Joseph R. Gannascoli (Courtesy Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

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Joseph R. Gannascoli (born February 15, 1959 in Brooklyn, New York) is an American actor most notable for his portrayal of Vito Spatafore on the HBO series, The Sopranos.

Prior to acting, Gannascoli attended St. John's University for two years and majored in communications. He then learned culinary art and opened a restaurant, Soup As Art Restaurant in Brooklyn. He has claimed to be a "world-famous chef" in recent interviews.

As an actor, Gannascoli has appeared in Goodfellas (a major influence on The Sopranos, where Gannascoli played his most famous role), Ed Wood, Blowfish, Mickey Blue Eyes and 976-Wish. Gannascoli's television credits include 30 episodes of The Sopranos in a guest starring capacity and one episode of Law & Order. Prior to the start of Season 6 of The Sopranos, Gannascoli was promoted to series regular. Before appearing as mobster Vito Spatafore in season two, Joseph R. Gannascoli appeared as a pastry shop patron named "Gino" in the season one episode "The Legend of Tennessee Moltisanti".

Gannascoli recently participated in the weight loss reality television program, Celebrity Fit Club and lost over 32 pounds, 10.6% of his body weight. Gannasoli started Fit Club at 302 lbs. and finished the show at 270 lbs. Since leaving the show Joe has gained a significant amount of weight back, weighing in at approximately 285 lbs.

He has recently published a crime novel called A Meal To Die For, loosely based on his life.

Gannascoli is currently married to Diana Gannascoli, and markets his own original brand of marinara sauce. In recent interviews, he described himself as "psychotic," and regularly jokes about his weight.

He was recently a guest on a Philadelphia sports radio talk show. Later during the day, he called the station and argued with Howard Eskin, defending that a Sopranos autograph session was not done for money purposes only.

He currently resides in Long Island, New York

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