You know that feeling when a new guy walks into a party where everyone’s been hanging out for years, and somehow, within five minutes, he’s the one holding the room together? That was basically the situation when Steve Schirripa joined the cast of Blue Bloods.
Most of us knew him as Bobby "Bacala" Baccalieri from The Sopranos. You remember: the sweet, slightly oversized mobster who just wanted to play with his model trains and stay out of the crossfire. So, when he showed up in Season 6 as Detective Anthony Abetemarco, a guy working for the D.A.’s office, it felt... different.
Honestly, it could have been a disaster. Bringing a legendary "mob guy" into a show that practically worships the badge is a big swing. But it worked. Boy, did it work. Schirripa didn't just play a detective; he became the blue-collar, sandwich-eating soul of the investigator’s office.
How Steve Schirripa Changed the Energy of Blue Bloods
When Steve Schirripa first stepped onto the set in 2015, he was only supposed to be there for a couple of episodes. One or two. That’s it.
But the chemistry was undeniable. He eventually stayed for nine years, clocking in 146 episodes. That doesn't happen by accident. The writers realized they had something special in the dynamic between Anthony and Erin Reagan (played by Bridget Moynahan).
✨ Don't miss: Archie Bunker's Place Season 1: Why the All in the Family Spin-off Was Weirder Than You Remember
Erin is a Reagan. She’s polished, she’s principled, and she can be—let’s be real—a little stiff sometimes. Anthony Abetemarco was the perfect sandpaper to her smooth edges. He was the guy who grew up on the same mean streets as the criminals they were chasing. He brought a "street-smart" perspective that the Reagan family, for all their expertise, sometimes lacks because they’re so high up the food chain.
The "Sopranos" Connection
It's kinda funny to think about. Schirripa has joked in interviews that instead of "fat, sweaty guys with cigars" (the mobsters) coming up to him on the street, he now gets "fat, sweaty detectives" wanting to shake his hand.
Real NYPD officers have told him he’s "1,000% believable" as a detective. That’s high praise in a city where every other person has a cousin on the force. He had to learn the "cop stuff" from scratch—the lingo, how to flash a badge properly, and the technicalities of an arrest. James Nuciforo, the show’s technical advisor, was the one who pulled him aside and taught him the ropes.
It clearly paid off.
🔗 Read more: Anne Hathaway in The Dark Knight Rises: What Most People Get Wrong
The Unlikely Bond with Bridget Moynahan
The heart of Schirripa’s run on the show was his relationship with Erin. They weren't a couple, and honestly, the show was better for it. They were partners in the truest sense.
Schirripa has been very vocal about how much he respects Bridget Moynahan. He’s called her "as good as any" actress he’s ever worked with, and he’s worked with the best. On her end, Moynahan has said she felt like she gained a big brother.
They had this ease. They could bicker about a case, argue over where to get the best cannoli, and then have each other's backs when a suspect pulled a gun. It gave Blue Bloods a flavor of New York that wasn't just about the Commissioner’s office or the dinner table. It was about the grind of the D.A.’s investigators.
Why Fans Loved Anthony Abetemarco
Let's talk about why Anthony resonated so much. He felt like a real person.
💡 You might also like: America's Got Talent Transformation: Why the Show Looks So Different in 2026
- The Food: Half of Anthony’s scenes involved him eating or talking about eating. It’s relatable.
- The Loyalty: He would do anything for Erin, even when she was being difficult.
- The Background: He wasn't a "legacy" cop like the Reagans. He earned his spot.
- The Humor: Schirripa brought a dry, Brooklyn-born wit that lightened up some of the show's darker procedurals.
In a show that can sometimes feel like a sermon on law and order, Anthony was the guy who reminded us that the people behind the badges are human. He had a messy personal life, a complicated relationship with his family, and a dog named Willie (who, by the way, actually appeared on the show in Season 14!).
What’s Next for Steve Schirripa?
Now that Blue Bloods has wrapped up its final season, Schirripa isn't exactly slowing down. He’s recently made a pivot that might surprise some fans: Hallmark.
Yeah, you read that right. The guy who was gunned down in a train store in The Sopranos and spent a decade chasing perps in New York is moving into the world of "nice vibes." He recently filmed a Hallmark movie called Sisterhood Inc. and told reporters it was a "bucket list" item for him.
He’s also still very much a part of the Sopranos legacy, co-hosting the Talking Sopranos podcast with Michael Imperioli and appearing at 25th-anniversary reunions. He’s a guy who knows how to honor his past while moving forward.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're missing Anthony Abetemarco already, here’s how to keep the vibe alive:
- Re-watch the "Anthony" Gems: Look for Season 6, Episode 9 ("Hold Outs") to see his debut. It’s wild how quickly he fits in.
- Check out the Podcast: If you want to hear the "real" Steve, Talking Sopranos is essential listening. He’s hilarious, blunt, and exactly who you think he is.
- Try the Sauce: Did you know he has his own line of pasta sauce? "Uncle Steve’s." It’s organic, vegan, and apparently pretty damn good.
- Follow the Cast: Even though the show is over, the cast is still tight. Schirripa recently mentioned seeing Bridget Moynahan at a Knicks game and staying in touch with Will Estes. The "family" vibe wasn't just for the cameras.
Schirripa proved that you don't need a Reagan last name to be a legend on Blue Bloods. He brought a specific kind of New York authenticity that you just can't fake. Whether he’s playing a mobster, a cop, or a guy in a Hallmark movie, he stays true to that Bensonhurst kid who just happens to be a world-class actor.