Michael Imperioli is a turncoat.
The “Sopranos” star plays a homicide detective on four episodes on NBC’s “Law & Order.” Going from mobster to police officer, though, wasn’t a dramatic leap for the actor.
“I find a lot of similarities just in the basic genetic makeup of these guys, of Christopher Moltisanti (his character on the HBO show) and Nick Falco (his role on “Law & Order”),” Imperioli told The Associated Press in a recent interview.
“Geographically, economically and culturally, they grew up kind of similar.”
A New Yorker, the 39-year-old Imperioli can now check off two of the city’s signature metro-area dramas — and would like to add another Big Apple tradition.
“I’ve always wanted to work with Woody Allen in one of his movies,” he said. “I actually got a role in ‘Celebrity’ but it conflicted with the pilot episode of ‘The Sopranos.”’
“The Sopranos” will begin shooting its sixth season April 29, but Imperioli said he hasn’t yet seen a script. Creator and producer David Chase has said this will be the show’s last season, but Imperioli hopes otherwise.
“I think we’re all hoping for it,” he said. “I think everyone’s a little reluctant for it to end. I also have faith that if there’s not (another season), it’s David Chase making the right decision for the show.”
On “Law & Order,” Imperioli teams up with his character’s uncle, Detective Joe Fontana (Dennis Farina). His first appearance on the police drama was set to air Wednesday night.