Profile: Joe Gannascoli

By ERIKA WELZ PRAFDER, December 20, 2005

The New York Post

Joe Gannascoli finally got the hit he needed to make his mark in showbiz.

That is, the fatal, trigger hit that his character, Vito Spatafore pulled on Jackie Jr., in season three of The Sopranos.

But the 45-year old actor didn’t rest his hat on that killer story line. In fact, it was he who suggested last season’s surprising plot twist (outing Vito as a gay mobster) to the show’s writers. “I’d read a book with a similar scenario – it was interesting. Plus, I don’t want to be typecast up the road -- I didn’t see myself getting any English butler roles either,” he says.

Besides a quick-wit, Joe’s hustling instinct has helped him create his own breaks.

As a kid, he always managed to put money in his pockets – whether it meant shoveling snow or peddling reproduced Addidas shirts. By age 20, he dropped out of a pre-law college program to pursue his cooking passion. Heeding the advice of famed David’s Cookies entrepreneur, David Liederman, Joe self-taught himself the craft by working in as many dining establishments as he could, including the New Orleans landmark, Commander’s Palace.  Back then, he also discovered his penchant and talent for acting. “A fellow waiter/actor encouraged me to audition for the role of a loan shark in a play he was starring in. I didn’t know what I was doing, but I got it. It was fun,” he says.

In 1990, he opened I01 Restaurant, his own pizza/pasta/salad joint in his hometown of Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. “It was busy every night, with a hot bar scene,” says Joe. But the long hours of over-eating, excessive drinking and gambling eventually burned him out. “The lifestyle wasn’t good for me. I got in to a big hole and lost everything,” he says.

After a stint as an ice cream vendor on Wall Street, in 1991 Joe relocated to Hollywood to try his luck in the industry.

Revved up to audition as much as possible, his energy level unfortunately clashed with that of an agent he’d been working with.
“I’d show up at his apartment at 9 a.m. raring to go, and he’d still be in bed,” he recalls. Hungry for work, Joe literally took matters in to his own hands – showing up extra early to nab the daily breakdowns from the agent’s doorstep. The lists of roles being cast are only available to agents and managers. “I’d submit my headshot to casting agents and wait a couple of days before phoning up, pretending to be Joe Gannascoli’s manager, James Hoving,” admits the actor. The scheme worked. His shrewdness landed him his first movie role in Money for Nothing.

But homesick for New York and in need of a steadier cash flow, in 1995, Joe returned here and opened up a lounge and a restaurant -- again in Bay Ridge. Both operations are still alive and kicking today.

Ultimately, Joe’s acting career got a boost from Benicio Del Toro, whom he met on the set of Money for Nothing. The star directed him in his own film and through his industry contacts, Joe connected with casting agents for The Sopranos.  But in such an unpredictable profession, where an actor is hot today, gone tomorrow (especially on a mob TV series), even as he prepares for his biggest season yet, behind the scenes, Joe’s taking full advantage of his newfound fame.

He’s co-authored, “A Meal to Die For,” an auto-biographical, culinary crime novel, that rolls in to stores on January 10th as well as a line of pasta sauces (his specialty). Products are available via his web site, www.joesoup.com

“I’ve always been enterprising. You’ve got to make it while you can,” he says. Up the road, this idea-man hopes to successfully pitch a cooking TV talk show aimed at sports fans and attract investment partners to open up a couple of restaurants in East Rockaway, Long Island, where he now resides with his wife, Diana. “All of my passions are coming together now. When opportunity knocks, sometimes you’re not ready. This time I was,” he says.
 

Now, now, no need to 'whack' anyone to get 'mobster's' secret recipes. 'Sopranos' star, who worked as a chef in restaurant kitchens for 20 years, writes autobiographical cookbook
 

by Carol Benanti, Monday, December 19, 2005

The last time I chatted about "Sopranos" actor Joe Gannascoli was back in June, at which time he wedded the lovely Diana Benincasa at The Vanderbilt at South Beach, before some 350 revelers near and dear to the couple's heart.

