It's still so sweet that even though Sofia is not interested in D&D, she understood how much it meant to Joe and took the time to get in contact with the artist to commission a painting of his character in the style of art he grew up with playing the game as a birthday gift: What a cute couple!
it's kind of scary to me that that's seen as such a big "get." Like, that's exactly what a marriage is supposed to be. Why shouldn't each spouse have their own space to pursue their own hobbies that aren't necessarily up the others alley? That should really be a bare minimum sort of thing, not something we're surprised and in awe of.
The fact he, being a nerd like us, might already know how lucky and perfect his life is, no drama, just a perfect status quo of life goal already achieved and now just enjoying life (?)
I'm 30 and this year I started playing D&D for the first time. I'm simultaneously thrilled to have found this hobby and filled with regret for missing out on it in the past.
D&D hits me in the feels every time I play... :) I've been lucky enough to have been playing fairly steadily since the mid-80s (probably the longest hiatus I had was about 3 years). I've played with many different people over every edition and I have to say that I still love this game as much now as I did back then.
I'm 41, and I am a Paramedic in real life, I started playing D&D again last year after a 21 year break! I got the itch to play again and started toying around and got the PHB, and made myself a Cleric.......I have been playing again religiously for the last 6 months......I cannot for the life of me think of why I stopped, I had kids and school and life, but the adventures I could have had, are lost in time, but now new adventures await! Great video!
Actually brought tears to my eyes hearing how passionate he is about D&D, and especially Dragonlance. Hickman and Weis are truly blessings to the high fantasy realm.
I want to read their Dragonlance stuff , but what I read of them so far makes me not like them at all. I am the type of person that will read the first book in a series and even if I don't like it much , I will read every book after it to know the story. I almost quit reading the Darksword trilogy , which means I really really thought it was terrible, but I forced myself to get through it. Then I thought I'd give them another chance and bought the first novel in the Death Gate Cycle, Dragon Wing I think it was called . I got about a third of the way through it and ripped it in half . If you read the Darksword trilogy and or Dragonwing , are their Dragonlance books similar?
I only have read their works in the world of Krynn, for example the trilogy I am reading once again is called "The War of Souls" which takes place mant years after the original series. I have always loved the characters and the world in which they wove, so I would of course highly recommend starting with "The Legend of Huma" which is a light read, but really establishes the world and lore.
I actually already read The Legend of Huma and Kaz the Minotaur as I liked Richard Knaak's other work. Liked both as far as I can remember , it was long ago.
The Legend of Huma and Kaz the Minotaur are fine books, but in my mind they are really the backstory to the much greater stories told in the "Legends" and "Chronicles" series. Those are the series where we follow the follies of the now legendary party of Raistlin, Caramon, Taz, Tanis etc., and I would recommend them to anyone.
Søren Bang by all means. Those are the classic D&D / Dragonlance iconic stories! But for someone who wasnt sure on where to start, because seeing all of the 100s of Dragonlance novels and off shoots can be daunting, I always recommend The Legend of Huma first an foremost. Although I miss the tales of Tanis Half-Elven and his wayward band of misfit adventurers, I am more so drawn to The War of the Souls trilogy, time and time again. I think because it doesnt focus on primarily a party set out for good, and strayed from the classic D&D archetypes.
Sofia NEVER has to worry about where her husband is. She never has to worry about him taking up with some floozy. Because he will be in that dungeon room every spare minute.
I don't think so. Sofia has made it clear that she goes along with a lot of his OTHER little foibles that another "DnD loving gal" just wouldn't put up with. Besides, if a gal IS as addicted to the game as Joe is, she will have NO room in her life for an affair with ANYBODY!
I never had the chance to play with Gary, I've met him once, Dave Arneson on the other hand I've had the opportunity to not only design and paint a miniature for him upon his request but we both were sitting in the lobby of our doctors office (both awaiting blood work) and played a few skirmishes on a coffee table using the change in our pockets and a set of dice he had on him. I took a photo with him and it rests in my D&D gaming room to this day. D&D changed my life and the times spent at the table was time well spent.
Very true, but unlike his character, Joe never forgot the little people. He still to this day serves on the Board of Trustees of the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, PA. where he was born and raised. He also attended CMU - this dude is also a brainiac.
He is also the Anti Wheaton, so many good rolls...just saw him roll a nat 20 on Colbert. Ironically, it was a nat 1 that saved a major NPC's life on Critical Role at the end of the 1st campaign. Seems like a good guy, I'd love to play D&D with him.
Hawkwinter01 I'd love to play with him too, considering my main is a chaotic neutral wood elf avenger, he'd be able to tolerate a lawful evil oathbreaker.
Joe, you are a lucky man - we guys who have wives who support our inner geek are pretty blessed. (Not to exclude the gamer ladies with awesome spouses!) 😃
THIS. I work at a Card and comics store, and the amount of folks AND their significant others trying to get into something not typically in their wheel house is i inspiring. . And the majority of those folks eventually seem to fall in love with it and the spouse bonding that comes with it. We live in a world where cheerleaders think Captain America is cool, and husbands and wives are buying Rule set books for D&D. It’s become NOT COOL to not know these things. What a time to be alive lol
queenannsrevenge100 You have no idea sir. I’m already blessed with a wife who is very supportive of my inner geekdom. Which in it of itself is absolutely awesome, but what’s more is that my wife is from Puerto Rico, and once she saw how supportive Sophia was of Joe and his love for D&D, she started to ask me, “So honey, what would be your idea of a dream gaming basement?” Then she began to actually work out exactly how we can do it! lol. So Joe, not only do I want to thank you for your active promotion of the game, but I also want to thank Sophia for inspiring a fellow Latina to support her husbands dreams and passions! lol. I’m chuckling as I write this because I never thought I’d see the day! 😂 How cool is that?!?
