Joe Pantoliano, an actor known for bad-guy roles such as mobster Ralph Cifaretto in The Sopranos and a “killer pimp” in Risky Business, has launched a high-profile media campaign in conjunction with his new mental-health charity, No Kidding, Me 2, The New York Times reports.

In an effort timed to coincide with National Mental Health Awareness Month in May, Mr. Pantoliano — who disclosed his clinical depression in 2007 — is promoting a documentary he directed about six people who battled mental illness; appearing in public-service announcements with famous friends such as the actor Harrison Ford; and participating in a national fund-raising drive with the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, which owns A&P., Food Emporium, and other grocery chains.

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