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CORVALLIS, Ore. - Joe Pantoliano, an actor from the hit television series "The Sopranos," will visit Oregon State University on Oct. 11 to speak about his experiences with depression, and his creation of the nonprofit organization "No Kidding, Me Too!!," which aims to remove the stigma associated with mental illness.

His free public presentation, "Hope's Messengers," serves as the kickoff event for a mental health series event hosted by OSU, called "What's On Your Mind?"

The Pantoliano event begins at 7 p.m. in the La Sells Stewart Center on campus. Tickets are not required but seating is limited.

Pantoliano, who has appeared in films ranging from "The Goonies" to "The Matrix," as well as television series including "Six Feet Under," has traveled around the globe talking to soldiers, students and national media about the importance of breaking down societal barriers that prevent people with mental illness from speaking openly.

DVDs of Patoliano's documentary and books will be available for purchase and he will sign books after the presentation.

Accommodation requests related to ability should be made to jodi.nelson@oregonstate.edu by Oct.1. The event is sponsored by the OSU Mental Health Initiative Committee, the student group Active Minds at OSU, Counseling & Psychological Services, and the Division of Student Affairs