Why Michael Imperioli’s Sopranos Scene Took 12 Takes
Let’s break this down with minimal fuss: Michael Imperioli just admitted why one iconic Sopranos scene needed a whopping 12 takes—and it’s way funnier than you’d expect. In a recent chat with Entertainment Weekly (and later highlighted by the New York Post), the veteran actor—Christopher Moltisanti himself—revealed that a simple sit-down exchange with James Gandolfini kept derailing because of a rogue phone ringtone.
According to Imperioli, they were shooting that tense diner moment in Season 2’s “Funhouse” when an intern’s phone exploded with “That’s Amore” at full volume. Every. Single. Time. You can imagine Tony’s stare turning from menacing to amused when that vintage crooner tune cut the tension. Imperioli said he lost count around take seven, but the crew finally clocked a baker’s dozen whenever the ringtone interruption sent everyone into giggles.
This anecdote was first mentioned in Imperioli’s EW interview and later corroborated by set photos published by People Magazine, which captured cast and crew doubled over behind the counter. Even director John Patterson couldn’t keep a straight face, prompting an impromptu break for everyone to check their silent-mode settings.
Beyond the ringtone fiasco, Imperioli pointed out that moments like these underscore why The Sopranos feels so alive. “We weren’t robots delivering lines,” he told EW. “We were pals messing around over pie and coffee. Sometimes a director yells ‘Action!’ and you get a heart-popping scene. Other times, you get ‘Cut!’ because someone’s phone has more screen time than the camera.” He added that James Gandolfini’s deadpan reaction to the interruptions only amplified the comedy, turning a routine scene into pure on-set gold.
Fans might remember that this wasn’t the only time The Sopranos faced technical bloopers. As Imperioli reminded readers, HBO archivists once confessed that dozens of takes went unused because Gandolfini’s chain necklace clinked too loudly or a prop gun jammed. But none of those stories matched the sheer absurdity of a musical phone tone crashing a mafia sit-down.
So next time you queue up The Sopranos binge, pay extra attention to that diner scene. If Christopher’s eyebrows twitch just as Tony leans in, blame a prankster intern and their questionable ringtone choice.
Anyway, that’s the deal. Do with it what you will.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and Entertainment Weekly, New York Post, People Magazine
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
