Michael Imperioli
Encyclopedia
James Michael Imperioli (born March 26, 1966), commonly known as Michael Imperioli, is an American actor and television writer. He is perhaps best known for his role as Christopher Moltisanti
on The Sopranos
for which he won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 2004. He also appeared as Det. Ed Green's
temporary replacement, Det. Nick Falco
, in the TV drama series Law & Order
. Imperioli spent the 2008-2009 television season as Detective Ray Carling
in the US version of Life on Mars
. He was starring as Detective Louis Fitch in the new ABC police drama Detroit 1-8-7
until its cancellation.
, was born in Mount Vernon
, New York
, the son of Dan Imperioli, a bus driver and amateur actor. In his early childhood he attended St. Catherine's in Ringwood, New Jersey.
as well as for five Emmy Awards for his work as Christopher Moltisanti
on The Sopranos for which he won once, for the show's fifth season in 2004.
In addition to his role on The Sopranos, Imperioli has appeared in a number of films, including Goodfellas
, Jungle Fever
, Bad Boys
, The Basketball Diaries
, Clockers, Dead Presidents
, Lean on Me
, I Shot Andy Warhol, Last Man Standing
, Shark Tale
, High Roller: The Stu Ungar Story
,and Summer of Sam
, which he also co-wrote and co-produced. In addition, he has also written a number of episodes for The Sopranos.
He serves as artistic director of Studio Dante, an Off-Broadway theater he formed with his wife. He is also the lead singer/guitarist for a rock band named La Dolce Vita.
Imperioli is an active member of The Jazz Foundation of America
and co-hosted their annual benefit concert at the Apollo Theater
in Harlem
, A Great Night in Harlem, in May 2009 celebrated the foundation's 20th anniversary.
He was guest on episode MB2E08 ("San Giuseppe") of Mario Batali
's Food Network
television show Molto Mario.
In 2010, Imperioli was signed on to play the lead in the ABC TV show, Detroit 1-8-7
.
He is the spokesperson for 1800 Tequila
.
neighborhood of New York City
and is a father of two.
Christopher Moltisanti
Christopher "Chris" Moltisanti, played by Michael Imperioli, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos. He was Tony Soprano's protégé and a Capo in the Soprano crime family.-Biography:...
on The Sopranos
The Sopranos
The Sopranos is an American television drama series created by David Chase that revolves around the New Jersey-based Italian-American mobster Tony Soprano and the difficulties he faces as he tries to balance the often conflicting requirements of his home life and the criminal organization he heads...
for which he won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 2004. He also appeared as Det. Ed Green's
Ed Green
Edward "Ed" Green is a fictional character on the NBC crime drama Law & Order, created by Rene Balcer and portrayed by Jesse L. Martin.-Character overview:...
temporary replacement, Det. Nick Falco
Nick Falco
Det. Nick Falco is a fictional character on the NBC crime drama Law & Order, portrayed by Michael Imperioli. Falco appears as the junior partner of Det. Joe Fontana at the end of season 15 after Fontana's partner, Ed Green , was shot in the line of duty...
, in the TV drama series Law & Order
Law & Order
Law & Order is an American police procedural and legal drama television series, created by Dick Wolf and part of the Law & Order franchise. It aired on NBC, and in syndication on various cable networks. Law & Order premiered on September 13, 1990, and completed its 20th and final season on May 24,...
. Imperioli spent the 2008-2009 television season as Detective Ray Carling
Ray Carling
DC/DS/DI Raymond Milton "Ray" Carling is a fictional character in BBC One's science fiction/police procedural drama, Life on Mars and its spin-off Ashes to Ashes.-Life on Mars:...
in the US version of Life on Mars
Life on Mars (U.S. TV series)
Life on Mars was a science fiction crime drama television series which originally aired on ABC from October 9, 2008 to April 1, 2009. It is an adaptation of the BAFTA-winning original UK series of the same name produced by the BBC...
