This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with Steve Schirripa.
Steve Schirripa was born in Brooklyn, NY - a city noted more for the “mob” stereotype. But stereotypes, like a wise guy’s alibi, can be misleading. Well known for playing fan-favorite character ‘Bobby Baccalieri’ on David Chase’s acclaimed HBO drama “The Sopranos,” the Brooklyn College graduate has not stopped working since.
From 2009 to 2013 he starred on the hit ABC Family series “The Secret Life of the American Teenager.” He currently stars on the CBS hit drama “Blue Bloods,” playing Anthony Abetemarco, a new investigator for the DA’s office, with Season 7 premiering on September 23.
When Schirripa is off set, he ventures into the world of food. He has developed a line of organic, non-GMO and kosher certified pasta sauces called “Uncle Steve’s Italian Specialties.” The line stays true to his late mother’s recipes, Italian heritage and comfort of family. The sauce is now available across the country in big super markets such as Whole Foods, Gelson’s and Stop and Shop as well as the smaller mom and pop stores.
Steve’s acting odyssey began while working at a hotel on the Las Vegas strip. As once the entertainment director of The Riviera Hotel, Steve worked with such comedians as Drew Carey, Kevin Pollack and Bruce Baum. His cameo roles in their comedy specials led to episodic work on the big and small screen.
Clarkson Potter published Steve’s book, “A Goomba’s Guide To Life,” in September 2003, making him a national bestselling author in a series of three Goomba guidebooks.
Schirripa resides in New York with his wife and two daughters.