Overview

Michael Imperioli, born on March 26, 1966, is an acclaimed Italian-American actor, director, and writer. He is most famous for his role as Christopher Moltisanti in the HBO crime drama series ‘The Sopranos’ (1999–2007), for which he won a Primetime Emmy Award in 2004. Before ‘The Sopranos,’ Imperioli gained recognition for his role as Spider in Martin Scorsese’s ‘Goodfellas’ (1990). His diverse career includes roles in ‘Lean on Me,’ ‘Jungle Fever,’ and ‘Malcolm X.’ More recently, he has appeared in television programs like ‘Law & Order,’ ‘Life on Mars,’ and ‘Detroit 1-8-7,’ as well as movies such as ‘The Basketball Diaries,’ ‘Summer of Sam,’ ‘Shark Tale,’ and ‘The Lovely Bones.’ Beyond acting, Imperioli has also ventured into podcasting with ‘Talking Sopranos,’ co-hosted with Steve Schirripa, offering behind-the-scenes insights into ‘The Sopranos.’

What Is Michael Imperioli’s Net Worth?

Michael Imperioli, a multifaceted Italian-American actor, director, and television writer, has accumulated a net worth of $20 million. His financial success is primarily attributed to his acting career, particularly his role as Christopher Moltisanti on the acclaimed HBO series “The Sopranos.” Imperioli’s work extends beyond acting, encompassing writing and directing roles that have contributed to his overall wealth.

Early Career and “Goodfellas” Breakthrough

Born on March 26, 1966, in Mount Vernon, New York, Michael Imperioli’s initial forays into acting began with minor roles. His big-screen debut occurred in 1989 with appearances in “Alexa” and “Lean on Me.” However, the turning point in his early career was his portrayal of Spider in Martin Scorsese’s “Goodfellas” in 1990. Although the role was relatively small, it garnered him significant attention and opened doors for future opportunities. This role, where his character meets an untimely end after talking back to Joe Pesci’s character, is still one of the most memorable scenes in movie history.

“The Sopranos” and Emmy Award

Imperioli’s most significant role, Christopher Moltisanti in “The Sopranos,” spanned all six seasons, from 1999 to 2007. His portrayal of the volatile and complex character earned him widespread critical acclaim. He received five Emmy Award nominations and two Golden Globe nominations for his work on the show. In 2004, he won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his performance in the show’s fifth season. In addition to acting, Imperioli also contributed as a writer, penning five episodes of “The Sopranos,” further solidifying his creative input and contribution to the show’s success. The show itself ran for 86 episodes over 6 seasons.

Film Roles Throughout the Years

Following “Goodfellas,” Imperioli secured roles in a string of films throughout the 1990s. He appeared in Spike Lee’s “Jungle Fever,” the crime drama “Fathers & Sons,” and another Spike Lee film, “Malcolm X.” The mid-1990s were a particularly busy period, with Imperioli appearing in a remarkable 19 films between 1994 and 1996. These roles included appearances in “The Addiction,” “Bad Boys,” “Flirt,” “Dead Presidents,” and “The Basketball Diaries.” He also had a role as a detective in Spike Lee’s “Clockers.” Imperioli continued to secure roles in films such as “I Shot Andy Warhol,” Steve Buscemi’s “Trees Lounge,” and “Last Man Standing” with Bruce Willis. He also played a leading role in “Sweet Nothing,” portraying a crack addict opposite Mira Sorvino. At the end of the decade, Imperioli wrote, executive produced, and starred in Spike Lee’s “Summer of Sam,” which explored the 1977 David Berkowitz serial murders in New York City. In the 2000s, Imperioli’s film work included roles in “Auto Motives,” “Love in the Time of Money,” and the biopic “High Roller: The Stu Ungar Story.” In 2004, he lent his voice to the animated film “Shark Tale,” playing the son of a shark mafia boss voiced by Robert De Niro.

Television Work Beyond “The Sopranos”

Beyond “The Sopranos,” Imperioli has maintained a consistent presence on television. Before his iconic role, he appeared in single-episode roles on “NYPD Blue” and “Law & Order.” After “The Sopranos” concluded, he took on the lead role of Detective Ray Carling in the American remake of “Life on Mars” in 2008, which lasted for 17 episodes. In 2010, he starred as Detective Louis Fitch in the ABC police procedural “Detroit 1-8-7,” which ran for 18 episodes. Subsequent television appearances include roles in “Californication,” “Hawaii Five-0,” “Blue Bloods,” and “Alex, Inc.” In 2020, Imperioli was cast as a veteran NYPD detective in the crime series “Lincoln Rhyme: Hunt for the Bone Collector.”

Directorial Debut and Other Ventures

Imperioli expanded his creative endeavors by making his directorial debut in 2009 with the film “Hungry Ghosts,” for which he also wrote the screenplay. This marked a significant step in his career, showcasing his capabilities behind the camera in addition to his acting and writing talents. In 2008, Michael embraced Buddhism, indicating a shift in his personal life. He and his family are also practitioners of Tae Kwon Do, showcasing their commitment to physical fitness and martial arts.

Real Estate Investments

Michael Imperioli’s real estate dealings offer insight into his investment strategies. In 2012, Michael and Victoria acquired a Victorian home in Santa Barbara, built in 1890, for $1.635 million. They sold this property in October 2018 for $1.86 million, after initially listing it in March 2018 for $2.65 million. Prior to this sale, they purchased a home in the same area for $1.525 million, selling it in January 2021 for $1.8 million. Following the sale, the couple relocated to a sublet in New York City after leaving Santa Barbara.

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