The son of Italian parents, Pantano was born and raised in the Sydney suburb of Glebe.
[3] He received his first leading role that same year when he was cast as Marcello Di Campili in the children's television series Crash Zone,[4] playing the character for two seasons until 2001.
[5] Pantano's other leading roles where in the critically acclaimed FOX8 drama series Dangerous, Breakers, and miniseries Marking Time.
[6] Pantano has also appeared in many recurring roles on popular series, including Close Contact,[6] Wildside,[6] Stingers, Blue Heelers, All Saints, the television mini-series The Pacific, and Home and Away as Elliot Gillen.
[7] Pantano received his first film role in 1995 having a part in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie.