Born in Italy, Antonio Sabato, Jr. first captured public attention as an underwear model before transitioning into acting. His breakout moment came in 1990 when he appeared in Janet Jackson’s iconic music video “Love Will Never Do (Without You),” where his charm and undeniable sex appeal immediately made an impression. Off-screen, he welcomed a child with his then-girlfriend Virginia Madsen, while on-screen, he quickly rose to fame playing the intense and brooding Jagger Cates on the long-running soap opera General Hospital (ABC, 1963–present). His popularity in that role helped him move into primetime television, where he played Alonzo Solace, a skilled pilot in the sci-fi series Earth 2 (NBC, 1994–95), and also portrayed Heather Locklear’s troubled first husband on Melrose Place (Fox, 1992–99).
Throughout his career, Antonio Sabato has remained a familiar face on television, often appearing as a guest star and starring in a variety of made-for-TV movies and genre projects. He took on the role of a former Navy SEAL in Codename: Wolverine (Fox, 1996) and led the cast in the campy thriller Shark Hunter (2001). In a more dramatic turn, he delivered a compelling performance as a missing gay man in the independent film Testosterone (2003). He also tried his hand at comedy, playing a personal trainer on the short-lived sitcom The Help (The WB, 2004).
Sabato returned to daytime television with a recurring role as a charismatic sculptor on The Bold and the Beautiful (CBS, 1987–present) and later reprised his beloved character Jagger Cates in the General Hospital spinoff Night Shift (SOAPnet, 2007–08). Beyond scripted roles, Antonio Sabato, Jr. also found success in reality TV, winning the competition series Celebrity Circus (NBC, 2008), which led to his own dating show, My Antonio (VH1, 2009), where a group of women vied for his affection—and the approval of his strong-willed mother.
Though he never quite reached the level of fame that his early looks inspired, Antonio Sabato, Jr. built a durable and diverse acting career. With a warm, self-deprecating charm and a clear understanding of his own appeal, he became a memorable and enduring figure in entertainment.
So, when it comes to Antonio Sabato Jr.’s film career, there are a couple of standout points worth mentioning. Antonio Sabato Jr. definitely had his highs and lows at the box office, just like many actors. If we look at the numbers and reviews, Antonio Sabato Jr.’s highest rated movie turns out to be The Big Hit, which came out back in 1998. That film really seemed to resonate with audiences and critics alike, giving Antonio Sabato Jr. a solid highlight in his acting journey. On the flip side, one of the less successful entries in his filmography is Testosterone from 2003, which ended up being Antonio Sabato Jr.’s lowest rated film overall. It’s interesting how roles can vary so much in reception, but hey, every actor has their ups and downs. Still, Antonio Sabato Jr. has certainly made his mark across different genres over the years.