I love when he notes how many people who grew up on D&D during the 80s are rediscovering the joys of the game in adulthood, because this has exactly been my path. I grew up playing 1st edition from 9 until I went to college, then stopped completely until I was in my early 30s and fell in with a group playing 3.5. I did that for several years, but then life circumstances got in the way and I stopped again. Now I'm 45 and introducing my kids AND a bunch of their friends to 5th edition.
My story is very similar Chris. Also never thought it would become as accepted in the mainstream. Its been really great to see it appreciated by so many now.
Hey congrats man, I learned how to play for about 4-5 years and since then I've taught about 17 people and counting how to play, it's almost as fun teaching it as it is playing it
Joe articulates what DND means to him so vividly. He was able to put the words to my feelings better than I could have myself. Thanks Joe. This was a great video.
Just seeing the room was enough for me, but then they showed that painting. Wow. What a great way Joe found to articulate what a person’s character is: an Avatar of themselves.
The guy is so genuine and it great to see an insight into his history and his play room. Would love to meet him at an event one day because he sounds just like a normal dude
I love Joe. He is always such a down to earth, approachable and nice guy. I love the fact that Sofia may not get D & D but she gets Joe and loves him very much. I have not played D & D in such a long time I would love to get in on a game.
I love videos like these because they help me show people I think would have fun that literally ANYONE can play DND. You’re not too cool or uncool, you don’t have to be any one kind of person. There’s so much opportunity for bonding and drama and just wonderful shared memories. Love this community y’all.
i just became the biggest Joe M fan in the world - not just because of the D&D room, but he stood up to his wife for a really cool "man cave", with dedication to something cool. way to GO!!
Back here in July 2023, mourning the probable loss of this epic room now that Joe is apparently selling the mansion amid their recently announced divorce. Tragic.
I always liked JM because of his movie career and his dead on Macho Man impressions. Now I like this guy even more. D&D/AD&D was the BOMB when I was a kid both playing it with my family(both mom and dad) but with my friends in boy scouts as well. I still remember my parents trying so hard to grasp the concept of the game and enjoy it,may they both rest in peace.
I didn’t move to California, but after an extended hiatus I too started playing again. I taught my grandsons how to play and we started a small group. I started them out with the old stuff. Not because it was easier to teach them with Basic D&D but because I was nostalgic and wanted to start where I started. We have since moved on to 5th edition rules and the transition was much easier than what I thought it would be for them. All I can say is that we can’t wait for COVID to get reigned in so we can continue our big quest. In the meantime I have done some smaller one off adventures that tie into the main adventure over zoom. We have our weekly get together virtually and I am closer to my grandchildren now, more than I had ever been before. Thanks Gary, I never thought being a D&D grandpa would effect my life so much.
just want to say thank you sir for helping me get excited about playing DnD again. Its been over 30 years, i still have all of my books and dice and modules etc from high school in the early 80s so i am diving back in and its because of videos like this from people like you that have helped me to not feel intimidated and scared that i may not fit in anymore. Thank You sincerely.
Thanks so much for this video interview. As someone who has been playing D&D off and on for over 35 years, I’m still amazed to see so many popular actors openly express their love for the hobby. I just think that’s so cool in every sense of the word. 👍🏻😎. Furthermore, as I understand it, Joe is going out of his way to promote the Dragonlance series of books, with the intention of trying to get funding to produce, and/or direct a Dragonlance series of movies. I can’t tell you how excited I am at the possibility of this! So Joe, if you’re reading this, I truly hope you succeed in pulling this off bud! As long as the movies are done right, I think they’ll be instant blockbusters. When I say “done right”, if you could at the very least produce these films with a look and feel on the same level of Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy, you’ll be doing the books and their authors justice. So good luck! I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you!
Oh, and one more thing Joe, if you're going to do Dragonlance, and if you intend to enlist the artists that helped make the series come alive, just like Peter Jackson did for Lord of the Rings, then you absolutely must start speaking with "Larry Elmore", who did a very large percentage of the the Dragonlance art., and is someone I believe is a "must have" to help you develop the concept art. Just a suggestion.
I'm envious that you got to meet both Mr. Gygax and Mr. Easley. Kudos for being such a great actor, person and for being true to yourself. Keep up the great work.
I love that you can see the passion here. You really can tell when someone is a true fan and the game has affected their life. Joe, if you ever have an open seat I would love to join you =) Glad to have you as a representative of this amazing game.
Listening to Joe describe what it's like retelling D&D stories with friends made me tear up. No other game makes you feel like you're really there. Love this game.
One of my life's ambitions is to create a D&D room in my own home. To go the extra mile though, I want to build a tunnel (designed as an old fashioned castle corridor) going under the house and toward a separate building (because we tend to get very loud in our late-night drunken game nights). In this room, you'll come up via a spiral stone stair case into an interior that looks much like an old Viking longhouse complete with skull chandelier, stone walls (or paneling that resembles it), ale horns at a wooden bar and of course, a large traditional wooden table for gaming. And here's one of the best parts: for the exterior of that home, I want to design it so that it looks like a hobbit home complete with the circular door.
