Steve Schirripa seems to have earned the unofficial endorsement of the NYPD! The 67-year-old actor from The Sopranos recently shared his experience regarding his role in the CBS crime drama Blue Bloods, which concluded on December 13 after an impressive 14-season run.
Although he was accustomed to portraying tough characters, Steve Schirripa, who became a series regular in Season 6 as Detective Anthony Abetemarco, candidly confessed that he had little knowledge of police procedures when he accepted the part.
According to Steve Schirripa, “Understanding the intricacies of law enforcement techniques, such as how to properly handcuff an individual or display your badge effectively, is essential. James Nuciforo, a skilled technical advisor, provided me with invaluable training in these areas. Additionally, I had to immerse myself in the various terms and jargon used by police officers to truly grasp the profession”.
The effort clearly yielded impressive results, as Steve Schirripa reveals that real police officers approach him on the streets of New York City to express how 1,000% convincing he is in his role, stating they’ve collaborated with individuals just like him.
As per Steve Schirripa, “I felt a genuine sense of joy from that. The authenticity of it all, especially with the presence of seasoned blue-collar officers like Anthony Abetemarco, really stood out to me. He was a remarkable character, wouldn’t you agree?”
Steve Schirripa shared his thoughts on his nearly ten-year journey with the show, revealing that he was originally brought on board for just a one- or two-episode storyline. As per him, “The showrunners approached me after I completed two episodes and asked if I wanted to continue. I eagerly responded, ‘Absolutely’! I decided to stay on, and they crafted some fantastic material for my character.”
Steve applauded the cast, which included Tom Selleck, Bridget Moynahan, Donnie Wahlberg, Will Estes and Len Cariou as the Reagan family. He shares, “The community was incredibly tight-knit, filled with genuinely wonderful individuals. I was an outsider at first, unfamiliar with anyone. It felt odd to enter a space where everyone else was already connected, and I was the newcomer. However, from the very first day, they welcomed me as if I belonged.”
Steve Schirripa revealed that he received an invitation to one of the Sunday dinners hosted by the Reagan family, a tradition the actors maintained throughout the filming.
Steve Reveals, “It was an incredible privilege to be invited to a family dinner on Blue Bloods, and I truly cherished the experience. I had the opportunity to attend once, and it was a memorable occasion. They served Italian cuisine that day, which was delightful. The Reagans enjoyed a wonderful Italian meal together”.
The actor from The Secret Life of the American Teenager revealed that one of his favorite moments on set was when the writers created a part for his cherished dog, Willie, who has recently become a star in a Freshpet commercial.
He was featured in an episode where he received a director’s chair and portrayed an emotional support dog in Episode 11 of the latest season. The treatment he received on set was nothing short of royal. “It was an incredible experience,” Steve shares.
Steve Schirripa expresses his uncertainty about why the series wasn’t renewed, even though the ratings were strong. However, he shares with media channels recently that it was a “fantastic journey” and “truly exceptional in every aspect.”