. He was starring as Detective Louis Fitch in the new ABC police drama Detroit 1-8-7
Detroit 1-8-7
Detroit 1-8-7 is an American crime drama series about Detroit's leading homicide unit, created by Jason Richman for ABC. It features an ensemble cast of actors including Michael Imperioli and James McDaniel...
until its cancellation.
Early life
Imperioli, an Italian AmericanItalian American
An Italian American , is an American of Italian ancestry. The designation may also refer to someone possessing Italian and American dual citizenship...
, was born in Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon, New York
Mount Vernon is a city in Westchester County, New York, United States. It lies on the border of the New York City borough of The Bronx.-Overview:...
, New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
, the son of Dan Imperioli, a bus driver and amateur actor. In his early childhood he attended St. Catherine's in Ringwood, New Jersey.
Career
Imperioli has been nominated for a Golden Globe AwardGolden Globe Award
The Golden Globe Award is an accolade bestowed by the 93 members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association recognizing excellence in film and television, both domestic and foreign...
as well as for five Emmy Awards for his work as Christopher Moltisanti
Christopher Moltisanti
Christopher "Chris" Moltisanti, played by Michael Imperioli, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos. He was Tony Soprano's protégé and a Capo in the Soprano crime family.-Biography:...
on The Sopranos for which he won once, for the show's fifth season in 2004.
In addition to his role on The Sopranos, Imperioli has appeared in a number of films, including Goodfellas
Goodfellas
Goodfellas is a 1990 American crime film directed by Martin Scorsese. It is a film adaptation of the 1986 non-fiction book Wiseguy by Nicholas Pileggi, who co-wrote the screenplay with Scorsese...
, Jungle Fever
Jungle Fever
Jungle Fever is a 1991 American drama film directed by Spike Lee, starring Wesley Snipes and Annabella Sciorra. It was Lee's fifth feature-length film. The film mainly explores interracial relationships...
, Bad Boys
Bad Boys (1995 film)
Bad Boys is a 1995 American action comedy film directed by Michael Bay in his directorial debut, and produced by Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer...
, The Basketball Diaries
The Basketball Diaries (film)
The Basketball Diaries is a 1995 American drama film directed by Scott Kalvert, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Lorraine Bracco, James Madio, and Mark Wahlberg...
, Clockers, Dead Presidents
Dead Presidents
Dead Presidents is a 1995 American crime film written by Michael Henry Brown and also written, produced and directed by the Hughes brothers , starring Larenz Tate, Keith David, Chris Tucker, Freddy Rodriguez, N'Bushe Wright and Bokeem Woodbine...
, Lean on Me
Lean on Me (film)
Lean on Me is a 1989 dramatized biographical written by Michael Schiffer, directed by John G. Avildsen and starring Morgan Freeman. Lean on Me is loosely based on the story of Joe Louis Clark, a real life inner city high school principal in Paterson, New Jersey, whose school is at risk of being...
, I Shot Andy Warhol, Last Man Standing
Last Man Standing (film)
Last Man Standing is a 1996 action film written and directed by Walter Hill, starring Bruce Willis, Christopher Walken, and Bruce Dern. It is a credited remake of the Akira Kurosawa film Yojimbo.- Plot :...
, Shark Tale
Shark Tale
Shark Tale is a 2004 American computer-animated comedy film produced by DreamWorks Animation. In the story, a young fish named Oscar falsely claims to have killed the son of a shark mob boss to win favour with the mob boss' enemies and advance his own community standing...
, High Roller: The Stu Ungar Story
High Roller: The Stu Ungar Story
High Roller: The Stu Ungar Story is a 2003 biopic focusing on the life of American professional poker and gin player Stu Ungar. Stuey is the film's alternate title. The film features cameos from several figures from the world of professional sports and poker, including Vince Van Patten, Andy Glazer...
