Robert Funaro as "Johnny" in "The Irishman. " (Courtesy/Robert Funaro)
Robert Funaro, the Staten Island son known primarily for his roles as Eugene Pontecorvo, a crime family soldier in “The Sopranos,” and Tony Del Greco, a chief enforcer for a New York mob boss in Martin Scorsese’s HBO drama series, “Vinyl,” — and Johnny in Martin Scorsese’s star-studded Netflix film, “The Irishman,” — can also now be seen as Det. Bricker in Season 7 of “Ray Donovan.”
In fact, in the Showtime hit drama TV series, Funaro has a recurring role and completed five episodes where he played Lieutenant Bricker, a commander who turns bad.
“I was introduced in the first episode, ‘Faith, Hope, Love, and Luck,’ said Funaro when he was cast opposite the talented Quincy Tyler Bernstine who portrays Detective Perry.
On the set of "The Irishman," are from left, Paul Herman, who plays the character, "Whispers" and Robert Funaro, who portray "Johnny." (Courtesy/Robert Funaro)
The New Dorp resident explained it involved three decapitated heads that popped up in the Long Island sound — well actually one — and Detective Perry is suspicious and wants to dredge the ocean where one was found.
“I try to dissuade her but in the end agree. Later it’s found out that I'm working with Mayor Ferrati in all this bad doing. Perry brings Donovan in and I’m OK with that. But she cuts a deal with Donovan if he gives up the mayor. Hence, you'll have to watch what happens.”
On the set of "The Irishman," is Robert Funaro at an editing session with Academy Award winning editor, Thelma Schoonmaker. (Courtesy/Robert Funaro)
"THE IRISHMAN"
In speaking of his role in “The Irishman,” where his character's name is Johnny, a trucker teamster friend of Frank Sheeran who’s played by Robert DeNiro, Funaro is the guy who introduces him to the key players at the Friendly Lounge — a hangout in Philadelphia, says he.
“Honestly, I thought casting for Irishman was complete when I was working on ‘The Sinner’ with Chris Abott (Catch 22 HULU) where I played his dad Ron Tanetti also with Jessica Biel,” Funaro added. “On set we have a lot of time between set ups and I asked Chris if he had auditioned for ‘The Irishman.’ He shook his head no. We both didn't get in. But my manager Eric Faber informed me I had a read with an Ellen Lewis and they had begun the initial filming.”
Funaro says he considered himself fortunate to just get in the door, but was aware that Martin Scorsese liked to use the same actors in his films.
“You see I was cast in the HBO series ‘Vinyl.” There is a trust factor between both parties who produce the truth on set . So I landed the role of Johnny who introduces Robert Deniro The Irishman to Skinny Razor, Bobby Carnevale. It was a breakthrough and a dream come true to work on a masterpiece of cinema with Marty in this film and alongside Robert Deniro. And it was a great reunion for Ray, Bobby and me.”
Actor Robert Funaro cast as Lt. Bricker in "Ray Donovan." (Courtesy/Robert Funaro)
"RAY DONOVAN"
And when queried about “Ray Donovan,” Funaro described it as another surprise because they were well into filming when his manager called and informed him that he was to go in and see casting director Meredith Tucker with whom he worked on “The Sopranos.”
“I had a good feeling about it and was told the role of Lieutenant Bricker could possibly recur. There's a comfortability factor in doing good work and I felt my chances were good because I knew Meredith for some time. It proved itself correct at the audition where I took her direction and landed the role without a callback. In fact, Joshua Marston, who’s hit film ‘Maria Full of Grace,” was directing."
Funaro further explained: "To work opposite Quincy Tyler Bernstine (Perry), a new main character on the show was a real pleasure. I think they were looking for someone to antagonize her and not make putting together the strings of an investigation into ‘Ray Donovan’ so easy. Easy PZ lemon squezzee for me.”
And he said it was pretty cool to be associated with the last season and to be given full credit.
“So,” I’m killed just in time.”
Robert Funaro on the set of "Ray Donovan." (Courtesy/Robert Funaro)
UPCOMING PROJECTS
Funaro reveals Jerry Seinfield is doing a Netflix special called “23 Hours to Kill.... a promo he taped up at the Beacon Theatre and confided he was a super person to meet.
“He’s very cordial and professional. And I’m headed to Buffalo to shoot a TV pilot called ‘For Nothing” written by Nick Denmon and Sean Gloria and directed by Steven Quach that also stars Michael Madson of 'Donnie Brasco' fame and Quentin Tarantino’s 'Reservoir Dogs.'"
Funaro continues: “It seems certain like Staten Island American cities are giving out incentives to film in their towns and Buffalo is a rising star. Not the temperature though. I’ll be playing Don Leo Ciancetta Sr. Not a far stretch given my apprenticeship on ‘The Sopranos.’”
Actor Robert Funaro and the late James Gandolfini. (Courtesy/Robert Funaro)
HIS BIG BREAK
FYI: Funaro got his break working with James Gandolfini in a production of “A Streetcar Named Desire” that toured Scandinavia. Funaro played Stanley Kowalski and Gandolfini played Mitch.
Several years later when Funaro was working as a manager of Caroline’s Comedy Club, Manhattan, Gandolfini suddenly walked in looking for him.
“He said there was a role available and that he could get me in the door for the auditions — the rest, he said, was up to me.”
“He’s was a great guy — a terrific man. For him to come back and look for me — I’m really blessed by that.”
"The Sopranos," 2002: Joe Gannascoli, Steven R. Schirripa, Joe Pantoliano, Steven Van Zandt, James Gandolfini, Dan Grimaldi, Federico Castelluccio, Michael Imperioli, Robert Funaro. (Photo by Barry Wetcher bn)
Funaro, who’s been acting professionally for two decades, also appeared in episodes of “Law and Order” and was featured in “Law & Order: Criminal Intent.”
He also appeared in the 2007 film “American Gangster” as Detective McCann and in 2012 in “Whistle Blower,” in an episode in the second season of the CBS show “Blue Bloods” as NYPD Capt. Browne.
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