Ray Liotta & Michela De Rossi Interview: The Many Saints of Newark

Ray Liotta and Michela De Rossi star in The Many Saints of Newark. The Sopranos prequel film tells the story of how young Tony Soprano (Michael Gandolfini) was shaped into the violent gangster of the hit HBO series under the tutelage of his uncle Dickie Moltisanti (Alessandro Nivola). Liotta plays Aldo “Hollywood Dick”, Dickie’s father, while De Rossi plays Aldo’s young wife Giuseppina. The Many Saints of Newark will be available in theaters and HBO Max on October 1.

Screen Rant spoke to Ray Liotta and Michela De Rossi about their roles, how it feels to take on the iconic TV show universe, and learning a new language for The Many Saints of Newark.

Ray, I’m curious what being a part of this is like for you? Because I read you turned down Sopranos the series two separate times. Is that accurate? And what was it about this prequel that made you say yes?

Ray Liotta: No, I never was offered anything in it. David Chase wanted me to do something in season 3 or 4, but it didn’t work out. I have watched some of The Sopranos – not all of it. But the good thing about this movie is you don’t have to watch the series in order to appreciate the movie. 

Michela, joining this universe and working opposite Ray Liotta, what has this experience meant to you?

Michela De Rossi: It’s been amazing. I was a fan when I met him for the first time, and I was so worried [of] mistakes, or to not say the right thing because of my English. But we worked so [well] together.

Ray Liotta: Right from the start.

And you had to learn Neapolitan for this movie. Is that correct?

Michela De Rossi: Yes, both of us. Because it’s a different language; totally different. And I hope Neapolitans are not going to kill me, but I did my best. A friend helped me. They judged a lot because Neapolitan is something untouchable in Italy. It’s not just a dialect, you know?

Ray, do you have a favorite phrase that you learned?

Ray Liotta: I’m sure there are, but I’m sure it’s R-rated.

Ray, you’ve worked with James Gandolfini before. What is it like to see Michael Gandolfini, his son, taking on this role and seeing this portrayal? 

Ray Liotta: I thought Michael did a great job. We didn’t have any scenes, so I didn’t have any time to talk to him. But I just wonder, emotionally, how do you do that? I’m sure he learned a lot. I don’t know if he watched it when he was a kid. He was 13 or 14 – he was really young when his dad was on this series, so I’m sure he probably even learned stuff about his dad that he didn’t know by watching the series.

I just find it really interesting. And like Michela said, he’s really good at it.

By the way, it is the 20th anniversary of one of my favorite movies of all time, Heartbreakers. I love that movie so much, especially the part where you’re like, “Look at all the fish!” and you shoot them.

Ray Liotta: The director, he just said, “You know what? When he says [that], just take out your gun and shoot them.” I said, “What, are you serious?” He said, “Yeah, shoot the fish.” So, it was improv. 

I have no [idea] where my keys are, but I remember a movie from 20 years ago. It’s crazy.

About The Author

Ash Crossan
(214 Articles Published)

Ash Crossan is a Lead Content Producer & Host for Screen Rant. With nearly a decade of experience under her belt, Ash joined Screen Rant in 2021 as a lead interviewer. Based in Los Angeles, Ash is a fan of all things Star Wars, Marvel, DC, 90s Nickelodeon and rom-coms. Follow Ash on Twitter: @AshCrossan.

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