Dominic Chianese, 95, Launches 'Dominic & Junior' Podcast With Son

Q: At 95, what untold Hollywood secrets is this Sopranos legend finally ready to reveal on his new podcast?

At this stage, Dominic Chianese does not appear to be promising scandalous “Hollywood secrets” so much as intimate, previously untold stories from a 50-plus-year career. “Dominic & Junior,” launched Sept. 1 with his son Dominic Chianese Jr., is framed as a legacy project: a place to preserve family history, revisit his path through New York theater, film and television, and reflect on what he has learned. What he is ready to reveal are behind-the-scenes memories tied to major milestones, including how Al Pacino helped open doors for him after 25 years on stage, leading to his first film work in *The Godfather*. Chianese has also signaled that the podcast will explore his long road in Hollywood, the discipline behind acting, and personal reflections on aging, success and career turning points. He has said *The Sopranos* was the first time he earned significant money as an actor, suggesting the show may offer a candid lens on the economics of a working performer’s life. The early episodes are expected to center on Chianese’s own experiences rather than bombshell revelations. Over time, the show plans to bring in *Sopranos* castmates, which could add fresh stories from that era as well as from projects such as *Boardwalk Empire*, *All the President’s Men* and *The Godfather Part II*. So far, the draw is not exposé journalism. It is the chance to hear a 95-year-old screen veteran finally document the stories, craft lessons and personal memories he never fully put on record.

Q: How did a chance connection with Al Pacino completely alter the trajectory of Dominic Chianese's acting career?

A chance friendship with Al Pacino opened the door that moved Dominic Chianese from decades of stage work into major film and television roles. Chianese has said he spent about 25 years in theater and was already 42 when *The Godfather* became his first film. According to his own account, Pacino was the key figure who “got me into *Godfather*” and then introduced him to important stage and film directors. Chianese has described Pacino as “my godfather” because of how much he helped connect him to opportunities. That relationship did more than land a single part. It led to Chianese appearing alongside Pacino in prominent projects including *The Godfather Part II* and *Dog Day Afternoon*, helping establish him in screen acting after a long apprenticeship onstage. Those credits gave him visibility in Hollywood and helped set the foundation for the later career that would eventually include *The Sopranos*, the role that made him widely famous. So the turning point was not simply meeting a famous actor; it was that Pacino became a professional bridge, introducing Chianese to influential filmmakers and helping convert a veteran stage performer into a recognized screen actor.

Q: What kept this iconic actor from making significant money until his legendary role as Junior Soprano?

Dominic Chianese has said he did not make significant money in acting until *The Sopranos* because, for much of his long career, he was working steadily but mostly in smaller or supporting roles rather than a major, high-paying lead television part. Before playing Junior Soprano, Chianese had built a respected résumé over decades in film, television and theater, including *The Godfather Part II*, *All the President’s Men* and stage work connected to artists such as Al Pacino. But those jobs did not bring the kind of sustained financial rewards that came with a central role on a hit HBO series. Biographical material also shows that earlier in life he supplemented his ambitions with other work, including construction jobs with his bricklayer father while studying at night. That underscores how long it took for his acting career to become financially secure. By Chianese’s own reflection, *The Sopranos* was the turning point: it was the first time acting brought him substantial earnings, thanks to the visibility, longevity and premium-TV success of his role as Corrado “Junior” Soprano.

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 3

Sept. 1 marked the debut of "Dominic & Junior," a new podcast pairing 95-year-old "Sopranos" actor Dominic Chianese with his son, Dominic Jr.
Chianese told People the show is driven by thoughts about legacy, saying he was initially uneasy about speaking to millions as he reflects on a Hollywood career spanning more than 50 years.
His career retrospective is expected to revisit his best-known role as Corrado "Junior" Soprano, along with credits including "The Godfather Part II" and "Boardwalk Empire."
The launch extends a broader "Sopranos" podcast afterlife: Steve Schirripa and Michael Imperioli hosted "Talking Sopranos," while Jamie-Lynn Sigler and Robert Iler also run a series.