"Sopranos" mega-stars like James Gandolfini, Michael Imperioli, Steve Van Zandt, Tony Sirico, Dominic Chianese, Steve R. Schirripa, Vince Curatola, John Ventimiglia, Robert Iler and others were present to witness the nuptials.

It's no secret that Gannascoli, formerly of New Springville, did unbelievably well in the hit HBO series. But the multifaceted actor shines in other areas as well. Read on!

Watch for a book titled "A Meal to Die For: A Culinary Novel of Crime," written by Gannascoli, a masterful chef, in autobiographical fashion for the most part. He says he shares his secret sauces like roasted garlic and eggplant, wild mushrooms and Gannascoli's special Sunday sauce. Gannascoli's book will be available in bookstores on Jan. 10. Stay tuned for more details for his upcoming book-signing on Staten Island and in Manhattan.

"My pasta sauce is from family recipes," says the 20-year chef, who confides that he's sat at the helm in kitchens in Manhattan, New Orleans and Brooklyn.

"I want to do a sequel of the book," adds the talented actor who lost 140 pounds since last season's finale.

Any good "Sopranos" fan knows that Gannascoli plays Vito Spatafore, a made captain on the show. The loyal capo took over for the underboss Ralph Cifaretto, who was beheaded by Tony Soprano. Spatafore whacked his own cousin, Jackie Jr., by pumping a bullet into his head.

This season's "Sopranos" filming is still going on in various parts of New Jersey. The season premiere is scheduled for March 12.

Those who'd like to learn more about Gannascoli may do so by visiting www.josephrgannascoli.com or www.joesoup.com.

From the New York Post website,
On Joe's filming episodes in December, 2005, for Season Six of 'The Sopranos' .  Published Dec 8th.

  SLAY RIDE
  By DON KAPLAN and NEIL GRAVES

Tony Soprano has stolen a lot in his time as a Mafia boss, but yesterday he nearly ripped off Christmas cash  from a group of merchants in Boonton, N.J.

"The Sopranos" touched down in North Jersey for the third time this year to film scenes for the upcoming season, causing headaches for storeowners who griped that the huge production kept customers away and sucked up most of the picturesque town's limited parking.
 

"I found out last Friday afternoon that they were coming and taking up all the parking on Main Street, and I was beside myself," says Anna Cox, the owner of Heavenly Temptations coffee shop, which serves food and sells gourmet gift baskets, especially around the holidays. "This is our busy season and, like any small town, parking is always an issue, so when you take that away, it's deadly for us."

The popular HBO mob drama is slated to return for its sixth season in March. New episodes were last seen in June 2004. Until yesterday, "The Sopranos" had visited Boonton twice this fall, once in September and again in October.

All three times, for the purpose of the show, the town was transformed into the fictional village of Dartford, N.H., where mob enforcer Vito Spatafore (Joe Gannascoli) flees. Several seasons ago, Spatafore shot and killed mobster wannabe Jackie Aprile Jr.

"It definitely slowed my business today," says Kim Kleinrock, who works at Best Friends, a dog-grooming shop a few doors down from where the show was filming at the town's library. "I actually closed my store once back in October. Nobody wants to deal with the traffic — people just don't want to deal with the inconvenience."

Other merchants located farther downtown were a bit more welcoming.

"I'm a big fan of the show," says Tony Biago, owner of Pasquales Pizza, a restaurant a few blocks away from where the show was being filmed, which was unaffected by the production.

"We've had a positive experience with them — they've worked pretty good with the town."

For the town's politicians, keeping Boonton merchants, residents and the producers of the show happy has been a rough balancing act.

On one hand, says Alderman Michael Eoga, many in Boonton feel that having "The Sopranos" film there is great for the town's image. On the other hand, jamming up the streets during the busiest time of year is simply bad for business.

"In the end it was all worked out — but it caused an impact," he says.

Eoga says Boonton is now planning to change its policy and will ban big productions from filming during the holiday season.
 

Most of 'The Sopranos' stars came out to reception of Joe Gannascoli, who plays Vito Spatafore on hit show . BY CAROL ANN BENANTI, ADVANCE STAFF WRITER, Saturday, June 18, 2005

Diana and Joseph Gannascoli

James Gandolfini and 'crew', sing to the bride and groom

Vincent Curatola and Tony Sirico take turns at karoke for the groom.

