In a nod to their mob movie debut, Michael Imperioli and Steve Schirripa team up with Sanpellegrino for CIAO!, a line of Italy-inspired flavored sparkling waters that brings back familiar associations.
The actors partnered with Sanpellegrino for their CIAO! beverage line of Italy-inspired flavors. In an exclusive interview, Michael Imperioli and Steve Schirripa speak about their latest collaboration and how it sometimes reflects real-life experiences.
For the duo, working together is always a welcome opportunity. They’ve collaborated on various projects beyond The Sopranos, including movies and a podcast. Their latest venture with Sanpellegrino’s CIAO! line of flavored sparkling water inspired by Italy’s zest for life has brought back familiar associations. Despite their best efforts, the actors struggle to shake off their connection to the fictitious mob family from The Sopranos.
Michael Imperioli is a renowned American actor, writer, and director.
Born on March 26, 1958, in Mount Vernon, New York, he rose to fame for his portrayal of Christopher Moltisanti in the hit HBO series 'The Sopranos.'
Imperioli has also written several episodes for the show and received an Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series.
He has appeared in various films, including 'Goodfellas' and 'JFK,' and continues to work in television and film.
In the clip for CIAO!, Imperioli and Schirripa attempt to share the bubbly drink with friends, but everyone they interact with still associates them with Christopher Moltisanti and Bobby Baccalieri. The actors admit that it’s a play on their podcast world, where they often poke fun at themselves.
Steve Schirripa is an American actor, comedian, and author.
Born on March 3, 1962, in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, New York, he rose to fame for his role as Bobby Baccalieri in the HBO series 'The Sopranos'.
He has also appeared in TV shows such as 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit' and 'Blue Bloods', as well as films like 'Analyze This' and 'Maid in Manhattan'.
Schirripa is known for his comedic timing and has written two books, 'Woke Up Like This' and 'Dear Friends, People I've Known, and Really Loved'.
A Taste of Reality
The reality of being typecast is not lost on Schirripa. ‘It does happen,’ he admits. ‘People will come over and treat us like our TV personas, rather than just seeing us as Steve and Michael.’ The Blue Bloods actor also gushes about Sanpellegrino‘s CIAO! line, saying it’s a game-changer.
Schirripa’s personal favorite is the Peach flavor, which he claims is ‘just a whole class by itself.’ He’s been drinking Sanpellegrino since he was young and appreciates the new flavors. The CIAO! line is available in Lime, Cherry, Blood Orange, and Peach – making it easy for fans to try their hand at this Italian-inspired drink.
As the actors continue to navigate their post-The Sopranos lives, they’re grateful for opportunities like this one. Their collaboration with Sanpellegrino has brought back a sense of fun and playfulness, even if it means dealing with the occasional mob association.
