[DM1]

"Tony Sirico, is also one of the few actors on the show who has actually spent time in prison. For armed robbery in the early seventies."
yeah i know makes him perfect for mob roles

[Heyworth]

Tony Sirico really IS that guy. The conviction wasn't for armed robbery, though, but for felony weapons possession. Basically he was in the extortion business, shaking down nightclubs and dealing speed on the side.

The Smoking Gun has the transcript of his sentencing hearing. He was a bad, bad man. Here's one quote: ""I'm going to come back here and carve my initials in your forehead. You better learn a lesson, you better show me the respect I deserve."

http://www.thesmokinggun.com/sirico/sirico.html