Most people still see Bobby "Bacala" Baccalieri when they look at Steve Schirripa. It's hard not to. That character was iconic, a gentle giant in a world of monsters on The Sopranos. But for nearly a decade, Schirripa traded the tracksuits and mob hits for a detective’s badge and a persistent craving for Arthur Avenue cannolis.
His transition to Steve Schirripa Blue Bloods star wasn't just a career move; it was a total pivot. He went from being the guy everyone wanted to protect to the guy protecting New York City. Honestly, it's one of the most successful "second acts" in modern television history.
He didn't just survive on the show. He thrived.
The One-Episode Guest Spot That Lasted Nine Years
When Steve Schirripa first walked onto the set of Blue Bloods in 2015, he wasn't looking for a long-term gig. He was hired to play Anthony Abetemarco, a investigator for the D.A.'s office, for exactly one episode. Maybe two.
"I did two episodes and the showrunners said, 'Would you like to do more?'" Schirripa recently told PEOPLE. He said yes. That "yes" turned into 146 episodes over nine seasons.
It’s wild to think about.
Most actors in procedural dramas are interchangeable. They show up, deliver a line about a search warrant, and vanish into the background of a crowded precinct. But Anthony Abetemarco was different. Schirripa brought a specific, lived-in Brooklyn energy that the show desperately needed to balance out the stoic, almost regal Reagan family. He was the blue-collar foil to Erin Reagan’s Ivy League polish.
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Why Anthony Abetemarco Worked
You've got to understand the dynamic. Erin Reagan (played by Bridget Moynahan) is controlled, methodical, and follows the rulebook until the pages are dog-eared. Anthony? Anthony is a guy who knows where the best braciole is in the Bronx and isn't afraid to lean on a source in a way that makes Erin cringe.
They were the classic odd couple.
Schirripa has been vocal about his chemistry with Moynahan. He calls her "underrated" and "smart." That's not just press junket talk. You can see it in the way they bicker. Their relationship wasn't romantic—which was a refreshing choice by the writers—but it was deeply loyal. Anthony was the only person who could tell a Reagan to "shut up" and get away with it.
Making the Jump from Mobster to Cop
Let’s be real. It’s hard to play a cop when you spent years as a made man.
Schirripa admits he was worried about the "mob thing" following him forever. He told Looper in an interview that he didn't want to play an English professor—he knows his lane. He’s a blue-collar guy. But playing a detective felt right. It felt authentic.
- The Look: He swapped the "fat suit" he wore in early Sopranos seasons for a sharp detective's overcoat.
- The Vibe: Instead of "sweaty guys with cigars," he was suddenly surrounded by "sweaty detectives." His words, not mine.
- The Validation: Real NYPD officers often approached him on the street to tell him he nailed the role. To an actor who prides himself on being a "realist," that’s the ultimate Oscar.
He’s even joked that he likes being on the right side of the law because the perks are better. You don't get whacked in a diner at the end of a Blue Bloods season. Usually.
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That Iconic Seat at the Reagan Dinner Table
For years, fans wondered if Anthony would ever make it to the Reagan family dinner. It’s the holiest of holies in the Blue Bloods universe. You don't just get an invite; you earn it.
When it finally happened in the Season 12 finale, it was a massive moment for the character. Schirripa was actually flattered. He’d been on the show for seven years at that point but had only done one scene with the legendary Tom Selleck.
The food at that table? It’s legit.
During the dinner scenes, Schirripa noted that the production actually brought in food from Arthur Avenue in the Bronx. We’re talking meatballs, provolone, and the works. While the Reagans are "used to it," Schirripa was in the back kitchen between takes, actually eating the spread. He's a man of the people.
The End of an Era: Life After Blue Bloods
With the show finally wrapping up its 14th and final season, Schirripa is remarkably chill about the future. He’s not scrambling for the next pilot. He’s not desperate for a lead role in a streaming series.
Basically, he’s ready to ride off into the sunset.
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"I don't really care," he said regarding his next move. If something great happens, cool. If not? You’ll find him at a Knicks, Rangers, or Yankees game. He’s lived the dream. He was on The Sopranos, the greatest cable drama of all time, and then spent a decade on Blue Bloods, one of the most successful network procedurals ever.
He’s also busy with "Uncle Steve’s," his line of organic vegan pasta sauces. Yes, the guy who played Bobby Bacala sells vegan sauce. It’s a strange world.
What the Show Left Behind
The cancellation of Blue Bloods caught many by surprise, including the cast. The ratings were still high. The fans were still obsessed. Schirripa himself admitted he couldn't quite understand why it was ending while it was still so popular.
But he leaves with no regrets.
He went from a guy who wasn't even sure if he’d be asked back for a third episode to a series regular who defined the "working man" side of the NYPD. He proved that character actors aren't just background noise—they are the soul of the show.
What to Watch Next If You Love Steve Schirripa
If you’re feeling the void left by Steve Schirripa Blue Bloods performances, there are a few places to find him.
- Talking Sopranos Podcast: He co-hosted this with Michael Imperioli. It’s a deep dive into every episode, and Steve is hilariously unfiltered.
- Sisterhood Inc.: He’s recently moved into the Hallmark world. It’s a huge shift from the gritty streets of New York, but it shows his range.
- The Secret Life of the American Teenager: If you want to see him play a suburban dad (Leo Boykewich), this is a hidden gem in his filmography.
Actionable Insight: If you're looking to catch up on his best moments as Anthony Abetemarco, start with the Season 6 premiere "Worst Case Scenario" and work your way through his evolving partnership with Erin Reagan. You can find the entire series streaming on Paramount+ or catch the frequent marathons on ION Television. Don't skip the Season 12 finale—seeing him at that dinner table is the payoff every fan deserves.