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Joe Manganiello Hosts Epic Universal Theme Park Special, Reveals Ancestry Discoveries
20 Aug
Summary
- Manganiello hosts NBC's "Inside the Worlds of Epic Universe" special
- Ancestry revelations from "Finding Your Roots" have changed his life
- Manganiello's childhood love of the fantastical comes to life at Universal's new theme park

In 2025, actor Joe Manganiello is set to host NBC's one-hour special "Inside the Worlds of Epic Universe," which explores the five themed lands of Universal's new Epic Universe theme park in Orlando. Manganiello, who rose to fame in 2009 for his role as werewolf Alcide Herveaux in the supernatural series "True Blood," has since expanded his repertoire, appearing in films like "Magic Mike" and the Netflix comedy "Nonnas."
But Manganiello's interests extend far beyond acting. In 2023, he appeared on the genealogy series "Finding Your Roots," and the revelations about his ancestry have since changed his life. Manganiello has been vocal about how these discoveries have impacted him, and he continues to uncover more about his family's history, from his German and Irish roots to a newfound half-aunt in Ohio.
Now, Manganiello's passion for the fantastical is taking center stage as he guides viewers through the park's five immersive worlds, including Celestial Park, Super Nintendo World, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Manganiello's lifelong love of Halloween and the supernatural has clearly influenced his career, and he now gets to experience that magic firsthand as he explores the park's animatronic creatures and interactive experiences.