Few shows have captivated audiences and left as enduring a mark as HBO’s The Sopranos. This groundbreaking series took viewers inside the personal and professional life of mob boss Tony Soprano, blending the dangerous allure of organized crime with dark humor and complex, relatable characters. Though much of The Sopranos’ success was due to its strong scripts and direction, the cast’s behind-the-scenes stories reveal another side of the show’s appeal—moments of spontaneous humor and camaraderie that kept things light amid intense scenes. Recently, Vic Martino, a recurring actor on the show, shared one particularly hilarious story about an encounter with a stripper during filming. This unforgettable tale offers fans a rare glimpse into the levity that made working on The Sopranos just as entertaining as watching it.
Vic Martino’s Role in The Sopranos*
Vic Martino played an assortment of characters across several episodes of The Sopranos, notably appearing as minor associates and “background” figures within Tony’s world. While his roles were small, Martino’s portrayal was essential in crafting the rich, lived-in world of the series, where every character, no matter how minor, seemed to carry a history and an undeniable presence. Martino’s contributions added texture to the show’s depiction of mob life, and his work allowed the major characters to shine even more. However, his behind-the-scenes antics, as this story illustrates, were just as memorable for cast and crew.
The Stripper Story: Setting the Scene
In a recent interview, Martino recounted a story involving a scene that was set in one of The Sopranos’ signature locations: the infamous Bada Bing strip club. As an establishment frequented by Tony and his associates, the Bada Bing was central to many memorable scenes and countless bits of mobster humor. During one particular shoot at the club, Martino found himself face-to-face with a stripper, but things didn’t go quite as planned.
Martino explained that the scene called for him to be deep in conversation while a stripper danced nearby, setting the tone for a lively mob discussion. He described how, initially, he was focused on his lines and the seriousness of the scene. But as filming progressed, the stripper, improvising with her role, attempted to break Martino’s focus, repeatedly trying to make him laugh as she danced more and more provocatively in front of him. Despite his best efforts to remain composed, Martino couldn’t help but crack, leading to an unforgettable—and unusable—take.
The Laugh That Took Over the Set
According to Martino, the unexpected humor of the moment quickly spread throughout the set. Crew members, struggling to contain their laughter, turned away to avoid being caught on camera chuckling. Even the director couldn’t resist breaking into laughter as Martino tried to regain his composure. Eventually, it was decided that the scene had to be reset, with both the stripper and Martino encouraged to “tone it down” just enough to keep it within The Sopranos’ signature mix of grit and humor.
Martino explained that this wasn’t the only time that the Bada Bing club brought out some of the funniest moments on set. “We couldn’t get through it without laughing,” he remarked, “because every time, something unexpected would happen. The dancers had a way of throwing you off that kept you on your toes.” Martino’s memory of this moment speaks to the underlying humor that permeated the set of The Sopranos, even in its grimmest scenes.
The Importance of Humor Behind the Scenes
In a show as intense as The Sopranos, it’s no surprise that moments of levity were crucial to maintaining morale. The cast and crew were constantly dealing with heavy material, often navigating themes of violence, betrayal, and familial conflict. Martino’s story is a reminder that, even in the darkest shows, humor can serve as a vital release. The hilarious moments helped build camaraderie among the cast, enabling them to face the next take with renewed focus.
Martino mentioned that these lighter behind-the-scenes moments contributed to the show’s authentic chemistry. In his words, “When you’re dealing with the kinds of things The Sopranos was, you need those laughs. They were as important as any line in the script.”
The Legacy of The Sopranos: More Than Just the Mob
As fans know, The Sopranos was more than just a mob show. It was a character study, an exploration of human nature, and a dissection of modern family life. But behind the artistry of the show was a dedicated group of actors, directors, and crew members who were just as committed to making each other laugh as they were to perfecting their scenes. Martino’s story about the stripper is a humorous reminder of this balance. It highlights the unique environment that gave rise to one of television’s greatest series.
Conclusion: A Story to Remember
Martino’s hilarious stripper story from The Sopranos set may not have made it into the final cut of the show, but it lives on as a beloved anecdote, illustrating how even the most intense scenes were fueled by humor and human connection. For fans, these behind-the-scenes stories add another layer to the show’s legacy, creating a fuller picture of what it was like to be part of such a groundbreaking production.
In sharing his memories, Martino reminds us that the magic of The Sopranos was as much about the people who made it as it was about the characters on screen. And for anyone who has enjoyed the show’s blend of grit and humor, these stories are a testament to the energy and camaraderie that brought this iconic series to life.
