Sopranos, Godfather, and Hollywood Talent Sign Letters of Intent for My Buddy from Brooklyn

WHIPPANY, NEW JERSEY — April 2026

Film producer Jay Shapiro announced today that a distinguished group of actors from The Sopranos, The Godfather, Life is Beautiful, and other notable productions have signed Letters of Intent (LOIs) to appear in the upcoming crime-drama motion picture My Buddy from Brooklyn, following a successful appearance at the Chill Out NJ Expo held April 2–4, 2026 at the Hanover Marriott in Whippany, New Jersey.

The post-event announcement marks a major milestone for the film as Shapiro continues building early talent attachments to strengthen the project’s development and market positioning.

Sopranos Talent Signs On

Several actors known for their roles in The Sopranos signed Letters of Intent, including:

Robert Funaro
Gene Pontecorvo – The Sopranos
Johnny Hard Knox – The Irishman
Detective McCann – American Gangster
Philly Panzaretti – Law & Order

Artie Pasquale
Burt Gervasi – The Sopranos
Venetti – MobKing

Katalin Pota
Lilliana Wosilius – The Sopranos
Mrs. Vinnie Spano – A Brooklyn State of Mind

Dan Grimaldi
Patsy Parisi – The Sopranos
Blue Bloods
Law & Order

Dominic Chianese
Uncle Junior – The Sopranos
Johnny Ola – The Godfather Part II
Wortzik – Dog Day Afternoon
George Mallick – Kojak
Joe Armone – Gotti
Whitlock – Boardwalk Empire
Judge Marx – The Good Wife

Godfather Legacy Talent Joins Project

Actors connected to The Godfather franchise also signed Letters of Intent:

John Martino
Paulie Gatto – The Godfather
Tony Amatto – Capone
Eddie Martin – Dillinger
DeGrazio – This Thing of Ours

Martino, born in Brooklyn, is also the nephew of legendary organized crime figure Lucky Luciano, further adding authenticity to the film’s New York underworld backdrop.

Virginia Befumo
Sonny Corleone’s Daughter – The Godfather

Theresa Befumo
Vito Corleone’s Granddaughter – The Godfather

International Film Talent Signs

Giorgio Cantarini
Giosuè Orefice – Life is Beautiful
Giorgio Lamborghini – Lamborghini
Maximus’ Son – Gladiator

Cantarini’s addition brings international prestige and global appeal to the growing cast.

Growing Up Italian Star Signs

Joseph Pepe (Big Joe Gambino)
Big Joe Gambino – Growing Up Italian

Queens native Big Joe Gambino has performed alongside industry legends including Chazz Palminteri, Armand Assante, and William DeMeo. With millions of followers across social media platforms, Gambino brings a powerful fan base and rising popularity to the project.

Building Momentum

“The response at the Chill Out NJ Expo was extraordinary,” said producer Jay Shapiro. “These actors understand the authenticity of New York storytelling, and their interest in My Buddy from Brooklyn confirms the strength of the script and the story.”

Early talent attachment is widely recognized in the film industry as a key step in strengthening a film’s value with studios, investors, and distribution partners. The signing of multiple Letters of Intent signals growing industry confidence in the project.

Shapiro indicated that additional announcements may follow as discussions continue with other actors and industry professionals who expressed interest during the event.

“This is just the beginning,” Shapiro added. “We’re assembling an incredible group of talent that reflects the authenticity, grit, and character of New York during this remarkable era.”