Actor Michael Imperioli gained recognition for his performance as Christopher Moltisanti in the HBO crime drama The Sopranos. Imperioli won several accolades and acclaim for his role. However, before his most popular role, the actor worked with filmmaker Martin Scorsese on the acclaimed 1990 mob movie Goodfellas.
During an interview, Imperioli reflected on the film, discussing his experience of working with Scorsese. At the same time, Imperioli also spoke about insisting on performing a stunt in the movie himself. However, the decision proved to be extremely wrong as the actor had to be hospitalized after the stunt went awry. Here is what Imperioli said about his time on Goodfellas.
Michael Imperioli Recalled How a Stunt on Goodfellas Set Landed Him in the Hospital
Michael Imperioli played the role of Spider in the 1990 mob drama film Goodfellas, directed by Martin Scorsese. The film starred Robert De Niro in the lead role, along with heavyweights such as Ray Liotta and Joe Pesci.
During a conversation with CNN’s Chris Wallace, Imperioli discussed his experience working alongside several legendary actors in the film, especially at the start of his career. At the same time, Imperioli also reflected on his injury while filming Goodfellas.
I’m supposed to go flying back into the bar and hit the ground with three bullet holes.
Imperioli made the above statement about the scene where he is shot and killed by Pesci’s character but refused to use a stunt double. As a result, the actor was injured and had to be rushed to the hospital. However, after seeing the fake bullet holes and blood on him the hospital staff was shocked.
Three bullet holes in my chest and it’s Queens, New York. They think I’m about to die.
Imperioli used the above words to describe the situation in the hospital adding that the hospital staff thought he was delirious.
While the actor tried to explain that he wasn’t actually shot, the hospital staff did not listen to him, resulting in an embarrassing situation. However, the staff eventually realized that Imperioli did not have any bullet wounds and had simply cut his fingers. He was eventually patched up and sent back to the set.
Michael Imperioli Talked Working With Goodfellas Director Martin Scorsese
During the same interview, Imperioli also spoke about getting the opportunity to work with a legend like Martin Scorsese at the very start of his career. The actor praised Scorsese and admitted that despite being a novice, Scorsese went out of his way to comfort him.
From the moment I met him, the moment I got there, he made me feel like I belong there.
Imperioli made the above statement, highlighting how Scorsese made the process easier for him, especially as a newcomer in the industry.
Furthermore, The Sopranos star also revealed that Scorsese gave him and other actors freedom to improvise on the sets, making the overall experience extremely gratifying. Imperioli added that Scorsese allowing his actors to improvise was a testament to the director’s trust in their talent, which enabled everyone to give their best.
