Joseph R. Gannascoli facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joseph R. Gannascoli
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![]() Gannascoli in 2011
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Born | Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
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February 15, 1959
Occupation | Actor, chef |
Years active | 1991–present |
Spouse(s) |
Diana Gannascoli
(m. 2005) |
Children | 1 |
Joseph R. Gannascoli is an American actor and chef. He was born on February 15, 1959. He is well-known for playing the character Vito Spatafore. This role was in the popular TV show The Sopranos on HBO.
Early Life and Education
Joseph Gannascoli grew up in Brooklyn, New York. In the 1980s, he went to St. John's University for two years. He studied communications there. Before becoming an actor, he worked as a chef. He cooked in different restaurants. These included places in New York City and New Orleans.
Acting Career Highlights
Gannascoli got his first big chance in acting from Benicio del Toro. They met while working on the movie Money for Nothing. After that, Gannascoli appeared in the film Ed Wood. Benicio del Toro then cast him in his own short film, Submission.
He also acted in other movies like Mickey Blue Eyes. He appeared on TV shows such as Law & Order. Later, he joined The Sopranos. In the first season, he played a small role as "Gino." This was in the episode "The Legend of Tennessee Moltisanti".
Becoming Vito Spatafore
Gannascoli later got a bigger role on The Sopranos. He played Vito Spatafore. Vito was the nephew of another character, Richie Aprile. He became a regular actor on the show starting in Season 6.
Joseph Gannascoli has also appeared in other films. These include Men in Black III. He starred in the 2015 movie An Act of War. He also appeared with Vincent Pastore on the TV show Gordon Ramsay's 24 Hours to Hell and Back in 2020. More recently, he was in the pilot episode of Bring on the Dancing Horses.
Writing and Cooking
In January 2006, Joseph Gannascoli published a book. It was a crime novel called A Meal to Die For: A Culinary Novel of Crime.
Before he became famous as an actor, Gannascoli worked in the food business for many years. He worked in restaurants in New York City and New Orleans. He even started his own restaurant in Brooklyn.
Since about 2017, Gannascoli has offered catering services. He cooks for small parties himself. Sometimes, these parties have a Sopranos theme.
Film and Television Roles
Joseph Gannascoli has acted in many films and TV shows. Here are some of them:
Film Roles
Year | Title | Role |
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1993 | Money for Nothing | Charlie DiSalvio |
1994 | Ed Wood | Security Guard |
1999 | Mickey Blue Eyes | Jimmy, Gina's Doorman |
2012 | Men in Black 3 | New York Mets Fan #2 |
2015 | An Act of War | Frank |
Television Roles
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
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1999 | The Sopranos | Bakery Customer | Episode: "The Legend of Tennessee Moltisanti" |
2000–06 | The Sopranos | Vito Spatafore | Main Cast: Seasons 2-6 |
2004 | Law & Order | Artie Baldo | Episode: "Everybody Loves Raimondo's" |
2011 | White Collar | Salvatore | Episode: "On the Fence" |
2022–23 | Bring on the Dancing Horses | Sal | Main Cast |
Video Game Role
Year | Title | Role |
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2006 | The Sopranos: Road to Respect | Vito Spatafore (voice) |