Paul Marianetti, later known as Nick Mantee, was born in San Francisco, California. He pursued a degree in journalism at San Mateo Junior College before enlisting in the U.S. Navy for four years during the Korean War, which ultimately led him to decide on a career in acting.
After his military service, Mantee attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned his degree. He later adopted the stage name Nick Mantee, inspired by the character of Duke Mantee from the film The Petrified Forest, which was also a favorite of his.
Throughout his career, Mantee made numerous guest appearances in popular television shows and starred in a select few films, including the cult classic Robinson Crusoe on Mars. In 2007, a restored version of the film was released by The Criterion Collection.
In addition to his work in the entertainment industry, Mantee was also a published author. He wrote two novels: In Search of the Perfect Ravioli, published by Ballantine Books in 1991, and Bruno of Hollywood, a semi-autobiographical work published by Ballantine Books in 1994.
Mantee was a longtime resident of Malibu, California, and passed away on November 7, 2013, at a rehabilitation center in Canoga Park, California. He was survived by his wife, Suzy Davis Mantee.
