The Sopranos: Tony Sirico was a True Wiseguy aka Paulie Walnuts

The Sopranos: Tony Sirico was a True Wiseguy aka Paulie Walnuts
The Sopranos Tony Sirico, who played Paulie Walnuts, was born and raised in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, a neighborhood infamous for its ties to the mafia. Surprisingly, Sirico boasts a past marked by twenty-eight arrests, candidly admitting, "The first time I went away to prison, they searched me for a gun - I had three." Why would he bring ANY guns if he knew he was going to prison? He had connections to the Colombo family, one of New York's notorious mafia families. Renowned for his involvement in nightclub heists, he earned the moniker "Junior." That's a funny Coincidence. His time incarcerated even included a stint at Sing Sing prison, definitely no cushy retreat. While serving time, Sirico stumbled upon a live performance by former convicts, sparking his interest in acting. Upon release, he sought out Richie Castellano, also known as Clemenza from 'The Godfather,' who helped him land his debut role in 'Crazy Joe.'

 

 

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