Steven R. Schirripa

A former Las Vegas entertainment director who turned to acting, Steven Schirripa spent years playing bit parts and landing uncredited roles before finding himself as the soft-hearted Mafia foot soldier Bobby "Bacala" Baccalieri on the acclaimed series, "The Sopranos" (HBO, 1999-2007). With his larger-than-life personality and undeniably natural acting skills, Schirripa graduated from comic foil to prominent supporting player over his seven years on the show. As his popularity on "The Sopranos" grew, so too did the size of his roles outside of the show. He made frequent guest appearances on shows like "The King of Queens" (1998-2007), "Angel" (Fox, 1999-2004), "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (NBC, 1999- ), and "Ugly Betty" (ABC, 2006-2010), while appearing in features like "Joe Dirt" (2001), "High Roller: The Stu Ungar Story" (2003), and "Must Love Dogs" (2005). After Bobby was gunned down, Schirripa branched out into a variety of areas, guest starring on game shows, hosting true crime series, appearing regularly as a special correspondent on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," and playing a recurring role on "The Secret Life of the American Teenager" (ABC Family, 2008-13). Though not a household name, Schirripa was a naturally gifted performer who possessed enough charm and skill to become a beloved star.