Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. All Rights Reserved. Like, as a profession and have some kind of longevity in this business. Get The Latest IndieWire Alerts And Newsletters Delivered Directly To Your Inbox. And 6,000 years is nothing in eternity times. So in that way, it's very positive and uplifting, you know? EXCLUSIVE: Michael Imperioli has been tapped as a lead in the second installment of HBO s dark comedy series The White Lotus. Makazian kills himself. You know, I'm not going to do stunts. But, you know, Jim got a call in the middle of the night, maybe after Season 3 or something like that, an anonymous call, unknown number. And I told him that. BRIGER: Right. Part of that may have something to do with the fact that Imperioli has been Tibetan Buddhist since 2007. So people assume you know how to drive. - like that. He went so far as to choose his crime family over the love of his life, Adriana, after she reveals herself to being an FBI informant. You know what I mean? One of my favorite guitar players of all time is on that song, Robert Quine, who played with Lou for a number of years. Michael Imperioli After spending a minute listing all the projects he's been working on lately, Imperioli gets to the end and pauses: "Yeah, what else have I been doing?" And as soon as he's done with it, this, you know, wave of guilt and remorse and regret come over him all the time. Reddit community dedicated to the HBO hit TV series, The Sopranos, and movie, The Many Saints of Newark. BRIGER: That's our guest, Michael Imperioli, in the second season of "The White Lotus." His acting ability allows him to branch out into different roles, even opposing ones. August 18, 2020. And it is popular now. So you're going to lean into things that are interesting and fun and exciting and stuff. But particularly, what it was, was this person, who I knew when I was a lot younger, was very hyperbolic in his expression of emotions to the point where sometimes I wasn't sure if he was acting or not. He was even groomed to be Tonys replacement in the event of his passing, or hisarrest. His father Bert, played by F. Murray Abraham, flirts with any woman he comes across and his son Albie, played by Adam DiMarco, thinks they're both sexist dinosaurs. Unfortunately, much of this characters actions are reflected by the actor that portrays him. God bless him. After we take a short break, podcast critic Nick Quah will review podcasts that are intended to help you get to sleep. Sadly, he lost his life following an altercation with the two, in which Armento shot him. "Look, it's very hard to work as an actor, period. In The Sopranos, Bobby is known for being sort of a contradiction when it comes to Tonys crew of gangsters. Unlike his partners, Bobby is known for being kind hearted. A wildness and vulnerability, even while he was being ruthless. WebMichael's support of Alice initially doesn't help her recovery, as she believes his desire to be on her side is repulsive. And you see your father there, and you - when you come back, you tell Tony and Paulie Walnuts about this, which totally spooks Paulie Walnuts because he's worried he's going to go to hell. (SOUNDBITE OF TV SHOW, "THE WHITE LOTUS"). Interestingly, when Van Zandt was chosen for the role, it turns out that he did not have any acting experience. DIMARCO: (As Albie Di Grasso) Nothing is going to fix this. a Recovering Alcoholic In the show, Lillo Brancato Jr. plays the role of Matthew Bevilaqua. He said there's plenty more to come for Imperioli. Dominics efforts have payed off as he is not only a famous actor, but a talented songwriter as well. "You kind of think these things are going to complete you as a human being, because you work so hard towards them. She became so popular, that even though she was supposed topass in the first season, she lived on for longer than originally intended. This TikTok contains vulgar language that some might find offensive. IMPERIOLI: I do remember doing that because that was the barbecue. However, what he lacked in acting experience, he made up for with his fame as a musician. He was very big that way. In addition to staring in The Godfather: Part 2 as Corrado Sporrano, he also stars as Uncle Junior in The Sopranos. BRIGER: This is FRESH AIR. During the two years that he was studying there, his teacher would frequently tell him to just let everything out. IMPERIOLI: It does. Since he was born, Borgese has been frequently surrounded by mob and gangster influence. The 23 Best Nude Scenes in Film, from 'Shortbus' to 'Blue Velvet' In the show, he plays Artie Bucco, a temperamental chef that is close friends with Tony Soprano. Have you had that experience yourself? Well, let's take another short break here. Although he is not really part of Tonys crew, the idea of participating in the lifestyle that Tony is known for is an exciting prospect for him. But let's start with "The White Lotus," the Emmy-winning HBO series created by Mike White. Before he started his career as an actor, Sirico worked forthe Colombo crime family. After being stopped by police, it was revealed that not only was he drunk, he was also in possession of and under the influence of illegal substances. However, he makes up for his shortcomings with his loyalty to his family. And you know, at that time he was living with Rachel Humphreys in this building on the east side. But your character dies after getting in a car accident with Tony. What are you going to do, go Henry Hill on me now? The 54-year-old actor, who played Christopher Moltisanti on the HBO hit, neglected to mention And it wasn't like I didn't know how to drive. Since then she made a name for herself as an actress appearing across film and television. If you're just joining us, our guest is Michael Imperioli, who stars in the second season of the HBO show "The White Lotus." He never hesitates when it comes totaking out his and his familys enemies and is quite clever in luring his targets to designated locations when carrying out the deeds. WebMichael Imperioli is an amazing actor and made quite the impact in his debut as Christopher Moltisanti in The Sopranos. I mean, I take it as a very high compliment to be the subject of people's memes.". WebApart from the damage it causes to his professional prospects, alcohol addiction also endangers his brothers life. BRIGER: Did you do much research into sex addiction and compulsion for the role? Related All thanks to his unique approach to acting. IMPERIOLI: Yeah. Well, let's hear some of Zopa. Such an incident happened to him after walking into theChin Chin restaurant in West Hollywood. The Sopranos actor Robert Iler reveals drink and hardcore drug The turning point in the fight against alcoholism comes According to the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Schirripa is a producer, as well as a best-selling author of the book Big Daddys Rules. Author Dr. Gregory Okhifun Medical Reviewer Dr. Okhifun is a passionate medical doctor, with over five years experience as a general practitioner. And this is from the show's pilot. And she said, you know, Makazian always liked you, Tony. So how did you come up with the idea of writing Lou Reed? In 2001, he was honored at BMI Nashville for the release of his debut CD Hits. Imperioli plays a sex-addicted Hollywood producer on vacation in Sicily in the HBO show. You know, that was - I was just thinking about - 'cause all these guys are Catholic, right? Christopher Moltisanti explains cultural phenomena to Tony Soprano, Lightning season ends in first-round series to hungry Maple Leafs, Did a military lab spill anthrax into public waterways? You guys are at Tony's house for a barbecue. And there's probably evidence that he has supported women and promoted women and feels like a feminist. (SOUNDBITE OF YO-YO MA'S "UNACCOMPANIED CELLO SUITE NO. That's really not easy," he said. Related WebBased on research, a recovered alcoholic is someone who has achieved sobriety, passed through the process of alcohol dependence recovery, has improved his health and I don't know if it was totaled. Know how many mobsters are selling screenplays and screwing everything up? Before the Sopranos Prequel Airs, Michael Imperioli, a.k.a. BRIGER: This is an issue that I've thought about a lot, like, how men's behavior changes over generations and how much amount of change is available to you based on, like, the era you're living in and your - based on your generation. And the reason was the idea of a mobster going to therapy to Italians just didn't make any sense at all 'cause they're just like, he - well, he's a Mafioso. SIRICO: (As Paulie Walnuts Gualtieri) Now, that's different for everybody. After Artie learns that Tony was indirectly responsible for burning down his restaurant (which is ironic as Tony did it intending to save his business), he does not hesitate to threaten his life. Brancato GANDOLFINI: (As Tony) Forget Hollywood screenplays. WebMichael Imperioli and James Gandolifini got so drunk while filming The Sopranos they had to be chained to a tree, according to cast member Steve Schirripa. Chris Pratt Went Too 'Tony Soprano' with 'Super Mario Bros. Movie' Italian Voice: 'That's a Little New Jersey' BRIGER: That's "Red Sky" by the band ZOPA. Michael Imperioli IMPERIOLI: (As Christopher Moltisanti) Paulie, it was [expletive] hell, OK? You don't have to say anything to her. Well, I guess that's what family traditions are like sometimes. That seems to be playing out as well in your character. I think we had a lot of respect for each other and trusted each other to try things and to go as far as we