was cast in the role of the fun-loving O’Callahan in the film that starred Kurt Russell. “Miracle” tells the story of the 1980 U.S. Olympic men’s ice hockey team’s come-from-behind victory over the heavily favored Soviet Union, a game known as the Miracle on Ice. After beating the Russians, the U.S. team defeated Finland to win the gold medal.
His other movies included “Dirtbags” (2006) and “Surfer, Dude” (2008).
Mantenuto, who was born May 13, 1981, in Holliston, Massachusetts, is survived by his wife, the former Kati Vienneau; a daughter, Ava; a son, Leo; his father, Ed Mantenuto; his mother, Kerry Lee Barton; and three sisters, Katie Mantenuto, Meggan Mantenuto Hope, and Lauren Mantenuto.
Every day ⭐️🏄🏽♀️🌈☝️