,and Summer of Sam
Summer of Sam
Summer of Sam is a 1999 crime-drama based around the Son of Sam serial murders. It was directed and produced by Spike Lee.-Plot:Summer of Sam is the story of a group of people in New York City in the summer of 1977, a time when the headlines were dominated by the Son of Sam serial killer...
, which he also co-wrote and co-produced. In addition, he has also written a number of episodes for The Sopranos.
He serves as artistic director of Studio Dante, an Off-Broadway theater he formed with his wife. He is also the lead singer/guitarist for a rock band named La Dolce Vita.
Imperioli is an active member of The Jazz Foundation of America
Jazz Foundation of America
The Jazz Foundation of America is a non-profit organization based in Manhattan, New York founded in 1989. The JFA’s programs help jazz and blues musicians in need of emergency funds and connect them with performance opportunities in schools and the community...
and co-hosted their annual benefit concert at the Apollo Theater
Apollo Theater
The Apollo Theater in New York City is one of the most famous, and older, music halls in the United States, and the most famous club associated almost exclusively with Black performers...
in Harlem
Harlem
Harlem is a neighborhood in the New York City borough of Manhattan, which since the 1920s has been a major African-American residential, cultural and business center. Originally a Dutch village, formally organized in 1658, it is named after the city of Haarlem in the Netherlands...
, A Great Night in Harlem, in May 2009 celebrated the foundation's 20th anniversary.
He was guest on episode MB2E08 ("San Giuseppe") of Mario Batali
Mario Batali
Mario Batali is an American chef, writer, restaurateur and media personality. In addition to his classical culinary training, he is an expert on the history and culture of Italian cuisine, including regional and local variations. Batali co-owns restaurants in New York City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles,...
's Food Network
Food Network
Food Network is a television specialty channel that airs both one-time and recurring programs about food and cooking. Scripps Networks Interactive owns 70 percent of the network, with Tribune Company controlling the remaining 30 percent....
television show Molto Mario.
In 2010, Imperioli was signed on to play the lead in the ABC TV show, Detroit 1-8-7
Detroit 1-8-7
Detroit 1-8-7 is an American crime drama series about Detroit's leading homicide unit, created by Jason Richman for ABC. It features an ensemble cast of actors including Michael Imperioli and James McDaniel...
.
He is the spokesperson for 1800 Tequila
1800 Tequila
1800 Tequila is a brand of tequila owned by the Beckmann Family, who also own the Jose Cuervo brand. 1800 Tequila is a 100% Blue Agave Tequila and bottled in Jalisco, Mexico. 1800 is named after the year aged Tequila was first sold....
.
Personal life
Married to Victoria Chlebowski since 1995, he lives in the TribecaTriBeCa
Tribeca is a neighborhood in Lower Manhattan, New York in the United States. Its name is an acronym based on the words "Triangle below Canal Street", and is properly bounded by Canal Street, West Street, Broadway, and Vesey Street...
neighborhood of New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
and is a father of two.
Filmography
- Alexa (1988) – "Acid Head"
- Lean on MeLean on Me (film)Lean on Me is a 1989 dramatized biographical written by Michael Schiffer, directed by John G. Avildsen and starring Morgan Freeman. Lean on Me is loosely based on the story of Joe Louis Clark, a real life inner city high school principal in Paterson, New Jersey, whose school is at risk of being...
(1989) – "George" - GoodfellasGoodfellasGoodfellas is a 1990 American crime film directed by Martin Scorsese. It is a film adaptation of the 1986 non-fiction book Wiseguy by Nicholas Pileggi, who co-wrote the screenplay with Scorsese...
(1990) – "Spider" - Jungle FeverJungle FeverJungle Fever is a 1991 American drama film directed by Spike Lee, starring Wesley Snipes and Annabella Sciorra. It was Lee's fifth feature-length film. The film mainly explores interracial relationships...