Joe Gannasscoli as mob capo, 'Vito Spatafore' in 'The Sopranos'.

A wedding you'd kill for
Most of 'The Sopranos' stars came out to reception of Joe Gannascoli, who plays Vito Spatafore on hit show
Saturday, June 18, 2005
BY CAROL ANN BENANTI, ADVANCE STAFF WRITER

Most of 'The Sopranos' stars came out to reception of Joe Gannascoli, who plays Vito Spatafore on hit show%%enddeck%%


The throng of revelers who made their way over the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge last Saturday evening weren't headed for the backroom of the strip club Bada Bing, the dining room of Artie Bucco's Nuovo Vesuvio restaurant or even for one of Tony Soprano's "family" parties.

Rather, the crowd was making its way to the Vanderbilt at South Beach, the new upscale catering facility on the boardwalk, for the wedding of Diana Benincasa and "Sopranos" actor, Joe Gannascoli, who is formerly of New Springville.

Any good "Sopranos" fan knows that Gannascoli plays Vito Spatafore, a made captain on the show. The loyal capo took over for the underboss Ralph Cifaretto, who was beheaded by Tony Soprano.

Spatafore whacked his own cousin, Jackie Jr., by pumping a bullet into the back of his head. (Jackie Jr., was Meadow Soprano's boyfriend.)

There were no dirty deals or foul play going on at last week's affair, however. The couple's nuptials turned out to be quite the event -- and all quite legit.

The bride and groom could have selected just about anywhere on earth for their nuptials, but they decided to spend the day of their dreams on local turf with some 350 of their nearest and dearest friends and family.

Among those toasting the lovebirds were "Sopranos" mega-stars, James Gandolfini, Michael Imperioli, Steve Van Zandt, Tony Sirico, Dominic Chianese, Steve R. Schirripa, Vince Curatola, John Ventimiglia and Robert Iler. Indeed, it was a p-r-e-t-t-y impressive lineup.

Halfway through the evening, the stars descended onto the dance floor in a semicircle and toasted the couple. "The Sopranos" all took a turn at the microphone.

"I'd like to toast Joe and his beautiful bride, Diana. All the happiness in the world," said Steven Van Zandt. "And let it be known that on this day in history, June 11, 2005, the crime rate in New York City dropped significantly," he added, probably referring to the fact that all the so-called "mobsters" were in the Vanderbilt.

James Gandolfini said he wouldn't have missed the wedding for anything in the world.

"To Diana and Joe, a lifetime of happiness. You're a good-looking guy, but how did you get such a beautiful girl like this?"

Gannascoli fired back: "I'm no slouch, you know."

Tony Sirico wished the couple well and made reference to Gannascoli's famous scene in which viewers find out his character is gay.

Michael Imperioli spoke, "Keep an eye on Joe. He's going to have a big year!"

"Everyone said it was the best wedding they'd ever attended," said the bride. "But the 'Sopranos' really completed the affair. They went out of their way to be kind to all of our guests. Steve Schirippa even introduced himself to one of the guests. They were all so nice. They welcomed me. Michael Imperioli told me that I'm a part of their family. They made me feel like we're all friends outside of a working relationship," she continued.

EYE CANDY GALORE

Guests came dressed to the nines.


Tall, tan, gorgeous women draped in designer evening ensembles with fine-looking escorts danced the night away to the tunes of Black & White with Arlette & Luigi -- a standout orchestra.

A guitarist for Bruce Springsteen, Van Zandt was outfitted with a purple kerchief and matching coat and cowboy boots.

Vanessa Ferlito, who's cast as Aiden Burn on "CSI," was there, as was former New York Ranger hockey player Peter Ferraro, and his brother, Chris.

Dominic Chianese sang love songs to the couple as did John Ventimiglia and Vince Curatola.

