It’s no secret that the world of organized crime has been a staple of cinema and television for decades. From Goodfellas (1990), the iconic Martin Scorsese-directed film, to The Sopranos (1999–2007), HBO’s legendary series, mob stories have consistently captivated audiences. These two titles are often compared for their deep dive into the lives of mafia families, their complex characters, and their iconic moments. But here’s a fun fact you might not know: there’s a significant overlap between the actors featured in both Goodfellas and The Sopranos.
While Goodfellas and The Sopranos are separate entities, many actors from the film and the show shared screen time in both projects. With a shared love for gritty mob drama, it’s not surprising that many of these actors found themselves playing roles on both the big screen and TV.
Let’s take a look at 27 actors who appeared in both Goodfellas and The Sopranos, creating a lasting mob crossover that continues to fascinate fans.
1. Tony Sirico
- The Sopranos: Paulie “Walnuts” Gualtieri
- Goodfellas: Tony Stacks
Tony Sirico’s portrayal of Paulie “Walnuts” in The Sopranos made him an unforgettable figure in the world of mob TV. Known for his eccentric behavior and loyalty to Tony Soprano, Paulie became a fan favorite. Interestingly, Sirico also appeared in Goodfellas, though in a smaller role as Tony Stacks. While his role in the film wasn’t as significant as his iconic Sopranos character, Sirico’s mobster persona was already being honed, making him a natural fit for both projects.
2. Frank Pellegrino
- The Sopranos: FBI Agent Michael McLuhan
- Goodfellas: Johnny Dio
Frank Pellegrino was known for playing the tough and methodical FBI agent McLuhan in The Sopranos. However, he also made a memorable appearance in Goodfellas, where he played Johnny Dio, a member of the mob involved in the robbery plot. Pellegrino’s versatility allowed him to seamlessly transition between law enforcement and mafia roles.
3. Michael Imperioli
- The Sopranos: Christopher Moltisanti
- Goodfellas: Spider
Michael Imperioli’s portrayal of Christopher Moltisanti in The Sopranos is one of the most famous roles in the series. His character was a rising star in the mob world, but Imperioli also played Spider in Goodfellas, the unfortunate young man who gets shot by Joe Pesci’s character. While Spider had a much smaller role, Imperioli’s performance helped solidify his career in mob-related roles.
4. Steve Schirripa
- The Sopranos: Bobby “Bacala” Baccalieri
- Goodfellas: No Role
Though Steve Schirripa didn’t have a role in Goodfellas, he is heavily associated with mafia films due to his portrayal of Bobby Bacala in The Sopranos. Schirripa has since become a notable face in the mob genre, and his influence was partly shaped by the impact of Goodfellas on mob-related entertainment.
5. Vincent Pastore
- The Sopranos: Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero
- Goodfellas: No Role
Vincent Pastore’s portrayal of Big Pussy in The Sopranos made him one of the show’s most memorable characters. Though he didn’t appear in Goodfellas, Pastore’s work in mafia films helped define his career, with his role in The Sopranos being heavily influenced by the success of films like Goodfellas.
6. Joe Pesci
- The Sopranos: No Role
- Goodfellas: Tommy DeVito
Joe Pesci’s portrayal of the volatile and violent Tommy DeVito in Goodfellas became an iconic part of his career. While Pesci didn’t appear in The Sopranos, his influence on the series is undeniable. His character in Goodfellas is one of the most famous mobsters in film history, setting a template for many of the violent personalities seen in mafia-themed entertainment, including The Sopranos.
7. Lorraine Bracco
- The Sopranos: Dr. Jennifer Melfi
- Goodfellas: Karen Hill
Lorraine Bracco is perhaps one of the most famous actors to have appeared in both Goodfellas and The Sopranos. In Goodfellas, she played Karen Hill, the long-suffering wife of Henry Hill. In The Sopranos, Bracco portrayed Dr. Jennifer Melfi, the psychiatrist who treats Tony Soprano. Both roles cemented her place in mafia-related media, and her performances in both projects earned her acclaim.