(1991) – "James Tucci" - Fathers & Sons (1992) – "Johnny"
- Malcolm XMalcolm X (film)Malcolm X is a 1992 biographical motion picture about the Muslim-American figure Malcolm X . It was co-written, co-produced, and directed by Spike Lee. It stars Denzel Washington as the titular character. It co-stars Angela Bassett, Albert Hall, Al Freeman, Jr., and Delroy Lindo...
(1992) – "Reporter at Fire Bombing" - The Night We Never Met (1993) – "Dry Cleaning Customer #1"
- Joey Breaker (1993) – "Larry Metz"
- Household SaintsHousehold SaintsHousehold Saints is a 1993 film starring Tracey Ullman, Vincent D'Onofrio, and Lili Taylor. It was based on the novel by Francine Prose and directed by Nancy Savoca. The film explores the lives of three generations of Italian-American women over the course of the latter-half of the 20th century...
(1993) – "Leonard Villanova" - Scenes from the New World (1994) – "Billy"
- Touch Base (1994) – "Bennie"
- Hand Gun (1994) – "Benny"
- Men Lie (1994)
- AmateurAmateur (film)Amateur is a 1994 film written and directed by Hal Hartley starring Isabelle Huppert, Martin Donovan and Elina Löwensohn.-Title:The title is also an acronym, encompassing elements of the film* Accountancy* Murder* Amnesia* Torture* Ecstasy...
(1994) – "Doorman at Club" - Postcards from America (1994) – "The Hustler"
- Trouble (1995) – "Ellis"
- Bad BoysBad Boys (1995 film)Bad Boys is a 1995 American action comedy film directed by Michael Bay in his directorial debut, and produced by Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer...
(1995) – "Jojo" - The Basketball DiariesThe Basketball Diaries (film)The Basketball Diaries is a 1995 American drama film directed by Scott Kalvert, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Lorraine Bracco, James Madio, and Mark Wahlberg...
(1995) – "Bobby" - Clockers (1995) – "Detective 'Jo-Jo'"
- Flirt (1995) – "Michael"
- Dead PresidentsDead PresidentsDead Presidents is a 1995 American crime film written by Michael Henry Brown and also written, produced and directed by the Hughes brothers , starring Larenz Tate, Keith David, Chris Tucker, Freddy Rodriguez, N'Bushe Wright and Bokeem Woodbine...
(1995) – "D'ambrosio" - Girls TownGirls Town (1996 film)Girls Town is a 1996 movie debut by Jim Mckay that centers on the lives of three high-school aged women after the suicide of a friend. The Girls Town soundtrack was released on August 20, 1996 by Mercury Records.-Synopsis:...
(1996) – "Anthony" - Blixa Bargeld Stole My Cowboy Boots (1996) – "Johnny"
- The AddictionThe AddictionThe Addiction is an unconventional 1995 vampire film by Abel Ferrara, starring Lili Taylor, Edie Falco, Paul Calderón and Christopher Walken...
(1995) – "Missionary" - Sweet NothingSweet NothingSweet Nothing is a 1995 film directed by Gary Winick starring Michael Imperioli.-Plot:Angel celebrates the birth of his daughter by taking his first hit of crack cocaine. With the hesitant support of his wife, Monika, he joins a friend of his to deal drugs for a short time--enough time to get out...
(1996) – "'Angel' the crackhead family man" - Girl 6Girl 6 (film)Girl 6 is a 1996 American film by director Spike Lee about a phone sex operator. Theresa Randle played the title character, and playwright Suzan-Lori Parks wrote the screenplay. The soundtrack is composed entirely of songs written by Prince. The film was screened in the Un Certain Regard section...
(1996) – "Scary Caller #30" - I Shot Andy Warhol (1996) – "OndineOndine (actor)Robert Olivo aka Ondine was an American actor. He is best known for appearing in a series of films in the mid-1960s by Andy Warhol, whom he claimed to have met in 1961 at an orgy....
" - Trees LoungeTrees LoungeTrees Lounge is the 1996 feature film debut written and directed by Steve Buscemi. It was produced by Brad Wyman and Chris Hanley and features a large ensemble cast of actors, including Buscemi, Anthony LaPaglia, Chloë Sevigny and Samuel L. Jackson...