The New York City Police Department Pipers Band serenaded merrymakers with "Ava Maria" and tenor, Anthony Piranio, who bears an uncanny resemblance to Andrea Bocelli, in vocal ability and appearance, wowed the crowd with opera.

The bride's adorable niece, Nina Vecchio, belted out a few pop tunes.

The bride and bridegroom never stopped smiling. She looked stunning in an ecru dutchess satin original creation by Mika Inatome of Manhattan. It had lace appliques trimming the halter neckline, accented with a silk organza handkerchief hemline. He was lookin' spiffy in his classic black, Ralph Lauren, two-botton notch tuxedo.

The bride of Lynbrook, L.I., carried black magic roses, which are velvety red. Peony centerpieces complemented the already stunning table overlay -- all by Flowers by Bernard.

The Rev. David Klampert of Malverne, L.I., performed the nuptials in the Vanderbilt's unique wedding chapel. The fragrant scent of fresh, calla lilies filled the room, which was festooned with delicate tulle and lace.

A FEW TWISTS

The couple agreed on a King's wedding -- complete with 15 ushers and one beautiful lady, Candice SanFillippo -- beside the bride, that is! The bride's close friend served as her maid of honor.

In another unusual twist, the couple arranged for Diana to throw the garter to the single men in the banquet room and for Joe to toss the bridal bouquet to the single women. Joe wore his bride's garter all evening.

Richard Benincasa, the bride's brother, and Nick Mungie of Prestige Wedding are the Emmy Award-winning wedding coordinators, who provided the limos and invitations for the posh evening.

"My wedding was beyond my wildest dreams and Joe orchestrated the entire affair. He zeroed in on details, including our bridal registry. He's got the best taste. It just comes natural to him. He knew exactly what we needed," an ecstatic Diana notes.

"The service and the food are impeccable at the Vanderbilt," Joe points out. "We couldn't have asked for more."

It was love at first sight for the couple. They met in Areo Restaurant in the Bay Ridge section of Brooklyn. Diana and Joe became engaged just seven weeks later.

Gannascoli is a native of the Gravesend section of Brooklyn. A Bay Ridge resident prior to his marriage, the former restaurant owner is a master of one-liners -- especially when he spoofs his gay character. He notes his on-show identity really has been to his advantage.

Thinner than he appears on the screen, Joe now weighs in at 245 pounds. He's lost 160 pounds so far and is happy that he looked so good at the wedding. He plans to lose another 60 pounds.

Inasmuch as the bridegroom is filming new episodes of "The Sopranos" at the Silvercup Studios, Long Island City -- three have been completed for the March, 2006 season -- the honeymoon has been put on hold.

Joe confides the Sopranos are having a great season and that it can only get better.

"They [cast members] had a ball at the wedding. They said it was a first-class party. James Gandolfini and Michael Imperioli said they wouldn't have missed it for the world," said Gannascoli.

It was like attending the Academy Awards afterglow gala in Hollywood -- the affair of the year!

Those who'd like to check out Gannascoli's Web site or view more photos may do so by clicking on josephrgannascoli.com or on joesoup.com.



© 2005 Staten Island Advance
© 2005 SILive.com All Rights Reserved.                    Photos of the wedding event are in the photo area, CLICK HERE..
 

From the New York Post website,
On Joe's filming the first episode on Season Six of 'The Sopranos' .  Published May 1st:

'FAMILY' PLOTS  by Cynthia R. Fagen

It's going to be another mob hit! The goodfellas cast of the Emmy-award winning show "The Sopranos" were back in action at the Silvercup Studios in Queens on the first day of shooting their sixth and likely final
season for HBO. Not even the actors know what will happen to them in the 10 episodes to be shot. Creator David Chase isn't spilling the beans either. The plot is as secret as the code of omerta, the mob's oath of silence. The shows aren't expected to air until next year, and there's even talk that the family's saga may end
with a feature film.
 
