HamletHub's A Whole New You series brings Former actor Lillo Brancato to The Ridgefield Playhouse

Former Sopranos star Lillo Brancato speaks out on his struggle with addiction at The Ridgefield Playhouse on March 23.

Lillo Brancato had a promising career.  As a young actor he starred alongside Robert De Niro in the 1993 film A Bronx Tale.  He followed that up with roles in films Crimson Tide, Enemy of the State and later in the Emmy Award winning HBO series The Sopranos, playing Matt Bevilaqua in six episodes.  His promising acting career was lost due to his former drug addiction. 

In 2013, Brancato was paroled after serving time for his involvement in a crime that shocked Hollywood.  In 2005, Brancato broke into a Bronx home looking for Valium with friend Steven Armento, who was also part of the Genovese crime family.  Off-duty Officer Daniel Enchautegui confronted the two men after hearing the shattering of glass.  Guns were drawn and Officer Enchautegui was killed. Armento was accused of firing first.  During his time in prison, Lillo Brancato Jr. got clean and sober and decided to dedicate his life to helping others avoid that same path he had chosen. Brancato stated that “the most important thing he gained from his time in prison is the ability to get through hard times without the use of drugs. 

Sober now for nine years, Brancato completely focuses all his efforts warning young people of the potential consequences of substance abuse. He’s accomplished this by appealing to all ages at countless pro bono appearances before NY, NJ and CT groups and organizations. Brancato’s no-nonsense, straight talk appeals to students in middle, high school, college and university levels, as well as substance abuse rehabilitation centers. This a cautionary tale of how drugs and alcohol can personally destroy one’s life. 

The event is moderated by Emmy Award winning Broadcaster, Ira Joe Fisher.

Tickets are free for this event but need to be reserved prior to the show.  Please call the box office at 203-438-5795, or visit ridgefieldplayhouse.org.  The Ridgefield Playhouse is a non-profit performing arts center located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main Street, Ridgefield, CT.