By Mary Malloy
"I have been convalescing from double hip-replacement surgery," said Gannascoli, "but I am doing book signings (his book "A Meal to Die For: A Culinary Novel of Crime," written with Allen C. Kupfer, touted as a 'culinary novel of crime.') -- and a I am about to close a deal on an independent movie out in Los Angeles."
He said not much else is going on - except - and he has a lot of exceptions - his idea for a sports-cooking show, two of his passions. "I was a chef for many years, and I'd like to have athletes on, talk about what they remember eating, cook up some meals, show some clips..."
Gannascoli came onto the Sopranos scene as a character named Gino in a bakery scene during the first season of the Sopranos. "They liked me, so they brought me back as Vito," said Gannascoli.
According to Gannascoli, Vito could have been a background character with just a few lines per episode, until a book that he was reading gave him an idea that put a whole new light on the character.
"I was reading 'Murder Machine' by Jerry Capeci, and they had a member of [Mafia executioner] Roy DeMeo's crew who was openly gay," said Gannascoli.
"I suggested to the writers that we make Vito gay. Nothing came of it at first, but then they came back to me and we went with it."
His demise on the show has only opened up other doors for him. "I think it was good way for me to end the show - I knew from the beginning that eventually it would come to this in the end - but it was a good run."
Gannascoli, a long-time Brooklyn resident, moved to East Rockaway last year after marrying Diana Benincasa, of Lynbrook. "I thought I would miss Brooklyn, but I really love it out here," he said. "I love being on Long Island."
He is still a very busy man, making public appearances, and doing charity work. This is a man with a plan. Or two.
Mike Schnitzel contributed to this story. Comments about this story? Mmalloy@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000, ext. 202.
Photos Courtesy www.josephrgannascoli.com
