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Actor Revives Mobster Persona for Humorous Pet Food Ad
2024-12-24

In a delightful commercial debut on Christmas Day, Steve Schirripa, famous for his role as Bobby Baccalieri in the HBO series The Sopranos, returns to his mobster roots to promote FreshPet. The ad features Schirripa engaging in a card game with friends in a setting reminiscent of the iconic Satriale’s Pork Store from the show. When a disagreement arises over the quality of pet food, Schirripa's character defends FreshPet's superior ingredients, leading to a humorous turn of events that Sopranos fans will find familiar.

A Return to Mobster Charm

Schirripa's portrayal of a modern-day mobster in the FreshPet ad brings back memories of his time on The Sopranos. The commercial showcases him playing cards with friends, mirroring scenes from the series. His dedication to providing high-quality food for his dachshund Willie is evident when he proudly boasts about FreshPet's freshness and real ingredients. This role offers a nostalgic nod to his past while introducing a fresh twist.

For years, Schirripa has been feeding his dachshund Willie with FreshPet, appreciating its natural ingredients and freshness. After receiving the script, he found it an excellent opportunity to revisit his mobster persona. He explains, "It was fun to slip back into that old Sopranos mode after playing a detective for nine years." The ad not only highlights the quality of FreshPet but also brings together a cast of renowned actors, adding to its star power. Schirripa praises the cleverness and humor of the commercial, noting how well everything came together.

The Heartwarming Bond with Pets

Beyond the commercial appeal, Schirripa emphasizes the importance of FreshPet's quality. He stresses that it is not just another canned dog food but fresh, real meat and vegetables, stored right next to human food in the refrigerator. This aspect resonates deeply with him as a pet owner. Schirripa shares his affection for his dachshund Willie, describing the unconditional love pets bring into one's life.

Pets have become an integral part of Schirripa's family. He speaks fondly of Willie, comparing him to a son and sharing moments of joy and laughter brought by the little dachshund. As empty nesters, Schirripa and his wife find comfort and happiness in caring for Willie. The actor reflects on the unique bond between humans and animals, expressing how Willie has enriched their lives. "He's like my son; I worry about him," Schirripa says, highlighting the deep connection and care he has for his furry companion.

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