Steve Schirripa Embraces Hallmark Movies for Their Peaceful Storylines

Steve Schirripa, widely recognized for his roles in iconic crime dramas like *The Sopranos* and *Blue Bloods*, is making waves in a new genre. The 67-year-old actor is set to debut on the Hallmark Channel with *Sisterhood, Inc.*, premiering on Saturday, February 22.

Schirripa recently shared his excitement about this career shift and why he finds making Hallmark movies a refreshing change.

Partnering with Freshpet and spending quality time with his beloved dachshund, Willie, Schirripa is embracing a softer, family-friendly side that contrasts sharply with his previous gritty roles.

Steve Schirripa’s Transition to Hallmark

Steve Schirripa is no stranger to intense roles, having portrayed Detective Anthony Abetemarco on *Blue Bloods* and Bobby Baccala on *The Sopranos*. However, his move to Hallmark represents a significant shift in his acting career.

Schirripa revealed that appearing in a Hallmark movie was a *bucket list* item for him, and he is thrilled to make his debut with *Sisterhood, Inc.*

A Refreshing Change of Pace

After years of playing tough characters involved in crime and drama, Schirripa finds the family-friendly atmosphere of Hallmark movies to be a welcome change.

He noted that working on Hallmark projects is *very nice, no arguing, no killing, no nothing*.

This contrasts starkly with his experiences on *Blue Bloods*, where he humorously mentioned that he *killed more people as a cop than I did as a mobster*.

Why Hallmark Movies Appeal to Schirripa

Schirripa’s affinity for Hallmark movies stems from their *nice vibe*. He appreciates the light-hearted and positive nature of these films, especially on days when he doesn’t want to watch anything heavy.

*If I want to watch bad stuff, I put the news on. Sometimes you just want to watch something nice*, he explained.

A Softie at Heart

Despite his tough on-screen persona, fans know Schirripa as a softie at heart. He frequently shares moments with his dachshund, Willie, on social media, showcasing a tender side that contrasts with his TV roles.

Willie even has his own Instagram account, much to the delight of Schirripa’s followers.

Partnership with Freshpet

Schirripa’s partnership with Freshpet began organically. He had been feeding Willie the natural dog food for two years before the brand approached him about starring in a commercial.

Although Willie didn’t appear in the ad, Schirripa assured fans that his furry friend was on set and gave his approval.

A Memorable Commercial Shoot

The commercial shoot offered Schirripa a unique opportunity to play a different kind of role. Instead of his usual soft characters, he got to portray a mob boss.

This role reversal even earned him a compliment from David Chase, the creator of *The Sopranos*, who texted Schirripa saying, *I didn’t know you could play a tough guy*.

Upcoming Projects and Collaborations

Schirripa and Willie are not slowing down anytime soon. Their next collaboration is set for May when they will host *Sopranos Night* with Minor League Baseball’s Somerset Patriots.

Fans attending the event will have the chance to receive a unique Schirripa bobblehead that also features Willie. Schirripa aptly described it as *a collector’s item*.

Looking Forward to More Hallmark Movies

Schirripa is hopeful about his future with Hallmark. He thoroughly enjoyed his experience working on *Sisterhood, Inc.* and expressed a desire to do more projects with the channel.

*We make people happy, and that’s what I like*, he said, reflecting on the positive impact of his work.

Conclusion

Steve Schirripa’s transition from crime dramas to Hallmark movies showcases his versatility as an actor.

His debut in *Sisterhood, Inc.* marks a new chapter in his career, one that is filled with warmth, positivity, and family-friendly content.

Partnering with Freshpet and sharing moments with his dachshund, Willie, Schirripa continues to endear himself to fans who appreciate his softer side.

With upcoming projects like *Sopranos Night*, Schirripa is set to keep surprising and delighting audiences.