‘Sopranos’ Star Joe Gannascoli Ditches Baby Carrots for Major Weight Loss Push

Joe Gannascoli, known for his role as Vito in "Sopranos," is on a relentless quest to drop 40 pounds, aiming to go from 250 to 210. This drastic weight loss is fueled by a strict fitness regimen and a diet of prepared meals, all in preparation for an upcoming TV project based on his Mafia-themed cookbook, "A Meal to Die For."

At 67, Gannascoli quipped about his dislike for baby carrots, referencing a memorable scene from the HBO series where Vito hilariously stress-eats while posing for a weight-loss ad for the Thin Club.

His daily routine kicks off with a 6 a.m. round of golf on Long Island's south shore, followed by pickleball games by 8 a.m. He often hits the gym right after, focusing on every body part four times a week.

“Now I’m doing heavier weights and less reps. I like to get a good sweat going,” he stated, showcasing his commitment to fitness.

Gannascoli’s current diet includes “salad binges,” minimal red meat, and intermittent fasting, where he rarely eats after 2 p.m. This approach starkly contrasts his past struggles with weight, where he peaked at 400 pounds during the early seasons of "Sopranos," battling issues like bad hips and sleep apnea.

His first significant health kick occurred during filming for "The Sopranos," involving lap band and hip surgeries. This transformation became part of the show's plotline in season six.

However, maintaining that weight loss proved challenging as he worked as a private chef and brand ambassador. Gannascoli claims this latest effort is different due to improved nutrition and a more consistent athletic lifestyle.

“I feel better and look better than I did back on the show,” he declared.

In addition to his weight loss journey, Gannascoli recently conquered another personal battle: quitting gambling after 50 years. He recounted how an ill-fated betting weekend in the early 1990s cost him his Bay Ridge restaurant, 101 Seafood, leaving him $60,000 in debt.

This financial disaster ultimately pushed him to Los Angeles to pursue acting. “Life has been great,” he said. “I’m not a religious person, but God has always looked out for me.”

Gannascoli played a pivotal role in shaping Vito’s character arc as a closeted gay Mafioso, inspired by real-life events. He recalled how the scriptwriters surprised him with the direction of his character during a table read.

“They stopped me in the hall and said, ‘Oh, by the way, you’re giving a b–wjob this season,’” he remembered. “I said, ‘I wasn’t expecting to be on this end of the b–wjob. I didn’t think it would go that way.’”