It's inspiring how passionate he is about the hobby. I love it! Makes me want to aspire to be a better dm and player! Never stop being so awesome Mr. Manganiello!
This was beautiful. Thank you D&D Beyond, and a huge thank you to Joe for all the characters you've helped bring to life and the inspiration you've brought to so many
Some of the things he's crediting Gary for were actually the idea of Dave Arneson. Arneson had the idea of playing individual characters, rather than who armies, adapting the rules from Gary's 'Chainmail.' Gary ran with that and created D&D.
WOW... blown away!! I've been a "gamer" for nearly ALL my life, I"m 68 now... and the idea of such a creative space is really amazing. While I'm primarily a war gamer... I love RPG's (Stormbringer, Space 1889, This War of Mine), and also love the creator aspect of things. Currently, I'm a fiction writer and use RPG's to move the action sequences along. This is pretty exciting. BRAVO
Damn I just officially became one of Manganiello's admirers for story telling! His love and passion for writing fantasy characters, their back stories, and lore has inspired me to also become a writer!
My dad played a lot when he was in college, he continued to play on rare occasions with his OG group. About a decade ago he brought me along to play with them. It was amazing to see how much was going on, I felt like I was invited to observe an entire alternate world that they had, I went a few more times and really got drawn in. Within the last year I finally managed to meet the right people and get my own group put together, I'm incredibly excited to see how our adventures may evolve, this game is incredibly special.
I can imagine how Sofia went down there and was just open mouthed dumbstruck at what became of her “Pilates studio.” Like when the Seinfeld cast got a look at Kramer’s apartment converted into a TV set.
This touches me so deep. My encounter with D&D was brief, but still it has been several years of playing. First a witch, then an half elf Ranger. But i moved on to rolemaster, DSA, Midgard, Seventh Sea and finally World of Darkness. Today i am an illustrator and the fantasy mania never left me. As the stories i lived through with my friends. I was even a game master for quite some time. Ohhhh, the good old days. I miss them. But i know exactly what Joe is talking about.
"In our minds we were actually doing it" My thoughts exactly. Thanks Joe, it's nice to have someone relevant "tanking" for the little guys. We appreciate that!
just finding the "Joe M plays D&D" you tube thread. our high school group is playing again virtually at age 50. It really hit home hearing this interview. D&D was the fabric of my adolescent relationships and our crew has remained close our entire lives even as we moved away and had our own lives. It amazes me how the culture has shifted to embrace nerdom.
Life goals. It is inspiring to see something thought of as "a waste of time" by some fuels the life force of others. Our past time defines us and gives us the motivation and creativity to become something more.
Joe, holy smokes! That is the coolest gaming room ever! I love the Illithid and Beholder and ALL the dragons! So if you ever need another player for a one shot at your home....:D
It's amazing to see people breathing new life into D&D in so many ways. People who have never played before are warming to the idea of frolicking for a few hours a week in a theater of the mind. It's beautiful.
Now I wonder if he was at E.G.G.'s funeral and I don't remember meeting him. Can't rightly recall. But many of us gamed at the VFW (IIRC) afterward with the family, friends and fellow attendees looking to honor his memory. The background video was the old D&D cartoon and Futurama.
...because she let him have a game room? I mean, don't get me wrong, I agree it's a good thing, but I think it's kind of sad that "this couple lets each other have their own space to pursue the hobbies the other isn't into" is seen as so surprising. That really OUGHT to be a given. Or, if you mean the painting, well.... I feel like if your spouse has such an obvious interest, and you've got that kind of ridiculous wealth, that's a pretty easy idea to stumble on. Hell, I did something similar-ish for an ex-girlfriend who was really into Bob's Burgers, getting an artist to draw her and her dog as characters in the show. I feel like with their kind of money, any spouse worth having would be just as thoughtful. Doesn't seem that "extra" to me.
@@Angarato86 No, its not rare at all in a good relationship, it's the BASIS. Everyone out there trying to have a celebrity BS, "Instagram-Worthy" relationship are the ones finding it to be a rare thing. I don't even feel sorry for them, I just laugh at how idiotic they are haha.
Sofia Vergara says 'Do you want your present early?' Mr. Maganiello says 'Sure, why not.' Then gets all excited over an Easley painting of a Dragonborn... In case kids are wondering: That is a prime example of a great marriage. Thanks for sharing.
I have been lucky enough to be in the Gygax house in Lake Geneva and got to see a live DnD session played with Alex Gygax and a few others, the IRL room is very small!!! Thanks D&D Beyond for this video and thanks Joe for loving this genre so much.
Everyone should have a spouse that awesome. I know I lucked out when I met mine. Anyone else here who also cannot wait to hear more about the d&d movie joe is working on getting made
Great to see Joe's Man Cave - Very level headed interview and can relate as a 40+ yr old that has been out of the games for 30 years but always followed D&D and it is a big part of who I am creatively today and my wife, although not a gamer, supports my nerdiness! Go Joe!