could go. In real life, the toughness Schirripa shows on screen may not be as strong, but he is still a nice guy. WebBest Actor in a Motion Picture or Miniseries. It seems like he was a big influence on you. So a lot of the characters were together. What, you think I haven't had offers? And Sorvino is a camera-grabber on a grand scale. You can use anything. BRIGER: Well, Michael Imperioli, thanks so much for being here. Paulie is not a bully. He was a wonderful guy. Michael Imperioli is a busy guy. The Many Saints of Newark And Michael Imperiolis Sopranos There was even a time when he was affiliatedwith the Gambino crime family. Can you talk about how you decided to play Dom? But Dominic's - you know, that conversation you played with him and Albie, I mean, Dominic really believes that. Soprano, Liers reputation skyrocketed. I stuck it out with you. (SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "WOKE UP THIS MORNING"). Furthermore, he also happens to be one heck of a marksman. Rolling Stone Magazine named ZOPA's debut album La Dolce Vita on its list of the best music of 2021. IMPERIOLI: Dominic is wrestling with doing things he doesn't really want to do and feeling kind of propelled to do them once he gets kind of that bug in his head. It was thanks to Carmela that Falco received her first Emmy, followed by two more Emmys and two Golden Globes. In the show, Christopher is Tonys protg, although he often makes things difficult for Tony. So he - his role models are rooted in, you know, traditions of patriarchy. BRIGER: So that's my guest, Michael Imperioli, with James Gandolfini in the pilot from "The Sopranos." SIRICO: (As Paulie Walnuts Gualtieri) Was it hot? Listen to Imperiolis full memory of the scene here, courtesy of the Talking Sopranos podcast. Unlike his niece, Richie is a true sociopath in nature and is one of the shows most ruthless characters. But I wanted to write a coming-of-age story because in 2013 my middle child was 16 and was going through, you know, usual difficult 16-year-old problems. "A lot of shows don't get that kind of second wind, you know what I mean?" It ran for six seasons and had set the standard for appointment TV when it ended in 2007. Imperioli has always been a supporting actor who got himself noticed -- often in Spike Lee's films and often playing little city weasels. Silvio was also known for being the owner and consigliere of the club that Tony and his crew often frequent. As someone whos in recovery, there where times when they was he absolutely killed this character, I was honestly triggered by how realistic some of his acting was. WebIn the meantime, Michael Imperioli has adapted Mario Puzos novel Omerta as a feature. It might have been. And the guy's like, hello. After all several of the shows actors, many of whom are on this list, are responsible for a variety of crimes. BRIGER: So, you know, you have your own band called Zopa. You know, how do they justify or compartmentalize it? But if you did say something, I'm hoping you tell her that I'm really, really, really missing her and Kara, and that I feel really awful. In the world of The Sopranos, which is dominated by the machismo of male gangsters, Carmela is one of the few female actresses that stands out as a tough talking icon, according toThe Guardian. Sign Up: Stay on top of the latest breaking film and TV news! Michael Imperiolis portrayal of a drug addict was beyond accurate. After acquiring the role of A.J. He has sex addiction and compulsion issues. With such an intense reputation on TV, its only natural for some people to feel intimidated by Proval in real life. Despite being complete opposites of one another, both characters share a similar toughness and no-nonsense attitude that sets them apart from other characters in their respective series. But, yeah, you know BRIGER: Ooh, la, la, is not part of a Tibetan Buddhism IMPERIOLI: Ooh, la, la, no, is just - you know, sometimes you're just working on a song, and these things just come - you know? And particularly that time - the story was already set in the '70s, '77. In the show, Christopher is Tonys protg, Yeah. Well, why don't we take another short break here? I find writing a lot harder and a lot riskier than acting, he admits. When Borgese was chosen for his role in the show, there were several factors that gave him an advantage. BRIGER: I mean, that's funny. SIRICO: (As Paulie Walnuts Gualtieri) The heat would have been the first thing you noticed. ALABAMA 3: (Singing) You woke up this morning, got yourself a gun. She listens to you. WebImperioli, left, with fellow cast members Steve Schirripa, centre, and Steven Van Zandt. BRIGER: This is FRESH AIR. We're speaking with Michael Imperioli, who stars in the second season of "The White Lotus" on HBO. You got to burn to shine. Since