Dominic Chianese — perhaps best known for his role as Corrado “Junior” Soprano on the hit HBO series — announced that he is launching his own podcast.
The 95-year-old actor and his son, Dominic Chianese Jr., 62, kicked off their podcast, aptly titled Dominic & Junior, on Tuesday, September 1. The video podcast will
“To be honest with you, I was a little frightened because I thought millions of people are going to hear what’s coming out of my mouth. That’s serious stuff,” he told People. “And [my son] said, ‘Don’t worry, Pop, everything’s okay.’ But he’s got a fresh head and he loves to talk.”
The Chianese duo plan to invite fellow Sopranos’ costars to appear on their podcast for later episodes, but will focus on stories from Chianese Sr.’s career to start.
“[The] Godfather was my first film, and I was already 42 years old by that time,” he said. “I did 25 years of stage before Al Pacino got me into Godfather. He was my godfather, Al, he produced with everybody. He really introduced [me to] all the stage directors and film directors. I owe a lot to Al.”
Chianese Jr. is proud to be able to share his father’s life story with fans, telling People, “The thing is, I’ve heard these stories.”
“But documenting them is wonderful just because I know it’s there for posterity, and somewhat of a legacy,” he added. “My son’s children will be able to watch it. That’s what I think is the most rewarding part of it.”
In addition to Sopranos and The Godfather Part II, Chianese Sr. starred in Boardwalk Empire as Leander Whitlock and All the President’s Men as Eugenio R. Martinez, to name a few.
“I had a wonderful career, but I’m happy now,” he said. “I’m 95 now. I’ve been thinking a lot about [legacy], especially since I’m going to be talking to millions of people, who are going to hear what I’m saying. I want the legacy to be just that people realize art is based on discipline, and that’s very important.”
The first episode of Dominic & Junior premiered on September 1 on YouTube.