I can tell that the fire has been passed on to younger generations as well, I never knew about D&D before, my friend introduced me to the game because of these type of youtube contents, and of course the amazing critical role played a critical role on it's "revival". 👍 I've also started in drawing/painting D&D characters for my friends and colleagues (even doing some commissions for other people now, yay!) Because I love drawing since I was a kid and this type of hobbies are just perfect for me ! So thank you Joe and all the D&D content creators, and of course the production team for introducing these youngsters into this surreal world full of wonders ! Ps: I'm 23 btw, not that young I know 🤣
This was incredible and what an amazing game room, it gives me ideas for the one I've been designing. As I watched this video and heard him talk the whole time I felt like I've personally known this guy my whole life.
It's still so sweet that even though Sofia is not interested in D&D, she understood how much it meant to Joe and took the time to get in contact with the artist to commission a painting of his character in the style of art he grew up with playing the game as a birthday gift: What a cute couple!
Proof that even if you don’t have the same interests, if you’re passionate about your hobby your other half will understand
Couple goals right there.
She's exactly like Gloria
Thats real love right there
it's kind of scary to me that that's seen as such a big "get." Like, that's exactly what a marriage is supposed to be. Why shouldn't each spouse have their own space to pursue their own hobbies that aren't necessarily up the others alley? That should really be a bare minimum sort of thing, not something we're surprised and in awe of.
forget mancave goals. this is life goals
Isn't this something all of us gamers have wanted to do if we had "F*ck You" money like this? ^_^
but that's a mancave
Successful life, gorgeous wife, women adore him, men want to be him, and he's a nerd.
@@dark3rthanshadows Sofia vergara said on a interview that shes seen lots of beautiful women go down there to play too, so not just a mancave
The fact he, being a nerd like us, might already know how lucky and perfect his life is, no drama, just a perfect status quo of life goal already achieved and now just enjoying life (?)
This dude rolled a nat 20 death save on network tv.
Lenny Lynch have he and Colbert has their D&D game yet? I’d love to see that. I didn’t know the Big Show plays too!
@@Umbrellacorporationmt They may have had privately but there's nothing public I can find unfortunately..
@@castor9683 Colbert mentioned he'd be in his area during september
Umbrella.corporation. mt Colbert played a game DMed by Matt Mercer for Red Nose Day it’s on UA-cam
Oh man, this one hit me in the feels. We are all playing again, it's true.
AJ Pickett yes it is :,)
AJ Pickett love your vids too AJ
I'm 30 and this year I started playing D&D for the first time. I'm simultaneously thrilled to have found this hobby and filled with regret for missing out on it in the past.
NRMRKL don't regret. At least you didn't have a super long hiatus like me...almost 10years
D&D hits me in the feels every time I play... :) I've been lucky enough to have been playing fairly steadily since the mid-80s (probably the longest hiatus I had was about 3 years). I've played with many different people over every edition and I have to say that I still love this game as much now as I did back then.
He is the ultimate nerd. Can you imagine the amount of money he had to invest into that room? This is my Dream...
you are everywere nice...
And his wife is sofia vergara... not a bad life
Well, seeing as fans would give him lots of items for his cave, I don't think it was as much as you think it was
invest? I would say the furniture was the most expensive thing.
Can you imagine if Dive Studios and D&D Beyond teamed up for K-Pop and Dragons?? Because I can
"And here is my hand of Vecna, it's my pride and joy..."
Joseph G fkn Arkhan
Well he had to put it somewhere after he stole it from Vox Machina
Simian 1975 well technically he put it where his own arm was but a shelf makes more real world sense
Well, you couldn't wear it 24-7....Do you really think Arkhan the Cruel faps with it on? Would anyone?
Stephen Pike hopefully he didn't cut off the jerk hand for vecna but if he did it probably gives advantage to jizz rolls
I'm 41, and I am a Paramedic in real life, I started playing D&D again last year after a 21 year break! I got the itch to play again and started toying around and got the PHB, and made myself a Cleric.......I have been playing again religiously for the last 6 months......I cannot for the life of me think of why I stopped, I had kids and school and life, but the adventures I could have had, are lost in time, but now new adventures await!
Great video!
made a cleric, playing religiously... I see what you did there.
Sexpizza! It's what I do man! Dad Puns, Dad Puns for days!!!!
Plus the healer bent can go well with your actual real-life profession! Just wow!
Tim Hartley gods preserve your soul if your character also makes dad puns 😂
He actually has a few times, our DM sent me out of a boss fight once for dad puns. I was frozen for 2 rounds. Lol
When I grow up I want to be Joe Manganiello
Me too!!!!!
Don't we all
I swear to god this guy got ahold of a Zoltar wishing machine somehow. What does he NOT have that I want?
hahahahah
He didn't grow up tho..that's the key :-)
Actually brought tears to my eyes hearing how passionate he is about D&D, and especially Dragonlance. Hickman and Weis are truly blessings to the high fantasy realm.
I want to read their Dragonlance stuff , but what I read of them so far makes me not like them at all. I am the type of person that will read the first book in a series and even if I don't like it much , I will read every book after it to know the story. I almost quit reading the Darksword trilogy , which means I really really thought it was terrible, but I forced myself to get through it. Then I thought I'd give them another chance and bought the first novel in the Death Gate Cycle, Dragon Wing I think it was called . I got about a third of the way through it and ripped it in half . If you read the Darksword trilogy and or Dragonwing , are their Dragonlance books similar?
I only have read their works in the world of Krynn, for example the trilogy I am reading once again is called "The War of Souls" which takes place mant years after the original series. I have always loved the characters and the world in which they wove, so I would of course highly recommend starting with "The Legend of Huma" which is a light read, but really establishes the world and lore.
