Federico Castelluccio of The Sopranos Live on Game Changers with Vicki Abelson

I knew Federico Castelluccio, Furio Giunta, on the Sopranos, is a crazy talented artist on screen and canvas, is charming, easy on the eyes and ears, but damn! I was unprepared for one of the most fascinating, spectacular conversations I’ve had to date. I know little to nothing of the art world beyond what I like. Federico made it all sound so straightforward and accessible. He demystified his process of collecting, making so much sense, and almost making it sound… simple! Alas, I’m well aware it’s so not. Federico’s decades of study, his photographic memory, and his passion paved the way for finds, well, one so extraordinary… sweet dreams are made of these.

What joy to ask if it would be possible to view a piece of his work only to discover that the photograph behind him was not a photograph at ‘tol, but rather a charcoal Federico had done. The beauty of the library behind him, from the rich orange wall, gold frames, and perfectly weathered green bookcase, to when Federico swung the camera ‘round so we could glimpse the fine art that surrounds him, and his studio in the distance filled with eye candy worthy of a Florentine museum.

And that was before we even touched on The Sopranos. Federico jumped into that, from his audition, taking a bold risk, despite the odds, the waiting, his callback, reaping the payoff, and most unusual words from David Chase, more waiting, to discovering he’d gotten the three-episode part, which swiftly grew to three seasons. He talked James Gandolfini, Vincent Curatola, Michael Imperioli, Vincent Pastore, Joey Pants, Aida Turturro, Larraine Bracco, Eddie Falco, the whole musbucha! There were fabulous stories of all, including beloved Burt Young.

We talked about Federico’s segue to directing, from award-winning shorts, where he also starred and produced, to his feature film debut, The Brooklyn Banker, which starred David Proval another Soprano pal, and Paul Sorvino.

Every single word was infused with enthusiasm, passion, and delight. It’s hours later and I still haven’t stopped smiling. This is edutainment of the highest order. Federico Castelluccio, a true Renaissance Man, has a new #1 Fan.

Federico Castelluccio Live on Game Changers with Vicki AbelsonWednesday, February 28, 5 PM PT, 8 PM ET Streamed Live on my FacebookReplay here:https://bit.ly/3Ifp2GW