James Gandolfini who plays New Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano looked like a million bucks as he strutted onto the set with script in hand and was greeted, well, like a don. Gandolfini grinned and said it was "fabulous" being back after the series 16-month hiatus. There was plenty of palling around with wiseguy co-stars Tony Sirico, who plays Paulie "Walnuts" Gualtieri, Michael Imperioli as Christopher Moltisanti
and Steve Van Zandt as Silvio Dante, slapping one another on the back and feinting punches. Joseph R. Gannascoli, who plays Vito Spatafore,(and is expected to have a huge year) boasted that while the series was off the air, he lost 140 pounds
using Stacker 2 XPLC..

While waiting for their cues, Gandolfini and an unidentified actor poured over a copy of Mad magazine, which featured a send up of the show titled "Sopranos on the Set." "There's going to be a lot of blood shed this year and hopefully it isn't mine," quipped Sirico as he jabbed his finger toward his pals. Broadway star Edie Falco who plays Carmela, the beleagured wife of Tony Soprano, was the first to arrive, and quickly ducked out of sight. A wardrobe crewmember was seen carrying a black party dress in tow, possibly for a restaurant scene.
By the last episode, which aired in June, Tony had gotten back together with Carmela and had barely missed being nabbed by the feds.
(Article courtesy New York Post. Photos courtesy of Brian)
 

THIS GANGSTA CAN'T GO TO VEGAS

Joey G from "The Sopranos" came in today with his fiancée Diana. He proposed to her after dating her for only seven weeks. Diana wouldn't have sex with him until he proposed and Joey joked that was one of the reasons why he popped the question so quickly. The two met at a restaurant and Artie joked that he thought they had met at spin class. This is Joey's first marriage and Howard thinks he did the right thing by waiting until he was 46 to get married because he has had time to have his fun and now can settle down. Plus, it's a whole different thing to pledge the rest of your life to one girl when you're 46, as opposed to when you're 25. Howard asked what Joey planned on doing for a bachelor party, but that issue turned out to be a sore subject. Joey really wanted to go out to Vegas to have a big bachelor party, but Diana won't let him. Diana said she's too afraid he's going to gamble away the money they're saving to buy a home. Diana said Joey loves to gamble, but gets cheap when it comes to discussing wedding arrangements. Joey wanted her to see if she could borrow wedding shoes from a friend instead of buying new ones. Joey didn't argue, saying that he can place a "reverse dime" bet without blinking, but was placing calls trying to find her used shoes. Artie said, "why not, you're planning on getting married in your Cousin Tony's tux." Joey also talked about his appearance on VH1's "Celebrity Fit Club", in which he actually GAINED 12 pounds in one week, (for those who don't know, it's a weight loss show!). Joey said he ultimately lost weight on the show and is now down 140 pounds from his heaviest weight. He still plans on losing another 60 pounds too. He credited the energy drink Stacker 2 with helping with his weight loss, but Howard said that sounded like product placement to him. Artie joked that he probably really had gin in his cup. Howard then offered to possibly throw Joey a bachelor party at Scores, but Joey said he was really angling for a Vegas party.  (Howard Stern contributions by : Jason Kaplan
 

"YJ Stinger Night" at the Jersey Shore with "Soprano" star and Bon Jovi

AUGUST 11, 2004 -- This past weekend, YJ Stinger's newest spokesman Joseph R. Gannascoli (i.e., Vito Spatafore from "The Sopranos") was spotted at the Jersey Shore during a "Stinger Night" with Jon Bon Jovi at "Elements," a club owned by Jon's brother Matt, in Sea Bright, N.J.


Earlier on Saturday night, Gannascoli was signing autographs at another YJ Stinger event at club "Stingers" in Long Branch, N.J. Gannascoli and the staff at "Stingers" taped a special video message which is being sent to First Lt. Alfred Concha of the 25th infantry and his men now stationed in Iraq.


Gannascoli joins the roster of celebrities who have endorsed YJ Stinger, "the extreme energy drink," including WWE superstars Triple H, John Cena, Eddie Guerrero, and Chris Jerricho, NASCAR racers Kenny Wallace and Jeff Hammond and hip-hop star "Fat Joe" (#1 hit Lean Back), The Sopranos' Tony Sirico ("Paulie Walnuts") and Vince Curtola, as well as Mimi Rogers.


YJ Stinger is made by the manufacturers of Stacker 2.