I actually already read The Legend of Huma and Kaz the Minotaur as I liked Richard Knaak's other work. Liked both as far as I can remember , it was long ago.
The Legend of Huma and Kaz the Minotaur are fine books, but in my mind they are really the backstory to the much greater stories told in the "Legends" and "Chronicles" series. Those are the series where we follow the follies of the now legendary party of Raistlin, Caramon, Taz, Tanis etc., and I would recommend them to anyone.
Søren Bang by all means. Those are the classic D&D / Dragonlance iconic stories! But for someone who wasnt sure on where to start, because seeing all of the 100s of Dragonlance novels and off shoots can be daunting, I always recommend The Legend of Huma first an foremost.
Although I miss the tales of Tanis Half-Elven and his wayward band of misfit adventurers, I am more so drawn to The War of the Souls trilogy, time and time again. I think because it doesnt focus on primarily a party set out for good, and strayed from the classic D&D archetypes.
Sofia NEVER has to worry about where her husband is. She never has to worry about him taking up with some floozy. Because he will be in that dungeon room every spare minute.
They are the perfect couple. If anything goes wrong I'll be heart broken.
She's said that 'sometimes pretty girls are down there': basically, a DnD loving gal could snatch him at any time.
Sandra Nelson - agree. She is lucky.
Dude married the sexiest woman on earth. If he thinks he can do better, his INT and WIS must be a combined 3.
I don't think so. Sofia has made it clear that she goes along with a lot of his OTHER little foibles that another "DnD loving gal" just wouldn't put up with. Besides, if a gal IS as addicted to the game as Joe is, she will have NO room in her life for an affair with ANYBODY!
his wife got his hero to paint him as his character ... that is next level supporting his hobbies
I never had the chance to play with Gary, I've met him once, Dave Arneson on the other hand I've had the opportunity to not only design and paint a miniature for him upon his request but we both were sitting in the lobby of our doctors office (both awaiting blood work) and played a few skirmishes on a coffee table using the change in our pockets and a set of dice he had on him.
I took a photo with him and it rests in my D&D gaming room to this day.
D&D changed my life and the times spent at the table was time well spent.
Imagine you're married to Sofia Vergara and she supports your D&D interest.
Foreal right. They are both blessed to have each other
Id have to pinch myself to check if it's real , or some sort of Inception- type fantasy..Winning ..J M is a lucky man !
She’ll make sure every session is flowing with wine, ale and mead. And lots of savory meats.
All I can say is Sofia is one of the two luckiest ladies in the world the other being Lisa bonet
@@PhobiaDeimos nah joe is the lottery winner here, sofia could marry basically anybody in the universe
Random chance plays a huge part in everybody's life. This guy has scored a lot of natural twenties.
His wife is a natural 20.
John Pettus INDEED.
Very true, but unlike his character, Joe never forgot the little people. He still to this day serves on the Board of Trustees of the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, PA. where he was born and raised. He also attended CMU - this dude is also a brainiac.
He is also the Anti Wheaton, so many good rolls...just saw him roll a nat 20 on Colbert. Ironically, it was a nat 1 that saved a major NPC's life on Critical Role at the end of the 1st campaign. Seems like a good guy, I'd love to play D&D with him.
Hawkwinter01 I'd love to play with him too, considering my main is a chaotic neutral wood elf avenger, he'd be able to tolerate a lawful evil oathbreaker.
Joe, you are a lucky man - we guys who have wives who support our inner geek are pretty blessed. (Not to exclude the gamer ladies with awesome spouses!) 😃
I am one of those guys lucky enough to have a wife who not only supports my D&D hobbie but also plays in almost every game I DM
Ya after 15 years, just started playing again. Wife never has and wanted in on the fun, so we are learning together at our local store.
THIS. I work at a Card and comics store, and the amount of folks AND their significant others trying to get into something not typically in their wheel house is i inspiring. . And the majority of those folks eventually seem to fall in love with it and the spouse bonding that comes with it. We live in a world where cheerleaders think Captain America is cool, and husbands and wives are buying Rule set books for D&D. It’s become NOT COOL to not know these things. What a time to be alive lol
queenannsrevenge100 You have no idea sir. I’m already blessed with a wife who is very supportive of my inner geekdom. Which in it of itself is absolutely awesome, but what’s more is that my wife is from Puerto Rico, and once she saw how supportive Sophia was of Joe and his love for D&D, she started to ask me, “So honey, what would be your idea of a dream gaming basement?” Then she began to actually work out exactly how we can do it! lol. So Joe, not only do I want to thank you for your active promotion of the game, but I also want to thank Sophia for inspiring a fellow Latina to support her husbands dreams and passions! lol. I’m chuckling as I write this because I never thought I’d see the day! 😂 How cool is that?!?
We are the lucky ones
I love when he notes how many people who grew up on D&D during the 80s are rediscovering the joys of the game in adulthood, because this has exactly been my path. I grew up playing 1st edition from 9 until I went to college, then stopped completely until I was in my early 30s and fell in with a group playing 3.5. I did that for several years, but then life circumstances got in the way and I stopped again. Now I'm 45 and introducing my kids AND a bunch of their friends to 5th edition.
My story is very similar Chris. Also never thought it would become as accepted in the mainstream. Its been really great to see it appreciated by so many now.
