Steve Schirripa reflects on the legacy of HBO's "The Sopranos" and how it changed his life and the trajectory of his career.
While attending the premiere of "The Wizard of Oz" at Sphere in Las Vegas on Aug. 28, the actor explained how being a part of that iconic mafia cast was a "once in a lifetime experience."
The 68-year-old actor, who got his breakout role as Bobby 'Bacala' Baccalieri in the second season, says it's a project that he will forever be grateful for. When asked about his fondest memories from being on the show for five seasons before he went off the air in 2007, he found it hard to sum it up in one moment.
"Just being part of that incredible show, to be part of any show, is incredible. But that one was like hitting the lottery twice," he told our entertainment reporter Courtney Tezeno. "It's really incredible and just the writing and the whole experience, once in a lifetime experience. I was on 'Blue Bloods' for nine years. I was on another show for five years. Never going to be the same. They were all great. But she's a one of a kind."
There was a mini reunion at 'The Wizard of Oz" yellow carpet, where Bacala and Carmela Soprano, played by Edie Falco, stepped out to support the immersive movie experience. Schirripa says he keeps in touch with the cast and was recently spotted courtside at a New York Knicks game with his co-star Edie.
"She's a big Knicks fan as I am, so I see her. Yeah, I see Edie," he said. "I keep in touch with Ed (Edie) and Michael Imperioli. Everyone's kind of spread out, but we still see each other."
The crime mob show is based in New Jersey, not too far from where Schirripa grew up in Brooklyn, New York. He explains how he achieved his goal of following his personal "yellow brick road" to success by balancing his work and family life.
"I think I've met my dream," he said. "I have a wonderful family, which is my most important thing. I've had a great career. I've worked for 26 years straight. Took care of them. I'm okay."
Schirripa and his wife, Laura, share daughters Ciara and Bria, whom they raised in Las Vegas. The actor jokes about how his daughters are unfazed by his career accolades or giving him "cool dad points."
"They could care less. They're proud of me, but that's it," he said.
Before breaking into acting, he got his first glimpse of showbiz as an entertainment director at the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. He still has fond memories of his home away from home.
"I lived here for 25 years," he explained. "My wife and kids were born here. I moved here after college. I loved it here. I did very well here. And Vegas has got a soft spot in my heart."