It’s hard to imagine, but TV’s mega-hit “The Sopranos” turns 25 this week. Len Berman and Michael Riedel talked with actor Steve Schirripa about the HBO series’ incredible staying power.
Schirripa, who played Bobby Baccalieri in the series, told Len and Michael he was working as a casino entertainment coordinator when he got the call about the Sopranos audition. They initially had Schirripa read for the part of an FBI agent, but the casting director said I don't see you as a federal agent, I think you should read for the Baccalieri character.
After securing the role, Schirippa said he and his castmates didn't have any idea what to expect from the show. "Michael Imperioli thought the show was going to be a mob spoof; nobody had any idea it would turn into the biggest show on TV," Schirippa reflected.
Schirripa and Imperioli are currently doing a podcast called “Woke Up This Morning: The Definitive Oral History of the Sopranos.” Schirripa is also wrapping up his CBS series “Blue Bloods,” which will end its 14-year run this fall.
Listen to Len and Michael’s full interview with Schirripa below.
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