I'm 44, and I've always wanted to learn how to play D&D since I was kid. I'm learning now and gonna show my daughter how to play as well.
Hey congrats man, I learned how to play for about 4-5 years and since then I've taught about 17 people and counting how to play, it's almost as fun teaching it as it is playing it
Joe articulates what DND means to him so vividly. He was able to put the words to my feelings better than I could have myself. Thanks Joe. This was a great video.
That painting is beyond awesome!
Just seeing the room was enough for me, but then they showed that painting. Wow.
What a great way Joe found to articulate what a person’s character is: an Avatar of themselves.
Amazing setup and inspirational video on you’re love for the game Joe
Got married: plays D&D again. Sounds about right.
You forgot he's married to Sofia Vergara
La hermosa Sofía Vergara
a man cave in beverly hills is the last place I expected to see but it's honestly so goals
A T why it's a place for ppl that have too much money?
That Easley painting is SICK. His covers always fired my imagination as a kid. Good to know the man's still got it.
The guy is so genuine and it great to see an insight into his history and his play room. Would love to meet him at an event one day because he sounds just like a normal dude
I love Joe. He is always such a down to earth, approachable and nice guy. I love the fact that Sofia may not get D & D but she gets Joe and loves him very much. I have not played D & D in such a long time I would love to get in on a game.
I love videos like these because they help me show people I think would have fun that literally ANYONE can play DND. You’re not too cool or uncool, you don’t have to be any one kind of person. There’s so much opportunity for bonding and drama and just wonderful shared memories. Love this community y’all.
i just became the biggest Joe M fan in the world - not just because of the D&D room, but he stood up to his wife for a really cool "man cave", with dedication to something cool. way to GO!!
Dungeons & Dragons literally saved my life... and I know I'm not the only one which makes it even more powerful.
?
@@nicolashernandezvidal6040 !
he's must have been so stoked to get that gift... You can just hear the passion in his voice. that's rad
Back here in July 2023, mourning the probable loss of this epic room now that Joe is apparently selling the mansion amid their recently announced divorce. Tragic.
Same
Someone will buy it
I always liked JM because of his movie career and his dead on Macho Man impressions. Now I like this guy even more. D&D/AD&D was the BOMB when I was a kid both playing it with my family(both mom and dad) but with my friends in boy scouts as well. I still remember my parents trying so hard to grasp the concept of the game and enjoy it,may they both rest in peace.
Man, your parents were cool.
I couldn't even get mine to play cool video games.
I just showed my dad D&D recently and he’s very interested and said he’d find my addiction so excited
This felt like a really honest window into his pure love for the game
that painting is a testament to a wife that understands what her husband’s hobby means to him - thats a serious level of commitment
Easy way to a nerds heart. Having someone else draw or paint our characters. I can't describe that "oh my god that's my baby! I made that!" feeling
I can't even imagine what it must be like to see artwork of my D&D character. Must be an awesome feeling.
I didn’t move to California, but after an extended hiatus I too started playing again. I taught my grandsons how to play and we started a small group. I started them out with the old stuff. Not because it was easier to teach them with Basic D&D but because I was nostalgic and wanted to start where I started. We have since moved on to 5th edition rules and the transition was much easier than what I thought it would be for them. All I can say is that we can’t wait for COVID to get reigned in so we can continue our big quest. In the meantime I have done some smaller one off adventures that tie into the main adventure over zoom. We have our weekly get together virtually and I am closer to my grandchildren now, more than I had ever been before. Thanks Gary, I never thought being a D&D grandpa would effect my life so much.
Honestly...this is a new Man Cave goal I'm happy to have been shown.
i will never get tired of this interview
Yo is Joe flexing on us?
Jackson Payne Howell Always lol.
lowkey
Can't compete D: *cries*
I just felt I got flexed so uhh... most likely xD
This is the only flex where im like "Yeah... I cant even be mad"
just want to say thank you sir for helping me get excited about playing DnD again. Its been over 30 years, i still have all of my books and dice and modules etc from high school in the early 80s so i am diving back in and its because of videos like this from people like you that have helped me to not feel intimidated and scared that i may not fit in anymore. Thank You sincerely.
Thanks so much for this video interview. As someone who has been playing D&D off and on for over 35 years, I’m still amazed to see so many popular actors openly express their love for the hobby. I just think that’s so cool in every sense of the word. 👍🏻😎. Furthermore, as I understand it, Joe is going out of his way to promote the Dragonlance series of books, with the intention of trying to get funding to produce, and/or direct a Dragonlance series of movies. I can’t tell you how excited I am at the possibility of this! So Joe, if you’re reading this, I truly hope you succeed in pulling this off bud! As long as the movies are done right, I think they’ll be instant blockbusters. When I say “done right”, if you could at the very least produce these films with a look and feel on the same level of Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy, you’ll be doing the books and their authors justice. So good luck! I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you!
Oh, and one more thing Joe, if you're going to do Dragonlance, and if you intend to enlist the artists that helped make the series come alive, just like Peter Jackson did for Lord of the Rings, then you absolutely must start speaking with "Larry Elmore", who did a very large percentage of the the Dragonlance art., and is someone I believe is a "must have" to help you develop the concept art. Just a suggestion.
I'm envious that you got to meet both Mr. Gygax and Mr. Easley. Kudos for being such a great actor, person and for being true to yourself. Keep up the great work.
