36 Facts About Michael Imperioli

Early Life and Background

Michael Imperioli, best known for his role as Christopher Moltisanti in "The Sopranos," has a fascinating background that shaped his career. Let's dive into some intriguing facts about his early life.

1. 01Born on March 26, 1966, in Mount Vernon, New York, Michael Imperioli grew up in a family with Italian roots.
2. 02His father, Dan Imperioli, was a bus driver and amateur actor, which sparked Michael's interest in acting.
3. 03Michael attended Sacred Heart High School in Yonkers, New York.
4. 04He later studied at the prestigious Stella Adler Conservatory, where he honed his acting skills.

Career Beginnings

Before becoming a household name, Michael Imperioli had to work his way up in the entertainment industry. Here are some key moments from his early career.

5. 05Michael's first film role was in the 1989 movie "Lean on Me," where he played a small part.
6. 06He appeared in "Goodfellas" (1990) as Spider, a memorable role that showcased his talent.
7. 07Michael worked with director Martin Scorsese again in "The Wolf of Wall Street" (2013).
8. 08He also had a recurring role in the TV series "Law & Order" during the early 1990s.

Breakthrough with "The Sopranos"

Michael Imperioli's career skyrocketed with his role in "The Sopranos." Let's explore some facts about his time on the iconic show.

9. 09Michael played Christopher Moltisanti, a complex character who struggled with addiction and ambition.
10. 10He won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 2004 for his role.
11. 11Michael wrote five episodes of "The Sopranos," showcasing his talent as a writer.
12. 12His character's relationship with Tony Soprano, played by James Gandolfini, was a central plotline.

Other Acting Roles

Beyond "The Sopranos," Michael Imperioli has had a diverse acting career. Here are some notable roles.

13. 13Michael starred in the TV series "Detroit 1-8-7" as Detective Louis Fitch.
14. 14He appeared in the film "Summer of Sam" (1999), directed by Spike Lee.
15. 15Michael had a role in the popular TV series "Hawaii Five-0."
16. 16He voiced the character Frankie in the animated film "Shark Tale" (2004).

Writing and Directing

Michael Imperioli is not just an actor; he has also made significant contributions as a writer and director. Let's look at some of his achievements in this area.

17. 17Michael wrote and directed the film "The Hungry Ghosts" (2009), which explores themes of addiction and redemption.
18. 18He co-wrote the screenplay for "Summer of Sam" with Spike Lee.
19. 19Michael wrote the novel "The Perfume Burned His Eyes," published in 2018.
20. 20He has written several plays, including "Little Blood Brother" and "Displaced."

Personal Life

Michael Imperioli's personal life is just as interesting as his professional career. Here are some facts about his life off-screen.

21. 21Michael married Victoria Chlebowski in 1995, and they have three children together.
22. 22He is a practicing Buddhist and has spoken about how it has influenced his life and work.
23. 23Michael is an avid musician and plays the guitar.
24. 24He co-owns a bar in Chelsea, New York City, called "Ciel Rouge."

Awards and Recognition

Michael Imperioli's talent has not gone unnoticed. Here are some of the awards and recognition he has received throughout his career.

25. 25In addition to his Emmy win, Michael has been nominated for several Screen Actors Guild Awards.
26. 26He received the "Made in NY" Award in 2008 for his contributions to the New York City entertainment industry.
27. 27Michael was honored with the "Best Actor" award at the Taormina Film Fest for his role in "The Hungry Ghosts."
28. 28He was inducted into the Bronx Walk of Fame in 2014.

Fun Facts

Let's end with some fun and lesser-known facts about Michael Imperioli that might surprise you.

29. 29Michael is a huge fan of the New York Knicks and often attends their games.
30. 30He has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do.
31. 31Michael is a vegetarian and has been for many years.
32. 32He appeared in the music video for "Yes We Can," a song inspired by Barack Obama's presidential campaign.
33. 33Michael has a passion for cooking and often shares his recipes on social media.
34. 34He is an advocate for animal rights and supports various animal welfare organizations.
35. 35Michael once worked as a bartender before his acting career took off.
36. 36He has a podcast called "Talking Sopranos," where he discusses episodes of "The Sopranos" with co-star Steve Schirripa.

The Final Curtain Call

Michael Imperioli's career is a tapestry of talent, hard work, and versatility. From his iconic role as Christopher Moltisanti in "The Sopranos" to his work as a writer and director, he's shown a knack for storytelling in many forms. His passion for acting began at a young age, and he has since become a household name, earning accolades and respect in the industry. Beyond the screen, Michael's dedication to his craft and his willingness to explore different creative avenues make him a fascinating figure. Whether you're a long-time fan or just discovering his work, there's no denying the impact he's had on television and film. So next time you watch "The Sopranos" or catch one of his films, you'll have a deeper appreciation for the man behind the characters. Michael Imperioli truly is a multifaceted artist worth celebrating.