| Steve
Schirripa was born in Brooklyn, NY - a city
noted more for the "mob" stereotype
rather than the blue collar actor. But
stereotypes like a wiseguy's alibi can be
misleading. Now a series regular on the acclaimed
HBO drama "The Sopranos", the Brooklyn
College graduate's acting odyssey began while
working at a hotel on the Las Vegas strip.
As entertainment director of The Riviera Hotel, Steve worked with such comedians as Drew Carey, Kevin Pollak, Bruce Baum, and Bo. His cameo roles in their comedy specials led to episodic work on the small screen, with Steve continually showing up in more productions. In just the last couple years he has co-starred in "The King of Queens" with Kevin James, "Angel with David Boreanaz, the ensemble cast of "Chicago Hope" and last year he had a recurring role on the NBC comedy "Battery Park". A few years ago, while in NY for a wedding, Steve managed to get an audition for "The Sopranos." He was cast as Bobby Bacala - Uncle Juniors right hand man. It would be easy to think of this as simply perfect casting, but truth be told, Steve put in many hours doing double duty at the hotel while making time for acting classes. It's fortunate for him that a large Italian man with comic timing was needed. Steve's big screen credentials are just as formidable. He's played memorable characters in "Detroit Rock City", "Flintstones-Viva Rock Vegas" and has also landed roles in films directed by such notables as Martin Scorcese, "Casino", Terry Gilliam, "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" and Ron Shelton, "Play it to the Bone." While finishing his second season on the award winning David Chase series, Steve has also kept up on his film work. He wrapped up "Monday Night Mayhem" with John Turturro and was recently seen with David Spade in "Meet Joe Dirt" and David Arquette in "See Spot Run." Although
filming "The Sopranos" requires him to
be in NY for most of the year, Steve still keeps
a home in Las Vegas with his wife Laura and their
two daughters, Bria and Ciara. |
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