I love that you can see the passion here. You really can tell when someone is a true fan and the game has affected their life. Joe, if you ever have an open seat I would love to join you =) Glad to have you as a representative of this amazing game.
I would be blown away to get a custom painting by Jeff Easley. Nice.
How badass would that be to play D&D with Joe in that dungeon room and then having Sophia come down with refreshments.😀 What an awesome video!
It's amazing to see how there are people in the world who share the taste of D & D. And more when they are your favorite actors
Loved this episode, You can tell his sincerity and love for this game.
It's really touching what his wife did for him - to celebrate and support this passion.
Raistlin, Caramon, and Tas, three of my favorites from the Dragonlance Books
Same! My current character is based off Tas. I'm Wifldorf Burrfoot.
Listening to Joe describe what it's like retelling D&D stories with friends made me tear up. No other game makes you feel like you're really there. Love this game.
One of my life's ambitions is to create a D&D room in my own home. To go the extra mile though, I want to build a tunnel (designed as an old fashioned castle corridor) going under the house and toward a separate building (because we tend to get very loud in our late-night drunken game nights). In this room, you'll come up via a spiral stone stair case into an interior that looks much like an old Viking longhouse complete with skull chandelier, stone walls (or paneling that resembles it), ale horns at a wooden bar and of course, a large traditional wooden table for gaming. And here's one of the best parts: for the exterior of that home, I want to design it so that it looks like a hobbit home complete with the circular door.
Raye Cufley hey I would love to come over and have a game with you after you’re done!
Seeing that painting gave me actual chills. The ultimate birthday gift.
It's inspiring how passionate he is about the hobby. I love it! Makes me want to aspire to be a better dm and player! Never stop being so awesome Mr. Manganiello!
Wow! That painting! That is love, and wonderful.
Matt Mercer and Joe Manganiello are the Jay Z and Beyonce of us dice rollers.
Nah, that's Marisha and Matt
Plato Aristocles beyonce was equally if not more talented, the original post was closer no offense.
Jay Zganiello and Mattye Wester
Never compare a RPGer to Jay Z and Beyonce. They aren't even the same species.
@@gregoryl.levitre9759 Oh can it, nonbeliever. Not all of us share the same following. Also, Vin Diesel is basically the RPG Gamer's Eminem.
This was beautiful. Thank you D&D Beyond, and a huge thank you to Joe for all the characters you've helped bring to life and the inspiration you've brought to so many
So that's where the Hand of Vecna ended up
Well that's probably one of the best gifts I've ever seen. I'm very happy for him.
Some of the things he's crediting Gary for were actually the idea of Dave Arneson.
Arneson had the idea of playing individual characters, rather than who armies, adapting the rules from Gary's 'Chainmail.' Gary ran with that and created D&D.
Thank you, I was thinking that EXACT thing.
and.. dont forget Major Dave Wesley..His braunstein games really where the spark the started the flame for Arneson.
WOW... blown away!! I've been a "gamer" for nearly ALL my life, I"m 68 now... and the idea of such a creative space is really amazing. While I'm primarily a war gamer... I love RPG's (Stormbringer, Space 1889, This War of Mine), and also love the creator aspect of things. Currently, I'm a fiction writer and use RPG's to move the action sequences along. This is pretty exciting. BRAVO
Vin Diesel, Joe Manganiello, and Terry Crews...Alll D & D fans O_O
Nerds that got big.
But Joe said that no one wants to play with Vin lol.
@@TreasureRescue He said he doesn't know anyone that plays with him, he was suggesting that Vin doesn't actually play.
Vin is a DnD Fan but not playing atm - Hollywood plays DnD VD doesn't what does that mean :^D
We need a podcast where they all play together.
Damn I just officially became one of Manganiello's admirers for story telling! His love and passion for writing fantasy characters, their back stories, and lore has inspired me to also become a writer!
Joe and Sofia are the best couple! I love his enthusiasm. Time to guest star on Critical Role again! :)
My dad played a lot when he was in college, he continued to play on rare occasions with his OG group. About a decade ago he brought me along to play with them. It was amazing to see how much was going on, I felt like I was invited to observe an entire alternate world that they had, I went a few more times and really got drawn in. Within the last year I finally managed to meet the right people and get my own group put together, I'm incredibly excited to see how our adventures may evolve, this game is incredibly special.
"SHE wanted to make it into a Pilates studio"
A lesser man would have been unable to say that without contempt in his voice.
I can imagine how Sofia went down there and was just open mouthed dumbstruck at what became of her “Pilates studio.” Like when the Seinfeld cast got a look at Kramer’s apartment converted into a TV set.
A wine cellar is no place for a Pilates/dance studio. I don't even do Pilates and I know a studio for it needs to be above ground with natural light.
This touches me so deep. My encounter with D&D was brief, but still it has been several years of playing. First a witch, then an half elf Ranger. But i moved on to rolemaster, DSA, Midgard, Seventh Sea and finally World of Darkness. Today i am an illustrator and the fantasy mania never left me. As the stories i lived through with my friends. I was even a game master for quite some time. Ohhhh, the good old days. I miss them. But i know exactly what Joe is talking about.
"In our minds we were actually doing it"
My thoughts exactly. Thanks Joe, it's nice to have someone relevant "tanking" for the little guys. We appreciate that!
just finding the "Joe M plays D&D" you tube thread. our high school group is playing again virtually at age 50. It really hit home hearing this interview. D&D was the fabric of my adolescent relationships and our crew has remained close our entire lives even as we moved away and had our own lives. It amazes me how the culture has shifted to embrace nerdom.
