Steve Schirripa, best known for his portrayal of Bobby “Bacala” Baccalieri on the iconic HBO series “The Sopranos,” is stepping back into his mobster shoes for a new Freshpet commercial. The ad, which debuted on Christmas Day during Netflix’s NFL games, cleverly pays homage to Schirripa’s memorable role and the show’s enduring popularity. The commercial features a familiar setting reminiscent of Satriale’s Pork Store, the fictional mob hangout in “The Sopranos.” Schirripa, surrounded by a group of friends engaged in a card game, extols the virtues of Freshpet dog food for his “boy Junior.”
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(753×201:755×203)/Steve-Schirripa-FreshPet-Tout-122324-2533390e42374010b42f514d75728d05.jpg)
A Reunion with Familiar Faces and a Nod to the Past
The Freshpet commercial not only reunites Schirripa with the spirit of “The Sopranos,” but also brings him together with familiar faces from the world of mobster-themed entertainment. Robert Costanzo, known for his role in “Saturday Night Fever,” and Johnny Williams, who appeared in “Goodfellas,” join Schirripa in the ad, adding to its authentic mobster vibe. This casting choice amplifies the commercial’s nostalgic appeal for fans of classic gangster films and television shows. The commercial’s humor lies in its playful recreation of iconic “Sopranos” scenes. When one of Schirripa’s card-playing companions questions the presence of Freshpet in the fridge, the situation escalates quickly, culminating in a classic mob-style solution: the dissenting character is unceremoniously stuffed into the trunk of a car. This humorous nod to the show’s often violent nature is sure to resonate with fans who appreciate the dark humor that was a hallmark of “The Sopranos.”
From “The Sopranos” to “Blue Bloods” and Beyond
Schirripa’s career has spanned a diverse range of roles, from his iconic mobster portrayal to his more recent role as Detective Anthony Abetemarco on the CBS police procedural “Blue Bloods.” In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Schirripa shared his enthusiasm for the Freshpet project, highlighting the fun he had revisiting his “Sopranos” persona after spending nine seasons playing a detective. He described the commercial as “smart, clever, and really funny.”
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(753×201:755×203)/Steve-Schirripa-FreshPet-Tout-122324-2533390e42374010b42f514d75728d05.jpg)
Schirripa’s Personal Connection to Freshpet
Beyond the comedic appeal of the commercial, Schirripa’s involvement with Freshpet stems from a genuine appreciation for the brand’s commitment to quality pet food. He revealed that his own dachshund, Willie Boy, has been enjoying Freshpet for the past two years. This personal connection to the product adds authenticity to his endorsement, reinforcing the message that Freshpet is a healthy and nutritious choice for beloved pets. Schirripa emphasizes the importance of providing pets with fresh, real ingredients, highlighting that Freshpet contains “real meat, real vegetables, real fruit.” He even stores the dog food in his own refrigerator, further demonstrating his confidence in the product’s quality and freshness.
The Joys of Dog Parenthood and Family Life
Schirripa’s love for his dog extends beyond simply providing him with nutritious food. He describes Willie Boy as “part of the family,” emphasizing the deep bond they share. As empty nesters, Schirripa and his wife cherish the companionship and joy that Willie brings into their lives. He speaks fondly of the “unconditional love” he receives from his dog, a sentiment that resonates with many pet owners. Schirripa even admits that his daughters sometimes feel jealous of the attention Willie receives.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(734×274:736×276)/Steven-Schirripa-James-Gandolfini-The-Sopranos-2005-122324-0d9ada23a1ab4b9fb33966260cd03097.jpg)
A Creative and Humorous Campaign
The Freshpet commercial starring Steve Schirripa is a successful blend of humor, nostalgia, and genuine endorsement. By tapping into the enduring popularity of “The Sopranos” and Schirripa’s personal connection to the product, Freshpet has created a memorable and effective advertising campaign. The commercial’s creative concept, combined with Schirripa’s charismatic performance, is sure to resonate with audiences and further solidify Freshpet’s position as a leading brand in the pet food industry. Furthermore, the inclusion of other actors known for their roles in mob-themed productions adds an extra layer of authenticity and humor to the commercial, making it a must-see for fans of the genre. The commercial’s success lies in its ability to entertain while simultaneously conveying a clear message about the quality and benefits of Freshpet dog food.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(734×274:736×276)/Steven-Schirripa-James-Gandolfini-The-Sopranos-2005-122324-0d9ada23a1ab4b9fb33966260cd03097.jpg)
Frequently Asked Questions about Steve Schirripa and Freshpet
- What is the name of Steve Schirripa’s dog? His dog’s name is Willie Boy.
- What other actors appear in the Freshpet commercial? Robert Costanzo and Johnny Williams also appear in the ad.
- What is the connection between Steve Schirripa and “The Sopranos”? Schirripa played the role of Bobby “Bacala” Baccalieri on the HBO series.
- What is Freshpet known for? Freshpet is known for producing fresh and natural pet food made with real ingredients.
- Where can I watch the Freshpet commercial? The commercial debuted during Netflix’s NFL games on Christmas Day and is likely available online.
