The youngest of four children, Anthony Portantino was born in Long Branch, New Jersey. From age eleven, he was raised by his single mom. Anthony cites his close relationship with his mother, Barbara, as the single greatest influence on his life. Her tremendous spirit and warm Italian heart inspired him. Her determined struggle to send her kids to college changed the course of his life.

A child of immigrants, Anthony's father was the first person in his family to attend college. Part of Tom Brokaw's aptly named "greatest generation," Anthony Portantino, Sr. was a World War II veteran who attended college after his service as part of the GI Bill of Rights. Unfortunately, his life was cut short at the age of 48, leaving Anthony's mom to raise four children on her own.

Anthony attended public schools on his way to a double BS in Psychology and Business from Albright College in Reading, Pennsylvania. In college, he met his future wife, Ellen Gallagher. Ellen's father, Ed, was a lineman for over 30 years for Pennsylvania Power and Light and is a proud retired IBEW member. In 1989 Anthony and Ellen Portantino moved to California so he could pursue a career in the entertainment industry. Today Anthony is a successful filmmaker and Ellen is a Vice President of The Baby Einstein Company, a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company. Anthony and Ellen have two daughters; Sofia, age fourteen, and Bella Rose, four.

Anthony J. Portantino (born January 29, 1961 in Long Branch, New Jersey), has represented California's 44th assembly district since December 2006.