Actor Michael Imperioli (“The Sopranos” and “The White Lotus”) chatted about his upcoming “In Conversation with The Sopranos” shows.
The Paramount show
On Sunday, December 10, he will be hosting an event at The Paramount in Huntington on Long Island, along with Steve Schirripa and Vincent Pastore, both of which are a part of their “Talking Sopranos” podcast. It will be hosted by Long Island comedian Joey Kola. “The shows have been going great,” he said.
Imperioli is known for his Emmy award-winning role as Christopher Moltisanti in “The Sopranos,” who was the nephew of crime boss James Gandolfini, while Schirripa is known for playing Bobby Bacala, and Vincent Pastore as “Big Pussy.”
He shared that he and his fellow actors will take The Paramount stage to share stories, memories (such as working with the late James Gandolfini, who played Tony Soprano), and video clips from “The Sopranos.”
Fans and audience members will get the chance to ask them questions during the Question & Answer (Q & A) portion of the show; all topics are on the table, as well as theories of the show’s controversial finale episode ending.
Idea behind the ‘Talking Sopranos’ podcast
The concept behind his “Talking Sopranos” podcast is not something new. He noted that they did something like that while the show was still in production, but at the time, it was mostly at casinos.
The digital age
He is a fan of the digital age in the sense that it makes things very accessible for people, and people from all over the world can enjoy his acting work, or discover it for the first time.
Lorraine Bracco
While he didn’t have the chance to work one-on-one with Lorraine Bracco on “The Sopranos,” Imperioli praised her for being a great actress, talent, and friend.
Career-defining moments
Some of his career-defining moments include landing the role in “Goodfellas,” as well as “The Sopranos,” “The White Lotus,” his band (Zopa), and his book “The Perfume Burned His Eyes.”
Advice for hopefuls in acting
For hopefuls that wish to pursue acting, Imperioli said, “Find your own peer group. Do short films, theatre, and find ways to work. Put it online so other people can see it. Be in class and produce your own content.”
He credited his acting teacher, the late Elaine Aiken for being an influence on him, and helping shape him as an actor, performer, and storyteller.
‘La Dolce Vita’ album with his band
Speaking of music, Zopa released their album “La Dolce Vita,” where Imperioli plays the guitar and does the lead vocals.
Imperioli noted that it is almost impossible to select a personal favorite tune on that album, because they are all special to him for different reasons.
He did agree with this journalist that “Best Intentions” and “White Horse” are two great tracks on the record.
Musical influences
Musically, he shared that he was inspired by such artists as Patti Smith, Lou Reed, and others from the ’80s New York punk scene, including New York Dolls.
On the title of the current chapter of his life, Imperioli said, “Grateful.”
Favorite motto to live by
Imperioli revealed that his favorite motto to live by is “do no harm.” “That’s a good one,” he admitted.
Future plans
On his future plans, Imperioli is looking forward to releasing a new album next year, which he also shared will be on vinyl, and to go back to work now that the SAG-AFTRA strike is finally over.
2023 Emmy nod for ‘The White Lotus
Most recently, Imperioli scored a 2023 Primetime Emmy nomination for “Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series” for his acting work in “The White Lotus.” He praised the show for being incredible.
“That was a surprise,” he admitted, and expressed that he is happy that the strike is finally over so that actors can go return to work.
Success
For Imperioli, the word success means “freedom.”
Byron Pulsifer once said: “Imagine, dream, and believe in yourself. With determination and belief, you will be surprised at what you accomplish.” Michael Imperioli embodies this quote.
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