8. Paul Sorvino
- The Sopranos: No Role
- Goodfellas: Paulie Cicero
Paul Sorvino’s performance as Paulie Cicero in Goodfellas remains one of the standout roles in the film. While Sorvino didn’t appear in The Sopranos, his performance in Goodfellas certainly paved the way for mafia roles in TV shows like The Sopranos, where similar characters and power dynamics were explored.
9. Tony Darrow
- The Sopranos: Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero’s associate
- Goodfellas: No Role
Tony Darrow had a few appearances in The Sopranos, typically playing minor characters or associates in the mob. However, his role as an associate of Big Pussy made him a fixture in mob TV. Darrow’s appearances in Goodfellas weren’t as high-profile, but his presence in both franchises helped establish him as a key figure in mob-related media.
10. Alan Rosenberg
- The Sopranos: Judge Melfi’s Husband
- Goodfellas: No Role
Alan Rosenberg played Dr. Jennifer Melfi’s estranged husband in The Sopranos. Though he didn’t appear in Goodfellas, Rosenberg’s role as a secondary character showed how The Sopranos featured many actors who had worked in mafia films but weren’t necessarily major players in the mob world.
11. Robert Iler
- The Sopranos: A.J. Soprano
- Goodfellas: No Role
Robert Iler played A.J. Soprano, Tony’s son, in The Sopranos. Although Iler didn’t appear in Goodfellas, his role in The Sopranos helped shape his career as the son of the central character, adding another layer of family dynamics often seen in mafia movies and TV.
12. John Ventimiglia
- The Sopranos: Artie Bucco
- Goodfellas: No Role
John Ventimiglia’s portrayal of Artie Bucco, the Soprano family’s long-time friend and restaurateur, made him a key part of The Sopranos. Ventimiglia didn’t have a role in Goodfellas, but his work in The Sopranos was influenced by the rich history of mafia characters in films like Goodfellas.
13. Michael Rispoli
- The Sopranos: Jackie Aprile Jr.
- Goodfellas: No Role
Michael Rispoli’s role as Jackie Aprile Jr. in The Sopranos was one of the tragic characters in the series, ultimately meeting a sad end. While he didn’t appear in Goodfellas, Rispoli’s character in The Sopranos was one of the many younger mafia members who were influenced by the older, more established figures seen in Goodfellas.
14. Samuel L. Jackson
- The Sopranos: No Role
- Goodfellas: Stacks Edwards
Samuel L. Jackson made a brief but memorable appearance as Stacks Edwards in Goodfellas, playing a character who ultimately meets a violent end. While Jackson didn’t appear in The Sopranos, his larger-than-life persona made his brief appearance in Goodfellas unforgettable.
15. Nicholas Pileggi
- The Sopranos: No Role
- Goodfellas: Writer/Creator
Nicholas Pileggi, the screenwriter and author, wrote the book Wiseguy that inspired Goodfellas. While Pileggi didn’t have an acting role in The Sopranos, his involvement with Goodfellas contributed to the overall influence that the film had on The Sopranos.
Conclusion: The Mobster Crossover Between Goodfellas and The Sopranos
The mob genre has always been filled with complex characters and incredible performances, and the overlap of actors between Goodfellas and The Sopranos proves just how closely these two titans of crime fiction are linked. Whether in minor or major roles, these actors shaped both the legacy of Goodfellas and the success of The Sopranos, cementing their places as legends in the world of mob drama. As fans continue to enjoy both the film and the series, the connections between these two iconic works will remain a topic of fascination for years to come.
FAQs
Q: Why did so many actors appear in both Goodfellas and The Sopranos?
A: Many actors who appeared in Goodfellas were familiar with the world of organized crime, which was reflected in The Sopranos. The two projects share similar themes and styles, and several actors became staples in mafia-themed media, leading to their appearances in both.
Q: Which actor from Goodfellas had the most significant role in The Sopranos?
A: Tony Sirico, who played Paulie “Walnuts” Gualtieri in The Sopranos, had one of the most significant roles in both works. His portrayal of Paulie was central to the series, and his earlier role as Tony Stacks in Goodfellas showcased his knack for mafia characters.
