Steve Schirripa

Date: 2016-04-26 | Duration: 1h 31m

Episode Overview

Steve Schirripa dives into his extensive career in entertainment, sharing vivid stories from his early days in Las Vegas and his rise to fame on shows like *The Sopranos* and *Blue Bloods*. He reflects on the changing landscape of comedy and television, discussing how the industry has evolved, including the challenges comedians face today with shifting cultural sensitivities and the role of writing teams in crafting material. Schirripa also offers insight into his experiences working alongside iconic figures such as James Gandolfini, highlighting the demanding nature of *The Sopranos* set and the camaraderie behind the scenes. The conversation touches on Schirripa’s personal approach to acting, including his use of coaches and his philosophy on authenticity in performance. He recounts humorous anecdotes about auditioning, navigating typecasting, and balancing his blue-collar persona with the demands of Hollywood. Additionally, Schirripa shares candid thoughts on the entertainment business’s intersection with organized crime themes, the evolution of Las Vegas nightlife, and his ventures beyond acting, including his involvement in the food industry. Throughout, his storytelling blends humor and honesty, offering a grounded perspective on life in show business.

About Steve Schirripa

Steve Schirripa is a versatile actor, producer, author, and voice artist, widely recognized for his iconic role as Bobby Baccalieri on the critically acclaimed series *The Sopranos*. With a career spanning over two decades, he has also made notable appearances in films such as *The Irishman* and lent his voice to various animated projects, showcasing his diverse talents. Beyond acting, Schirripa is a passionate storyteller, authoring several books, including *Big Daddy's Rules*, which reflects his humorous and heartfelt approach to parenting. His engaging personality and unique insights into the entertainment industry make him a captivating guest, as showcased in his appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience.

Key Moments

– Las Vegas History
– Mobster Influence
– Comedy Industry
– Transgender Issues
– Acting Career
– Television Production
– New York City Life
– Film Industry
– Stand-up Comedy
– Celebrity Culture
– Comedy Writing
– Acting Coaching
– The Sopranos
– Boxing Films
– Netflix Original Series
– Blue Bloods TV Show
– Italian-American Identity
– Comedy Censorship
– Movie Making Challenges
0:00:00 – Introduction and flip phone joke
0:01:52 – Discussing the demolition of the Riviera Hotel
0:04:25 – Mobster Rickless and construction skimming
0:06:16 – Tom Dreesen opening for Frank Sinatra
0:07:22 – Meeting Sammy Davis Jr.
0:08:16 – Bouncer at wedding to keep FBI out
0:10:03 – Performers like Rich Little and Paul Anka in Vegas
0:14:58 – Friend was a showroom captain during Elvis' Hilton shows
0:19:17 – Comedy censorship and race sensitivity
0:22:52 – Discussion on transgender bathroom issues
0:25:01 – George Carlin's perspective on self-love
0:27:01 – Personal anecdotes about youth and relationships in Vegas
0:28:00 – Role on CBS show Blue Bloods
0:29:30 – New York City's homeless problem and campaign fraud
0:33:04 – Living in New Rochelle for road gigs
0:35:45 – Mention of Al Sharpton and political money
0:38:09 – Remembering late mother and family cooking
0:40:22 – Story about auditioning and movie stardom
0:42:11 – Influence and control in comedy industry
0:44:39 – Career growth and acting success
0:46:44 – Challenges booking comedians weekly
0:49:08 – Workload and dedication on The Sopranos
0:50:23 – Stigma of working with acting coaches
0:51:19 – Chris Rock's writing team for monologues
0:53:03 – Improving comedy with personal voice
0:55:04 – Diversity in music and acting
0:56:34 – Owning restaurants and movie choices
0:58:29 – Film work in Africa
0:59:24 – Playing Jim Morrison in a film
1:01:48 – MMA gloves and autograph stories
1:04:21 – Steve Landesberg's comment and Italian stereotypes
1:06:17 – Backyard movies and low-budget productions
1:08:13 – Turning Brooklyn story into Nickelodeon movie
1:10:34 – Italian-American identity and mob portrayal
1:14:29 – Character death in The Sopranos
1:17:15 – On-set fight scene with co-star
1:21:41 – Running inspired by a movie
1:25:05 – Kevin Spacey's role in Netflix series
1:27:03 – Closing remarks and Blue Bloods experience

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 Boom. We're live. Shutting the laptop. I don't need that. You got a flip phone? Starting point is 00:00:21 Absolutely. That's it. Starting point is 00:00:34 That's what I say. Starting point is 00:00:45 It's good to see you, brother. Starting point is 00:01:06 Yeah, yeah, yeah. Starting point is 00:01:31 Yeah. Starting point is 00:01:52 I got bummed out when I heard they were tearing down the Riviera. Starting point is 00:02:01 Is it completely? Starting point is 00:02:20 And that used to be the female impersonator show. Starting point is 00:02:34 The guy's got to be in his 70s. Starting point is 00:02:48 that kind of thing. Starting point is 00:03:01 One of those guys. Starting point is 00:03:31 fill-in i put sinbad in there really in crazy girls because it was upstairs you know the shows Starting point is 00:04:10 Look, a lot of stuff. Starting point is 00:04:25 But then you had Rickless, who was kind of just a different kind of mobster. Starting point is 00:04:37 So they just found a different way to skim the money, you know, through construction or whatever. Starting point is 00:04:55 So like all the air conditioners, you know what I'm saying? Starting point is 00:05:13 You had Milton Berle, Sid Caesar. Starting point is 00:05:26 And I just, after I was done work, I'd go sit in the back of the room. Starting point is 00:05:44 The guys, the Starting point is 00:06:00 is kind of crooked. Starting point is 00:06:16 Tom Dreesen opened for Sinatra, Starting point is 00:06:30 If they pay me, I'll sing in a phone booth. Starting point is 00:06:44 He started losing a little. Starting point is 00:06:57 Yeah, absolutely. Starting point is 00:07:06 You know, I think whoever the powers may be, I don't know who that was. Starting point is 00:07:22 I saw Sammy Davis, you know? Starting point is 00:07:37 Whoa. Starting point is 00:07:53 He was giving me 20, and I was for years. Starting point is 00:08:16 bouncer at the wedding to make sure fbi didn't...

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Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #791?

Steve Schirripa was the guest on JRE #791. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #791?

On Joe Rogan Experience #791 with Steve Schirripa, topics include Las Vegas History, Mobster Influence, Comedy Industry, and Transgender Issues.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #791?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #791 with Steve Schirripa is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.