Michael Imperioli Reflects on the Success of The Sopranos and the Recognition from The White Lotus
Michael Imperioli is recognized in public for more than just his role in The Sopranos.
“Many younger individuals know me from The White Lotus because it really resonates with a younger crowd,” Imperioli, 59, shared exclusively with Us Weekly while promoting his association with Sanpellegrino CIAO!. “Especially younger women in their 20s and 30s.”
Imperioli portrayed Dominic Di Grasso in the second season of The White Lotus, which aired in 2022. Naturally, that isn’t the only character fans want to discuss. There are also aficionados of The Sopranos.
“In New York, you’re outdoors a lot, surrounded by many people,” he continued. “On the subway and throughout the city, numerous individuals say hello.”
Over two decades have passed since Imperioli began his HBO journey as Christopher Moltisanti when The Sopranos first premiered in 1999—and he never anticipated the show’s enduring popularity.
“It’s continually astonishing that the show resonates with people who perhaps weren’t even born when it first aired. That’s quite rare in television or film,” Imperioli told Us. “Currently, our culture is very much about the moment. Attention spans are fleeting; things come and go and are forgotten in weeks.”
The Sopranos, which ran for seven seasons from 1999 to 2007, continues to endure.
“It’s a testament to just how exceptional the show was at every level,” he noted. “From acting, writing, directing, filmmaking, to production quality. Yet, it remains something of a mystery.”
Imperioli also shared with Us the moment from The Sopranos that he takes the most pride in when considering the show.
“There’s an episode [in the sixth season] called ‘The Ride,’ featuring an Italian American feast while Christopher is high on heroin. A Fred Neil song, ‘The Dolphins,’ plays, and the whole scene feels very dreamlike,” the actor recounted. “I appreciated what I brought to that performance. That episode has a special place in my heart, given what the character experienced.”
Even though Christopher Moltisanti is a part of his past, Imperioli had the opportunity to portray his Sopranos character once more with the help of former co-star Steve Schirripa. The iconic pair (who previously co-hosted the “Talking Sopranos” podcast) collaborated on a campaign for Sanpellegrino CIAO!, a new line of flavored sparkling water inspired by Italy’s vibrant lifestyle.
“Sanpellegrino has been a favorite of mine for a long time,” Imperioli revealed to Us. “I also love that Sanpellegrino water mixed with fruit juice and a hint of Sicilian salt makes for a fantastic beverage.”
The collaboration turned out to be “perfect” for both Imperioli and Schirripa, 67, as they embraced their “differences” and showcased their close friendship in a delightful five-minute advertisement.
“It’s a humorous concept to see these two friends trying to be cordial, especially considering everyone’s preconceptions of them as potentially dangerous people,” he added. “That was a lot of fun.”
