**Iconic Sopranos Star Dominic Chianese Launches Podcast with Son**
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Dominic Chianese, best known for his role as Uncle Junior in HBO’s acclaimed series *The Sopranos*, is set to embark on a new chapter in his storied career. The 95-year-old actor has teamed up with his son, Dominic Chianese Jr., to launch a podcast titled *Dominic & Junior*. This father-son collaboration aims to delve into Chianese’s extensive career while exploring familial connections and experiences in New York City.
Speaking to PEOPLE, Chianese reflected on the significance of this new endeavour, particularly at this stage in his life. “I’m 95 now,” he remarked. “I’ve been thinking a lot about [legacy]… especially since I’m going to be talking to millions of people.” His enduring fame, nearly two decades after *The Sopranos* concluded, still brings him encounters with devoted fans who fondly recall his character’s memorable lines.
Chianese Jr., at 62, is eager for this project. He explained that while his father had taken a hiatus from acting, he wanted to find a way for him to remain engaged. The podcast offers not only a platform for storytelling but also a means to preserve the family’s legacy for future generations. “Documenting these stories is wonderful… My son’s children will be able to watch it,” he added, highlighting the importance of this initiative.
Set to launch on September 1, the podcast will feature conversations that capture not only Chianese’s career but also shared family anecdotes and intimate memories from fellow *Sopranos* cast members. The first episode will focus on Chianese’s life story, exploring how his early artistic influences shaped his career path. He recalls his father’s encouragement to audition for Gilbert and Sullivan, a pivotal moment that cemented his ambitions in performance.
Remarkably, Chianese did not consider acting a viable career until his thirties. Reflecting on his later rise to stardom, he noted that *The Godfather Part II* marked his film debut at age 42, owing much of his success to his connections with industry icons such as Al Pacino. Chianese shared, “I did 25 years of stage before Al Pacino got me into *Godfather*. He really introduced me to all the stage directors and film directors.”
The warm reception of his role as Uncle Junior, which began in the late 1990s, marked a turning point in his life. He candidly recalled the early uncertainty regarding his character’s longevity in the series. “David Chase warned me that Uncle Junior might only be in a couple of episodes,” he said. However, Chase recognised Chianese’s talent, leading to a significant presence throughout the show’s six-season run.
Chianese’s performance brought depth to a character often seen as just a mobster, illustrating Uncle Junior’s complexities, including his passion for music. His work on *The Sopranos* garnered him two Emmy nominations, showcasing his remarkable ability to blend charm with menace. The actor fondly remembers the warmth of his co-star James Gandolfini, describing him as a generous and warm-hearted individual who played a pivotal role in the show’s success.
Since *The Sopranos* concluded in 2007, Chianese has maintained a steady presence in the entertainment world, with notable appearances in series like *Boardwalk Empire*, for which he won a SAG Award as part of an ensemble cast. Recently, he returned to New York City after spending several years in England. The return followed the passing of his wife, Jane Pittson, whom he lovingly described as a “brilliant woman”.
At 95, Chianese continues to keep busy with performances around the city. He cherishes the bustling atmosphere of New York, stating, “I love it because everybody’s always busy… it hasn’t changed.” He engages not only with fans but also with the city’s vibrancy and community spirit.
Through the *Dominic & Junior* podcast, listeners can expect a more personal glimpse into the life of Chianese as he shares insights about his career and legacy. “I want the legacy to be just that people realise art is based on discipline,” he remarked, reinforcing the podcast’s aim to reflect the man behind the character.
The first episode of *Dominic & Junior* is set to premiere on YouTube at 7 p.m. ET, inviting audiences to engage with the life stories of this enduring performer. As father and son navigate this journey together, fans are likely to gain a deeper understanding of Chianese’s remarkable career and the personal experiences that shaped him.