then, Broncato has been released from prison. BRIGER: Yeah. I also mourn for the loss of my younger self. IMPERIOLI: I mean, I sing, you know, with all the limitations I'm well aware of that I have as a singer, you know? On 26-3-1966 Michael Imperioli (nickname: Michael) was born in Mount Vernon, New York, United States. Chicago Tribune I'm going to drive down the street. And when - we were very good friends, you know? There are very few shows, especially on HBO, that have been able to achieve a similar level of success to that ofThe Sopranos. Obviously, that theme - you're not like - are you just like everybody else; you're not like anybody else, can be also about a broader thing about individuality and keeping your individuality and uniqueness in the face of a lot of obstacles and difficulties, which is an important theme for me as an artist and the book, too. That's GANDOLFINI: (As Tony) You're right. In the show, A.J. Last year, he started leading free meditation groups over Zoom for anyone to join. Murat*, 37, from Berlin, is a recovering alcoholic who joined Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) not long ago. IMPERIOLI: There were a couple of theories. And he said, wow, that's very sweet. And before that, he started doing martial arts. Furthermore, she also beat breast cancer after being diagnosed in 2003. They were - yeah, Tony had a lot of those traits as well. You know what I mean? He became ruthless and adopted a sociopathic nature befitting a crime boss. I wouldn't say his name anyway. He took on roles in theater, small independent films, and TV shows like Californication, This Fool, and Alex, Inc., and cameos elsewhere. Imperioli: For me, if you can have a career in this business and be remembered as a character, thats very hard to do. You know what I mean? You're not like anyone else. Are You Happy Being A Schmuck? Following his release, Gross told reporters that he was innocent. brought him recognition. This is not the Imperioli I've grown used to seeing on television. But it's also not exactly true," Chase said. Working with James was - you know, he was always so committed and gave 110% all the time. IMPERIOLI: I've played so many addicts, you know, and I've seen from very early on in my life how damaging addiction is. And, you know, I - when "The Sopranos" first came - it took a while for "The Sopranos" to get any traction in Italy. WebMichael Imperioli. Thankfully, Proval is nothing at all like his mobster counterpart. And I have changed, and I am changing. IMPERIOLI: Sure. His son doesn't really see a distinction between them. But you also have this father-son relationship with him, although, a very messed up version of that. However, as brutal as he is as Christopher, Michael Imperioli is it the total opposite of his counterpart. You know, they probably can see the places where it's - you know, it's a piece of entertainment. "It's nice to feel that way about what you're doing in the present, you know?". But actually, what I had to do that first day was kind of complicated even if you had a license, which was back down the sidewalk with trees on both sides and extras running away and looking at a mark straight ahead doing dialogue. BRIGER: (Laughter) Yeah. He's gone, too, so - the mob guy who told me that. And a lot of us knew each other from before "The Sopranos," even. In the end, Nancy went above and beyond forand showed great dedication to seeing her role through to the very end. BRIGER: That's great. IMPERIOLI: (As Dominic Di Grasso) OK. No, I don't want to put you in the middle. I mean, I was - when I got cast on "The Sopranos," I think I was 31. He plays Dominic Di Grasso, an Italian-American man traveling back to the motherland with his father and son, who are visiting their ancestors' village. In character, in the context of that world, he was not acting. James Gandolfini, Michael Imperioli Drank on Sopranos He cheated on his wife. Sign up for our Email Newsletters here. IMPERIOLI: Click - and then the guy hung up. Does that sound like heaven to you? "He was an aging drug addict, alcoholic in the '70s, to the point where he was really the rock star that everyone thought was going to die more so than like Keith Richards," Imperioli said. Imperioli was in his early thirties when the show premiered on HBO in 1999 and ushered in a new era of television. You're talking about going back to early part of the 20th century, probably, and maybe earlier. Newsletters I never thought of that. However, despite her diagnosis, she made a request to David Chase to let her continue working for as long as she was able. pic.twitter.com/cFgx9EwygZ. In the second season, Michael Imperioli plays Dominic Di Grasso, a successful Hollywood producer with a sex addiction who's destroyed his marriage by cheating on his wife a lot.