John Ventimiglia, the actor who plays "warm and convivial" restaurateur Artie Bucco on the HBO series The Sopranos, was arrested in Brooklyn yesterday on suspicion of drunk driving and cocaine possession.
Ventimiglia was pulled over in his VW Jetta early Monday morning after he swerved out of his lane with his headlights off. The actor had a blood alcohol level of .12, above the legal limit of .08, and "had bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and smelled of booze," according to a police report. He was carrying a small baggie with a white powdery residue that police believe is cocaine.
The actor pleaded not guilty, and was released on his own recognizance today. His lawyer released a statement saying that his client "feels embarrassed and terrible" about the incident.
The character of Artie Bucco is a childhood friend of mob boss Tony Soprano and a perennial emotional wild card. This season, Bucco picked a fight with one of Tony's "made men" after he discovered the mobster was running a credit card scam through his restaurant.
Sopranos actors are often stepping onto the wrong side of the law.
In 2002, Robert Iler, who plays Tony's troubled son A.J., pleaded guilty to robbery charges. He received three years' probation.
In November of 2005, Vincent Pastore, who played "Big Pussy" in the first two years of the show, pleaded guilty to charges of attempted assault on his girlfriend. The actor was sentenced to community service and therapy for anger management.
In December of 2005, police arrested Lillo Brancato, Jr., who had a small role as an aspiring member of Tony's family, on suspicion that he was involved in the murder of a police officer.
This past Sunday, Louis Gross, who plays Tony's muscular bodyguard Perry Annunziata, was arrested on charges he broke into a New York home. Upon his release, Gross acted the part of an accused mobster, telling reporters "I don't know nothing. I'm innocent. I'm always innocent."
Artie? He looks so pure... Well he did beat up Doogie Houser's friend. (Benny)
"Sopranos actors are often stepping onto the wrong side of the law."<br />
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Why didn't they mention that "Paulie" did time in real life? They list AJ, Big Pussy, some faceless- dead wannabe, and the new guy/driver. No Paulie. No love for Paulie. What's new?<br />
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Actually Paulie's been annoying me lately, but the poor guy just wants to be respected. Too bad he doesn't do anything worthy of respect. Remember way back in like season two or so when he killed his mom's friend for her stash of money hidden under the bed? "Help, help!" That was the funniest murder ever on television.
Paulie's the best mob character on the show!<br />
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He's funny as hell and apparently was in the Mafia and not an actor afaik
Talk about getting into a role! Now if we could only get through and have the writers plan something really deadly for Paulie. I hope he gets his.Bonnechance
It's almost too funny to be true. I wish it was the actor who played Paulie I hate that mob character. LOL