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Vogue
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue
From the Archives: Robert De Niro's Directorial Debut
'De Niro Direct,' by Julia Reed, was originally published in the September 1993 issue of Vogue. For more of the best from Vogue's archive, sign up for our Nostalgia newsletter here. Robert De Niro is in a sound booth at Forty-ninth and Broadway with Lillo Brancato, the sixteen-year-old star of his new movie, and they are looping lines. Which is to say that Lillo is repeating lines he has already said when they were actually shooting the film, but he is saying them clearer this time, better, more like De Niro wants them. De Niro is pacing around drinking coffee (double espresso with five sugars), tearing bread off a baguette left over from lunch (a meal he almost never eats), and he does not take his eyes off the scene on the screen in front of him or his actor, who has spent the morning beeping himself on his brand-new beeper and who has informed me that "there's nothing better than going out at night and coming back home when the sun is coming up." The movie, A Bronx Tale, is a charming coming-of-age story about a boy (Lillo) torn between the influence of his hardworking father, a bus driver played by De Niro, and Sonny, a glamorous mobster played by Chazz Palminteri, who also wrote the film. It is De Niro's directorial debut and Lillo's acting debut—unless you count the fact that he has spent his entire life doing De Niro imitations, stuffing orange peels in his mouth to do Jake LaMotta because he didn't have a mouthpiece, growing his hair out and slicking it back to do Cape Fear's Max Cady. A year ago he was a kid hanging out on Jones Beach. Now he's a movie star having trouble paying attention. "Fight the medication, Lillo," De Niro says, grinning. "I'm gonna get you some other stuff. Ritalin. It'll focus your attention." He is joking, of course, but I suggest to the sound tech that maybe Ritalin is responsible for De Niro's own almost superhuman focus. "Nah," says the sound man: "Bob's on espresso." He needs it. So far he has spent $21 million on this movie, originally a one-man show by Palminteri, an actor who was having trouble getting parts so he wrote eighteen for himself in one sitting. De Niro saw the play in Los Angeles on the advice of his trainer and took a flier—Palminteri had gotten seven-figure offers for his script, but only De Niro would guarantee him the role of Sonny. "The thing I'll tell you about Bob De Niro," says Palminteri, "is that he is a real man. In my neighborhood, we'd say Bob is a stand-up guy. When he gives you his word, that's it, period. He looked me in the eye and said, 'You will play the part of Sonny and no one else will touch the script.' And that's what happened."
The National
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
One Last Thing: Chazz Palminteri watches Succession clips on YouTube and loves the smell of fireworks
You may not know his name, but we bet you know Chazz Palminteri's face. The Academy Award-nominated Italian-American actor and restaurateur has popped up everywhere from The Usual Suspects to Modern Family – and some of the most beloved American crime movies ever made. Perhaps his best-known work is also his most personal – A Bronx Tale. While the film marked the directorial debut of Robert De Niro, it was Palminteri's baby. It began as a one-man show, in which he played 18 roles, and still does to this day as it tours the world. The show has become such as a massive hit that it even spawned a successful Broadway musical. And while he may spend most of his time at age 73 in the New York City restaurants that bear his name, Palminteri has still got a few tricks up his sleeve. We sat down with the popular actor after his latest film, Mild Mild West, had its premiere in Dubai in April. Produced entirely by the crypto platform OKX, the Western follows characters as they navigate what true freedom means in the 'wild west' of the digital age. What is your favourite time of day and why? Mornings. I have a specific routine that I follow – pray, cold shower, red light therapy, workout, green tea and then write for a few hours. What is your favourite restaurant anywhere in the world? My own. Chazz Palminteri's Italian restaurant, located at 30 West 46th Street, New York. The food is always spectacular and I can get whatever I want, even if it's not on the menu. When my grandmother died, and I saw my father cry for the first time. What do you want to be when you grow up? What I am now. Actor, writer, director, entrepreneur. Your favourite book? The Bible. What type of music can't you stand? I love all music if it's good. What puts you in a bad mood? Rude people. What can you not live without? My family. Dream dinner guests? Jesus, Machiavelli, Michelangelo, Rudolf Steiner. Sitting on the sofa or out with friends? Out with friends. What smell takes you straight back to childhood? The smell of fireworks being blown up. Takes me back to Fourth of July in the Bronx. Do you have any hidden talents? I love the human mind and I think I would've been a great psychologist. I have a way of seeing through people and what they need. I am very clear about getting right to the point. What food takes you back to childhood? Eating pizza. Which city do you love but would hate to live in? Las Vegas. Too hot to live there. Can you play a musical instrument? No. Have you ever been on a motorcycle? Once. I was 18 years old and my friend was a great rider. I told him I want to go 100 miles an hour on a motorcycle. He said get on. I hopped on the back, we hit 100 and I told him to slow down. I never went on a motorcycle again, but I fulfilled my wish. Any words to live by? The saddest thing in life is wasted talent. Biggest pet peeve? Cold food that is supposed to be hot. Do you believe in aliens? Yes. What is your favourite Arabic word? Salaam. The most niche thing you watch on YouTube? Succession. How do you take your tea? With oat milk. What makes you cry? My children. What do social algorithms think you're interested in? Guns and Class B RVs [editor's note: recreational vehicles]. TikTok or Instagram? Instagram. What is it about you that would surprise people? I'm very spiritual and religious.
