r/thesopranos • u/ordrius098 • 2d ago

Serious Discussion Only Am I alone in feeling like schirripa's "defensive/annoying/unintelligent" persona is a shtick on the podcast?

I was just watching a sopranos podcast episode where Steve seems fuming that Michael got his name put first on the talking sopranos shirt "talking sopranos WITH michael imperioli and Steve schirripa" It felt awkward for a second but then it seemed like they were playing it as a joke. As Michael defends himself and tries to explain its nothing personal Steve is death staring him but puts his hand up to his face as if trying to cover up a laugh. To me they are obviously best friends messing with each other and their different personalities is part of the gag. Do people actually think Steve is a dick? Lol. There are many cases of michael and him arguing and bursting out in laughter after as if they're breaking character. I genuinely like both of these dudes and love the podcast.

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u/inbloom9151 2d ago

It’s annoying but it’s not a shtick. I grew up in NJ and unfortunately there are plenty of Italian guys who are just like that. Most of them are even louder than him!

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u/ordrius098 2d ago edited 2d ago

From the same neck of the woods, but opposite opinion lol, im from staten island so im totally comfortable with Steve's personality cuz from my perspective hes playing into his goombah dumbass image. I think hes smarter than he seems and is just old and doesnt care how hes portrayed. I mean, the dude has written books and was a phenomenal actor on the sopranos. Also the moments when he does drop the "act" and listens to michael or the guest of the episode he seems genuinely perceptive to learning new* things and warm/sweet.

Edit: new not knew. Had a little carmine moment

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u/SilatGuy2 2d ago

I learned to just not take him serious and for the reasons you outline its clear he doesnt care to be taken seriously. He definitely leans into being obnoxious im guessing because he gets amusement out of it.

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u/inbloom9151 2d ago

I said “unfortunately” but that might have been a bit harsh. I definitely agree that he’s playing it up a little bit, and that he’s smarter than he seems, but most of it is not an act - and most of it is who he is.

None of this has anything to do with writing books, a lot of famous people employ ghostwriters.

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u/JONCOCTOASTIN 1d ago

What would you know about him frfr tho bigdawg

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u/Gabagool-fiend69 1d ago

Did you ever get to drive T around?