(1996) – "George" - Last Man StandingLast Man Standing (film)Last Man Standing is a 1996 action film written and directed by Walter Hill, starring Bruce Willis, Christopher Walken, and Bruce Dern. It is a credited remake of the Akira Kurosawa film Yojimbo.- Plot :...
(1996) – "Giorgio Carmonte" - A River Made to Drown InA River Made to Drown InA River Made to Drown In is a 1997 drama film starring Michael Imperioli, Richard Chamberlain, Ute Lemper and James Duval. Directed by James Merendino, Merendino had his name removed and the film is credited to Alan Smithee...
(1997) – "Allen Hayden" - FirehouseFirehouse (1997 film)Firehouse is a 1997 drama film about the dealings of a crew at a firehouse. The group is attacked by an assassin and eventually must accept that the firehouse is to be consolidated with a rescue unit....
(1997) – "Lt. O'Connell" - The Deli (1997) – "Matty"
- Office KillerOffice KillerOffice Killer is a comedy-horror film directed by Cindy Sherman. It was released in 1997 and stars Carol Kane, Molly Ringwald and David Thornton.- Plot :...
(1997) – "Daniel Birch" - Under the Bridge (1997)
- Witness to the MobWitness to the MobWitness to the Mob is a made for TV film which premiered on May 10, 1998.-Plot:Film follows the rise of Sammy Gravano in ranks of NY Cosa Nostra, his turning to government witness in legal trials of John Gotti and his life in Witness protection program....
(1998) – "Louie Milito" - Too Tired to Die (1998) – "Fabrizio"
- On the Run (1999) – "Albert DeSantis"
- The SopranosThe SopranosThe Sopranos is an American television drama series created by David Chase that revolves around the New Jersey-based Italian-American mobster Tony Soprano and the difficulties he faces as he tries to balance the often conflicting requirements of his home life and the criminal organization he heads...
(1999–2007) – "Christopher MoltisantiChristopher MoltisantiChristopher "Chris" Moltisanti, played by Michael Imperioli, is a fictional character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos. He was Tony Soprano's protégé and a Capo in the Soprano crime family.-Biography:...
" - Summer of SamSummer of SamSummer of Sam is a 1999 crime-drama based around the Son of Sam serial murders. It was directed and produced by Spike Lee.-Plot:Summer of Sam is the story of a group of people in New York City in the summer of 1977, a time when the headlines were dominated by the Son of Sam serial killer...
(1999) – "Midnight" - Auto Motives (2000) – "Stud"
- Disappearing ActsDisappearing ActsDisappearing Acts is a 2000 romantic drama, directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, and stars Sanaa Lathan, Wesley Snipes, and Regina Hall. The film is an adaptation of the New York Times best-selling novel Disappearing Acts, by Terry McMillan....
(2000) – "Vinney" - HamletHamlet (2000 film)Hamlet is a 2000 American film written and directed by Michael Almereyda, set in contemporary New York City, and based on the Shakespeare play of the same name...
(2000) – "Rosencrantz" - Love in the Time of Money (2002) – "Will"
- High Roller: The Stu Ungar StoryHigh Roller: The Stu Ungar StoryHigh Roller: The Stu Ungar Story is a 2003 biopic focusing on the life of American professional poker and gin player Stu Ungar. Stuey is the film's alternate title. The film features cameos from several figures from the world of professional sports and poker, including Vince Van Patten, Andy Glazer...
(2003) – "Stu UngarStu UngarStuart Errol "Stu" Ungar was a professional poker and gin rummy player, widely regarded to have been the greatest Texas hold 'em and gin rummy player of all time....
" - My Baby's DaddyMy Baby's DaddyMy Baby's Daddy is a 2004 comedy film, directed by Cheryl Dunye.-Plot:Childhood friends Lonnie , Dominic , and G have a rude awakening when they find out their girlfriends are pregnant....