Fox News
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Case Review: Chazz Palminteri On What Mafia Films Get Wrong
Emily revisits her conversation with famed actor and writer Chazz Palminteri as they discuss how his real-life encounters with the mafia led him to become an actor. Chazz describes his childhood amidst neighborhood mob violence and how it inspired him to create the film, A Bronx Tale . Later, he looks back at how the mob is portrayed in movies, and discusses what Hollywood gets right and wrong about how it portrays the mafia. Follow Emily on Instagram: @realemilycompagno If you have a story or topic we should feature on the FOX True Crime Podcast, send us an email at: truecrimepodcast@ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Chazz Palminteri & Robert Davi To Star Alongside Their Sons In Crime Thriller ‘Bad News on the Doorstep'
EXCLUSIVE: Chazz Palminteri (A Bronx Tale) and Robert Davi (License to Kill) have signed on to star in the upcoming mafia crime thriller Bad News on the Doorstep. Their sons, Dante Palminteri (Rocky's) and Nick Davi (Paper Empire) will play the lead roles in the pic. Principal photography recently wrapped in Rhode Island. Produced by Verdi Productions (Bleed for This) and directed by Tom DeNucci (Vault), Bad News at the Doorstep is described as a poignant coming-of-age narrative chronicling the lives of Frank and Gino, two Italian-American high-school football prodigies amidst the gritty backdrop of late 1950s New Jersey. Beyond the gridiron, they confront a myriad of trials, from the complexities of post-football existence to the allure of delving into the underworld of organized crime. As they traverse this tumultuous landscape, they glean invaluable insights and grapple with profound life lessons, shaping their destinies in unexpected ways. More from Deadline Robert De Niro, Chazz Palminteri Take The Stage At 'A Bronx Tale' 30th Reunion - Tribeca Festival 'Gemini Lounge': Lucy Hale, Ashley Greene Among New Additions To Crime Thriller From 'Rush Hour' Producer Arthur Sarkissian Chazz Palminteri, Vincent Pastore & Tony Darrow Board 'Gravesend' Season 2 Chazz Palminteri and Robert Davi have been cast as the mafia kingpins 'Sneaks' and 'Two Tones'. Dante Palminteri and Nick Davi will be playing 'Frank' and 'Gino', best friends who must choose whether to pursue college football or join Two Tones in the alluring gangster lifestyle. Chad A. Verdi (The Irishman) is producing, along with Michelle Verdi, Chad Verdi Jr., Paul Luba, and Sera Verdi. Executive Producers are Peter Watzka, Dan Autiello, Joe Cervasio, John T. Callaghan, Anthony Gudas, Peter Baccile, Tom Bernardo, Vito Cucci, Joey Maurillo, and Barry Maurillo. DeNucci and Cervasio penned the screenplay, based on a novel by Cervasio. 'This project has been in development with Chazz and Dante for over a year, who were both immediately attracted to Joe's semi-autobiographical story and Tom's screenplay,' Chad A. Verdi, President of Verdi Productions, said in a statement. 'Once set in motion, we soon brought on Robert and his son Nick to round out the lead cast. It's been an exhilarating experience watching different generations of talent together on screen. Being an Italian movie, this project is truly a family affair.' Best of Deadline Every 'The Voice' Winner Since Season 1, Including 9 Team Blake Champions Everything We Know About 'Jurassic World: Rebirth' So Far 'Nine Perfect Strangers' Season 2 Release Schedule: When Do New Episodes Come Out?
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Bubba Ray Dudley Uses ‘A Bronx Tale' To Assess BJ Ray's Chances Of Winning WWE LFG
Bubba Ray Dudley, coach of WWE LFG, shared his perspective on BJ Ray's chances of winning the show, despite their tough relationship. From the start of the show, Bubba Ray Dudley has often clashed with his student BJ Ray. However, despite the tension, Dudley chose to mentor him. Ray has also become a controversial figure, as The Undertaker and Dudley shut him down during a promo class episode. Advertisement This past weekend at WWE World, Bully Ray discussed his current relationship as teacher and student with BJ Ray. Ray referenced A Bronx Tale, sharing his personal experience, and quoted Chazz Palminteri's line about wasted talent. 'I'm going to lay out, I'm going to let LFG do the talking. Here's what I will say: You heard, you saw the clip, you listened to the clip. I put BJ over, I spoke highly of him despite him being his own worst enemy. I put him over. Whatever happens to BJ will be on BJ.' 'He is the… And she's shaking her head. Why are you shaking your head, Danny? Why are you shaking? I'm going to call you out. Why are you shaking your head? Because you agree, and I'm sure every coach agrees, and I'm sure every other BJ will succeed because of BJ, or BJ will fail because of BJ. Have you ever seen a movie called A Bronx Tale. You guys see A Bronx Tale? What does Chazz Palminteri say to a young Calogero? The saddest thing in the world is wasted talent. Especially in our business. Will BJ be wasted talent? Watch the rest of LFG.' Just in case he's wondering… Mickey Mantle isn't going to pay your rent, either, BJ. Bubba Ray Dudley rips WWE LFG talent for going into business for himself On the April 13th edition of WWE LFG, an episode saw a heated moment between Bubba Ray Dudley and BJ Ray. The episode showed Bubba Ray Dudley absolutely ripping into BJ Ray for, as the Hall of Famer put it, 'putting every person in the ring in jeopardy.' He was seen stating, 'That is beyond the worst thing I've ever seen. You put everybody in jeopardy tonight.' Advertisement About the context, BJ Ray was involved in a tag team match on the latest WWE LFG. He was supposed to make the tag in the match. However, the rookie got into business for himself by not going for the tag, seemingly messing with the script and causing Bubba to absolutely lose it after the match. The post Bubba Ray Dudley Uses 'A Bronx Tale' To Assess BJ Ray's Chances Of Winning WWE LFG appeared first on Wrestlezone.
