Vito Spatafore is a paisan with the good fortune of a Lucky Charms character. He's survived yet another week in the underworld known as HBO's The Sopranos, a place where people of his sort are routinely “fit with a new suit.”

Joe Gannascoli, on the other hand, hasn't only survived this season of the hit series, but has also thrived. The kid from Brooklyn turned actor, who at one time thought about becoming a lawyer, is riding high on the success of his character--partly because Vito's not your father's wiseguy. He's what politically incorrect goombahs call a “fanuc,” a “frocio” and a “flambé.” He's a big queer in a stable of violent Italian Stallions.

In the world of television, Joe's broken a mold; but in the world of mobsters, Vito's broken the rules. There's no pillow biting in the Cosa Nostra!

After having been caught in a gay bar wearing leather from head to toe and dancing with a man with nipple rings, Vito was outed. And Tony Soprano's crew wants his head (some guys would settle for a part of his body farther south). So Vito did what any self-respecting gay mobster would do—he ran. He packed a bag, kissed his kids, bought some ribs and high-tailed it to New Hampshire, the land of antique stores and inspiring license plates. And, so far, none of the Garden State guidos can find him.

I found him, though—me, a ‘Connie Cannoli' who grew up 25 miles from the Bronx. Or I should say, rather, that Joe found me. No, it wasn't gaydar that brought us together—Joe is straight and happily married—it was mortadella-dar, or something like it. Joe read my recent column on AfterEllen.com (AfterElton.com's sister site for lesbians) and wrote to me. So I did what any good Italian columnist would do. I poured myself a finger of sambuca and called Joe to talk about Vito, the next episode of The Sopranos, his new book, and how playing a gay character has affected his life.

As you'll see, Joe thinks of himself as “an idea guy,” and I believe him. It's apparent that he's always thinking and that his thoughts frequently find forks in the road. He's an interesting guy and a pleasure to interview. I felt like I was talking to an old friend.

Joe Gannascoli: Kim, what's happenin'?

AfterElton: You're happenin'! Love your work, love the show...what are you up to? JG: So, I'm doing Kimmel and I suggested to my agent, ‘Call him up, and instead of going on the show, why don't I go into gay clubs?' Because, you know, I lived in West Hollywood. I lived in, like, Boys Town over here. ‘It'll be funny if I went in there,' I said. And they loved the idea. So they're going give me a gay drink … do body shots off me. They've got some funny skits planned. It's all my idea. I'm an idea guy.

AE: Okay, idea guy, so, what do you think—are we seeing the beginnings of a spin-off here if Vito survives—The Sopranos: Provincetown? Bada Bang? Heather Has Two Godfathers?
JG: I was just saying, I think I'll open a male strip club called Bada Bang.

AE: A good idea.
[Laughter]

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