For nearly a decade, Detective Anthony Abetemarco—played by veteran actor Steve Schirripa—became an indispensable part of the Blue Bloods universe. Initially brought in for a short arc, Schirripa’s character, the often-exasperated but fiercely loyal investigator for Assistant District Attorney Erin Reagan, quickly became a fan favorite, leading to an impressive run of over 140 episodes.
As the acclaimed CBS drama concludes its highly successful run, Schirripa has been reflecting on his time with the show, and his comments offer a rare, heartwarming glimpse into the genuine camaraderie that existed off-screen. Schirripa recently opened up about his experience joining the cast later in the series, emphasizing that despite being “the new guy,” the “close-knit” cast welcomed him like family from the very beginning.
This profound sentiment explains not only the seamless chemistry seen on screen but also the show’s longevity.
Stepping into a Family: The ‘New Guy’ Experience
When Steve Schirripa joined Blue Bloods to portray Anthony Abetemarco in Season 6, the series was already a well-oiled machine. The core cast—Tom Selleck (Frank Reagan), Donnie Wahlberg (Danny Reagan), Bridget Moynahan (Erin Reagan), and Will Estes (Jamie Reagan)—had been working together for five years, forming the kind of deep, familial bond that mirrors the on-screen Reagan family.
“It was a very close-knit group, really, a nice group of people,” Schirripa recalled in a recent interview. He admitted that joining an established, tight-knit cast can be daunting for any actor. “I didn’t know anyone, so it’s strange when you’re stepping in and everyone knows each other, and you’re the new guy.”
However, the warm reception he received immediately dispelled any anxiety. “But they treated me like one of them from day one,” he stated. This welcoming environment is a testament to the professionalism and genuine kindness of the Blue Bloods ensemble, a rare quality that translates directly into believable on-screen chemistry.
The Professional Partnership: Working with Bridget Moynahan
Schirripa’s primary storyline involved working alongside Bridget Moynahan’s character, ADA Erin Reagan. The dynamic between the street-smart, somewhat old-school Detective Abetemarco and the high-powered, Harvard-educated lawyer was a consistent source of humor and friction.
Schirripa had high praise for his main co-star:
- “I love working with Bridget, she’s a terrific, underrated actress who was just wonderful to work with, really smart,” he commented.
- The relationship was complex—Abetemarco often frustrated Erin by operating outside the strict procedural rules, yet his dedication and loyalty were unwavering. Schirripa and Moynahan’s ability to sell this complex, almost sibling-like professional bond was key to the longevity of Abetemarco’s role. Their collaborative spirit off-camera made their arguments and tension on-camera feel authentic and earned.
From Guest Arc to Series Staple: The Magic of Chemistry
Schirripa’s initial casting was only supposed to be for a couple of episodes. His subsequent run of nearly 150 episodes demonstrates a universal truth in television: great writing can create a character, but undeniable actor chemistry is what keeps them around.
The showrunners recognized the instant connection Schirripa had with the established cast, particularly Moynahan and Donnie Wahlberg, with whom he shared several scenes and a similar New York-Italian sensibility.
- The Power of the Ensemble: Schirripa noted that while he worked primarily with Moynahan and Wahlberg, he eventually “wound up working eventually with everyone at one point,” including legendary television icon Tom Selleck. This organic flow of characters across storylines allowed Abetemarco to fully integrate into the larger firehouse of the Blue Bloods world.
- A Mutual Commitment to Quality: Schirripa credited the show’s success to the entire cast’s dedication. “I think the actors from Tom Selleck down were very committed,” he noted, recognizing that every actor took their work seriously. This shared professional ethic likely contributed to the respectful and welcoming atmosphere that Schirripa experienced.
The Legacy of Authenticity and the Enduring Bond
The warmth Schirripa felt wasn’t just about professional courtesy; it was about genuine friendship. Since the show’s conclusion, Schirripa has maintained contact with his former castmates.
- Keeping the Family Together: He mentioned seeing Bridget Moynahan at a New York Knicks game and keeping in touch with Will Estes, confirming that the “close-knit” family vibe extended far beyond the soundstage.
- The Reality of the Role: One of the most gratifying aspects of the role for Schirripa was the authenticity of his character. He shared that real NYPD officers often stopped him on the street to tell him he was “1,000% believable” in the role, stating they had worked with “guys just like” Abetemarco. This affirmation—that he successfully portrayed an “old-school blue-collar cop”—validates the work done by the entire production team to ground the procedural in New York reality.
The Farewell and the Future
Like the rest of the cast, Schirripa expressed sadness over the show ending, noting that the strong ratings made the cancellation a surprise. However, he is comfortable with the run he had—a remarkable nine years on a cultural phenomenon.
Schirripa’s experience is a powerful reminder that while fans tune in for the drama, the action, and the Sunday dinners, the true magic of a long-running series like Blue Bloods lies in the genuine connections forged among its stars. The cast’s ability to welcome a “new guy” like Steve Schirripa and treat him “like one of them from day one” is why the Reagan family felt so real and why Blue Bloods will be remembered as one of the great television ensembles of its era. This enduring bond is the real reason the show sustained its quality and fan devotion for over a decade.
