'Sopranos' Ribustello On The Finale, Acting

The end of HBO's hit series "The Sopranos" is not the end of the world for Bronx actor Anthony J. Ribustello.

For the past three seasons of the HBO series "The Sopranos" Ribustello, an east Bronx native who still lives in the old neighborhood with his wife, Michele, has played Dante Greco, a mid-level Mafioso and one of Tony Soprano's bodyguards.

As one of the biggest shows in the history of television comes to an close, Ribustello has a healthy attitude about it.

"Everything comes to an end, everything has to come to an end," said an upbeat Ribustello over lunch in a Bronx pizzeria. "It's a great show."

Ribustello also said that he never felt the show was derogatory to Italians and Italian-Americans. All different kinds of people are a part of each and every ethnic group, he said. And that includes a criminal element.

"There are characters like that in our nationality. They're not just making that up," said Ribustello. "They're not just coming out of the blue and saying these people exist. They do exist."

Beyond the stereotypes and insensitivity that the critics focused on, said Ribustello, was a show filled with humor and insight into the human condition.

"If you look past that, and you look at the writing on the show and they way they've attacked issues, and the way they've attacked culture, you'll find its a very funny show," said Ribustello. "Most mob shows, and most shows that are very stereotypical, aren't that clever."

The family relationships, between Tony Soprano and his own children as well as the other mob men and their families, is Ribustello's favorite aspect of the show, as it contrasts the dynamic of mob power with that of a powerless parent.

"He's a big boss, but he can't control his own children, which is a part of everybody's life" said Ribustello. "Parents are baffled sometimes at what their children do, no matter what you do as a profession."

Ribustello first got into show business singing in choral groups as a child. While a student at LehmanHigh School he got but by the acting bug, starring as Nicely Nicely Johnson in the musical "Guys & Dolls."

Besides "The Sopranos," Ribustello has several film projects either in the works or completed and will perform with his theater troupe, Manhattan Repertory, throughout the summer. Television and film like "The Sopranos" is great, but Ribustello prefers the theater.

"There's two hours without a cut or a break," said Ribustello. "You can really stay in your character. If I could do just theater and make a good living I would."

But that's not to say that he doesn't love film just as much. In fact, Ribustello said that he will miss the camaraderie on the set of "The Sopranos" most of all. Everyone, from the top stars right down to the production assistants, have been amazing, he said.

"The production crew makes you feel at home, from the minute you walk on set to the minute you leave," said Ribustello. "They've been fabulous. Everybody's been wonderful."

Ribustello also had kind words for program creator David Chase, who he said carried himself on the set like just one of the guys.

"He treats you like a regular individual, and in a lot of businesses you won't find that at the higher levels," said Ribustello. "Everybody's been great from top to bottom, and that's what you miss. that's what I'll miss the most."

With the final episode just days away, anyone looking for hints about the fate of their favorite Jersey crime family will just have to wait until the finale. Ribustello is keeping a tight lip about the conclusion. In fact, he won't even tell his wife.

"She stopped asking a long time ago," Ribustello joked. "Besides, why shouldn't she be able to enjoy the show like everybody else?"