Las Vegas — At the premiere of The Wizard of Oz at the Sphere, actor Steve Schirripa — best known for playing Bobby “Bacala” Baccalieri on The Sopranos — took a moment to look back on his journey in Hollywood and the impact of one of television’s most iconic series.
Joining the cast in season two, Schirripa quickly became a fan favorite on the HBO drama. Reflecting on his time with the show, he said being part of The Sopranos felt like “winning the lottery twice.” While he went on to enjoy long-running roles on Blue Bloods and other projects, nothing has rivaled the cultural weight and personal meaning of The Sopranos.
At the premiere, Schirripa shared a warm reunion with former co-star Edie Falco, who played Carmela Soprano. He explained that he still keeps in close contact with Falco and Michael Imperioli, highlighting the enduring friendships built during the series despite the cast now leading separate lives.
Though born and raised in Brooklyn, Schirripa has always had a soft spot for Las Vegas, where he spent years building both personal and professional memories. For him, the city represents a place where career milestones and personal joys often intersect.
When asked about his biggest achievement, Schirripa didn’t hesitate: it wasn’t the fame or the roles, but the balance he’s been able to strike between family and work. “I feel like I’ve lived the dream,” he said. “A wonderful family, a steady career, and 26 years of being able to provide for them. That’s everything to me.”