Life goals. It is inspiring to see something thought of as "a waste of time" by some fuels the life force of others. Our past time defines us and gives us the motivation and creativity to become something more.
Totally Mind Blowing Stuff by the Legendary Joe Manganiello....So Well Done! Bravo to you Mr. Manganiello.....😉😉😉😉
Joe, holy smokes! That is the coolest gaming room ever! I love the Illithid and Beholder and ALL the dragons! So if you ever need another player for a one shot at your home....:D
That painting is probably the best thought out birthday gift of all time.
What a cool dude
It's amazing to see people breathing new life into D&D in so many ways. People who have never played before are warming to the idea of frolicking for a few hours a week in a theater of the mind. It's beautiful.
Now I wonder if he was at E.G.G.'s funeral and I don't remember meeting him.
Can't rightly recall.
But many of us gamed at the VFW (IIRC) afterward with the family, friends and fellow attendees looking to honor his memory. The background video was the old D&D cartoon and Futurama.
I love how he’s tied it in with his profession, and it’s kin. It’s so true.
Sofia Vergara wins the award for being the most extra thoughtful wife a nerd with a fandom could ever hope for. Hats off to you, Sofia.
...because she let him have a game room? I mean, don't get me wrong, I agree it's a good thing, but I think it's kind of sad that "this couple lets each other have their own space to pursue the hobbies the other isn't into" is seen as so surprising. That really OUGHT to be a given.
Or, if you mean the painting, well.... I feel like if your spouse has such an obvious interest, and you've got that kind of ridiculous wealth, that's a pretty easy idea to stumble on. Hell, I did something similar-ish for an ex-girlfriend who was really into Bob's Burgers, getting an artist to draw her and her dog as characters in the show.
I feel like with their kind of money, any spouse worth having would be just as thoughtful. Doesn't seem that "extra" to me.
@@KaiserSoze679nah sadly that is pretty rare. you're a good dude but alil naieve to hope that everyone is like that.
@@Angarato86 No, its not rare at all in a good relationship, it's the BASIS. Everyone out there trying to have a celebrity BS, "Instagram-Worthy" relationship are the ones finding it to be a rare thing. I don't even feel sorry for them, I just laugh at how idiotic they are haha.
Dang!! Awesome pad and awesome oil painting!! Wishing only good things for Joe and Sophia 😁👍🏼
Sofia Vergara says 'Do you want your present early?'
Mr. Maganiello says 'Sure, why not.'
Then gets all excited over an Easley painting of a Dragonborn...
In case kids are wondering: That is a prime example of a great marriage.
Thanks for sharing.
...an ending marriage.
I have been lucky enough to be in the Gygax house in Lake Geneva and got to see a live DnD session played with Alex Gygax and a few others, the IRL room is very small!!! Thanks D&D Beyond for this video and thanks Joe for loving this genre so much.
Everyone should have a spouse that awesome. I know I lucked out when I met mine. Anyone else here who also cannot wait to hear more about the d&d movie joe is working on getting made
Wtf. I'm Aaron T too! That's a great name!
If you make enough money every spouse can be that awesome (until they steal most of your money and leave you in poverty).
That oil painting of Joe's character is pure splendor. I absolutely love it.
"Are Playing Again." a lot of us never stopped, but welcome back...
Great to see Joe's Man Cave - Very level headed interview and can relate as a 40+ yr old that has been out of the games for 30 years but always followed D&D and it is a big part of who I am creatively today and my wife, although not a gamer, supports my nerdiness! Go Joe!
Jocks Machina 4 Lyfe
I can tell that the fire has been passed on to younger generations as well, I never knew about D&D before, my friend introduced me to the game because of these type of youtube contents, and of course the amazing critical role played a critical role on it's "revival". 👍
I've also started in drawing/painting D&D characters for my friends and colleagues (even doing some commissions for other people now, yay!) Because I love drawing since I was a kid and this type of hobbies are just perfect for me ! So thank you Joe and all the D&D content creators, and of course the production team for introducing these youngsters into this surreal world full of wonders !
Ps: I'm 23 btw, not that young I know 🤣
Just when I thought I couldn't love this man any more... 3.5 4 life!!!
Great interview! Love seeing that level of passion being that well stated in support of all of us!
What happened to the old Joe Manganiello interview where he was talking about the DnD movie ideas
This was incredible and what an amazing game room, it gives me ideas for the one I've been designing. As I watched this video and heard him talk the whole time I felt like I've personally known this guy my whole life.
Ok. Now I see why Sofia Vergara doesn’t get DnD. I didn’t realize he plays it in a literal dungeon.
and it has a dragon('s head)
Man, what a cool down to earth guy, he truly lives an amazing life.
Joe mang is best mang.
Can't love this video enough. Really hits on where D&D rocks and why so many people get stuck into RPGs.
Cool video! I feel his passion.
I'm playing again too brother at 47. So awesome you are carrying this torch.
This man is success embodied.
The best feeling in the world is to give your man a present that he will love. Sofia was awesome to give him that.
God I wish I was rich
It's okay to Settle for being awesome first!
@@And-c7n dam that's good
And?
Have you got rich already?
We are all playing again, from the bottom of our hearts : Thank you Gary Gigax !