(2004) – "Dominic" - Shark TaleShark TaleShark Tale is a 2004 American computer-animated comedy film produced by DreamWorks Animation. In the story, a young fish named Oscar falsely claims to have killed the son of a shark mob boss to win favour with the mob boss' enemies and advance his own community standing...
(2004) – "Frankie" (voice) - The Five People You Meet in Heaven (2004) – "Captain"
- Law & OrderLaw & OrderLaw & Order is an American police procedural and legal drama television series, created by Dick Wolf and part of the Law & Order franchise. It aired on NBC, and in syndication on various cable networks. Law & Order premiered on September 13, 1990, and completed its 20th and final season on May 24,...
(2005) – "Det. FalcoNick FalcoDet. Nick Falco is a fictional character on the NBC crime drama Law & Order, portrayed by Michael Imperioli. Falco appears as the junior partner of Det. Joe Fontana at the end of season 15 after Fontana's partner, Ed Green , was shot in the line of duty...
" - The SimpsonsThe SimpsonsThe Simpsons is an American animated sitcom created by Matt Groening for the Fox Broadcasting Company. The series is a satirical parody of a middle class American lifestyle epitomized by its family of the same name, which consists of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie...
: "The Mook, the Chef, the Wife and Her HomerThe Mook, the Chef, the Wife and Her Homer"The Mook, the Chef, the Wife and Her Homer" is the season premiere of The Simpsons’ eighteenth season and first aired September 10, 2006. Lisa meets Fat Tony's son, Michael, who does not want to enter the family business of the mafia, but wants to pursue his dream of being a chef...
" (2006) – "Dante, Jr." - The Inner Life of Martin Frost (2007) – "Jim Fortunato"
- The LovebirdsThe LovebirdsThe Lovebirds is a 2007 Portuguese feature film directed by Bruno de Almeida, starring Michael Imperioli, John Ventimiglia, Joaquim de Almeida, Drena De Niro, Nick Sandow and Rogério Samora....
(2007) – "Vincent" - Oprah Winfrey Presents: Mitch Albom's For One More DayOprah Winfrey Presents: Mitch Albom's For One More DayFor One More Day is a 2007 television film adaptation of the Mitch Albom's novel by the same title, which was a The New York Times Best Seller. Produced by Oprah Winfrey's Harpo Productions, the film stars Michael Imperioli and Ellen Burstyn as leads. Director Lloyd Kramer, also directed the TV...
(2007) – "Charley 'Chick' Benetto" - Stóra Planið (2008) – "Alexander"
- The Lovely BonesThe Lovely Bones (film)The Lovely Bones is a 2009 American drama film directed by Peter Jackson. It is a film adaptation of the award-winning and best-selling 2002 novel of the same name by Alice Sebold. The film stars Saoirse Ronan as Susie Salmon, alongside Mark Wahlberg and Rachel Weisz as Susie's parents Jack and...
(2009) – "Len Fenerman" - MercyMercy (TV series)Mercy is a medical drama which aired on NBC from September 23, 2009 to May 12, 2010. The series initially aired on Wednesday nights at 8/7c, as part of the 2009 fall season, but was pushed back to 9/8c in April....
(2010) - "Harold Pindus" - Detroit 1-8-7Detroit 1-8-7Detroit 1-8-7 is an American crime drama series about Detroit's leading homicide unit, created by Jason Richman for ABC. It features an ensemble cast of actors including Michael Imperioli and James McDaniel...
(2010) - Det. Louis Fitch - Stuck Between StationsStuck Between StationsStuck Between Stations is an upcoming romantic drama film. Helmed by Twin Cities filmmaker Brady Kiernan from a script penned by Nat Bennett and Sam Rosen, the film is an authentic snapshot of a generational zeitgeist and tells a coming-of-age story for modern-day middle America about former high...
(2011) - David - Foreclosure (2011) - post-production