Penacoli began his career at WJKS in Jacksonville, Florida, as a general assignment reporter and news anchor.  He quickly garnered the attention of WTVJ in Miami, where he served double duty as host and co-producer of “PM Magazine.”  Penacoli went on to KYW-TV in Philadelphia, where he was named main anchor of the prime newscasts and host of the live morning talk show “People Are Talking.”  As a result of hosting, anchoring, reporting, producing, directing and writing, Penacoli earned six Emmy awards.  He also garnered the Iris National Programming Award for his hosting and was named Best Host at the International Television Film Festival.

After nearly a decade in Philadelphia, Penacoli moved to New York to co-host the national talk show, “Attitudes,” with Linda Dano, on Lifetime.  While there, he says he “caught the acting bug” and began working on stage off-Broadway, and also did several soap stints, including “One Life To Live.”

Penacoli relocated to Los Angeles in 1992 and won roles on CBS’s “The Bold and The Beautiful,” and NBC’s “Santa Barbara” and “Days of Our Lives,” for which he is often recognized for his compelling portrayal of the character “Miles Malloy.” 

During this time, Jerry also began working at E! Entertainment Television, hosting prime-time specials.  He has guest-starred on several major television shows, including dramas “The Practice” and “The District”,  sitcoms “Cheers” and “Ellen” and one of daytime’s favorite soap operas, “Young and the Restless.”  He also appeared opposite Dwayne Johnson, at the 2007 World Stunt Awards.  Additionally, Penacoli made a guest starring role in the 2007 season finale of the SciFi Channel’s  “Stargate Atlantis.”

Penacoli is also an established film actor and is set to play a lead role in the feature “Anyone’s Son” directed by Danny Aiello and has appeared in such features as “Separate Ways,” playing opposite C. Thomas Howell and Brandy Ledford, Fox Searchlight Films’ “Women On Top,” starring Penelope Cruz, and Dreamworks’ “Galaxy Quest,” starring Tim Allen and Sigourney Weaver.

Penacoli attended the University of Bridgeport, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in theatre and journalism.  He was also bestowed an Honorary Doctorate degree from his alma mater, and served as Commencement speaker.

He is also involved in many charitable causes including a Board of Directors member for the Screen Actor’s Guild Foundation, SAG’s non-profit arm which comes to the aid of sick and struggling actors, and promotes literacy for disadvantaged youth in schools across America.  Penacoli also gives of his time to many animal rescues, and promotes the causes of abandoned cats and dogs, two of which are a part of his family.

Penacoli's other off-screen passion is painting. View online Gallery!