Ray Stevenson died on location in Italy this week while working on the film Cassino in Ischi. In it, he plays Nic Cassino, who appears to be the title character. But throughout his career the actor was renowned for strong supporting roles. Stevenson exemplified this “one for all” spirit as Porthos in The Three Musketeers (2011) and honed it through The Book of Eli (2010), King Arthur (2004), the Thor movies, and the upcoming Star Wars Disney+ series, Ashoka. He was at his most supportive, even as a lead character, when he played legionnaire Titus Pullo in HBO’s Rome. Pullo was a warrior with a heart of gold, but at one point he could also be the second-hand-man to an early version of a mob kingpin.
But Stevenson was second to no one in the role of Danny Greene, the titular character of writer-director Jonathan Hensleigh’s 2011 gangster-genre love letter, Kill the Irishman.
But Stevenson was second to no one in the role of Danny Greene, the titular character of writer-director Jonathan Hensleigh’s 2011 gangster-genre love letter, Kill the Irishman.
- 5/26/2023
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
Vinny Vella, known for his roles in the 1995 film Casino and HBO’s The Sopranos, among others, has died. His family shared the news on Vella’s Facebook page. Vella died Wednesday from liver cancer. He was 72.
“We are saddened to report that Vinny Vella has passed and I’m sure that no one more saddened than himself,” the Facebook statement read. “Vinny loved life from his family to his friends and fans he was easily one of the funniest, endearing actors to have ever graced the screen. Vinny also had integrity and pride rarely seen.”
The statement continued, “Arguably the fastest on the draw, king of the comebacks. His verbal jousting was legendary but many know Vinny for his favorite saying – ‘Who’s better than you?’ Well Vinny, I think we all can agree on the answer to that, it was you, it always was you! We miss you my boy!
“We are saddened to report that Vinny Vella has passed and I’m sure that no one more saddened than himself,” the Facebook statement read. “Vinny loved life from his family to his friends and fans he was easily one of the funniest, endearing actors to have ever graced the screen. Vinny also had integrity and pride rarely seen.”
The statement continued, “Arguably the fastest on the draw, king of the comebacks. His verbal jousting was legendary but many know Vinny for his favorite saying – ‘Who’s better than you?’ Well Vinny, I think we all can agree on the answer to that, it was you, it always was you! We miss you my boy!
- 2/21/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Vinny Vella [Courtesy of Paul Stone/Su-City Pictures East, LLC]
Actor Vinny Vella has died. According to a post on Vella’s personal Facebook page made presumably by a family member, Vella passed away late Wednesday, February 20. He was 71. View the heartfelt Facebook post below:
“We are saddened to report that Vinny Vella has passed and I’m sure that no one more saddened than himself. Vinny loved life from his family to his friends and fans he was easily one of the funniest, endearing actors to have ever graced the screen. Vinny also had integrity and pride rarely seen. Arguably the fastest on the draw, king of the comebacks. His verbal jousting was legendary but many know Vinny for his favorite saying – ‘Who’s better than you?’ Well Vinny, I think we all can agree on the answer to that, it was you, it always was you! We miss you my boy!”
A New York City native,...
Actor Vinny Vella has died. According to a post on Vella’s personal Facebook page made presumably by a family member, Vella passed away late Wednesday, February 20. He was 71. View the heartfelt Facebook post below:
“We are saddened to report that Vinny Vella has passed and I’m sure that no one more saddened than himself. Vinny loved life from his family to his friends and fans he was easily one of the funniest, endearing actors to have ever graced the screen. Vinny also had integrity and pride rarely seen. Arguably the fastest on the draw, king of the comebacks. His verbal jousting was legendary but many know Vinny for his favorite saying – ‘Who’s better than you?’ Well Vinny, I think we all can agree on the answer to that, it was you, it always was you! We miss you my boy!”
A New York City native,...
- 2/21/2019
- by Matt Bishop
- Age of the Nerd
Vinny Vella -- who starred in "Casino" and several other gangster movies -- has died after battling cancer. His rep posted a message late Wednesday night, saying ... "We are saddened to report that Vinny Vella has passed and I'm sure that no one is more saddened than himself. Vinny loved life from his family to his friends and fans he was easily one of the funniest, endearing actors to have ever graced the screen." Vinny's son,...
- 2/21/2019
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
In another piracy-busting move, the creative team behind Super Awesome! plan to launch the musical comedy on iTunes and other VOD platforms on May 29, the same day as the world premiere in Toronto.
Guy Edmonds and Matt Zeremes, who co-wrote and co-directed the mico-budgeted film, play struggling actors who are given one last chance to prove themselves by staging a musical, Honey I.m Homeless.
The theme is marriage equality, a topic about which the naïve, straight guys know next to nothing.
The self-funded $60,000 film will premiere at the 25th Annual Inside Out Toronto Lgbt Film Festival, arranged by the international sales agent, French- based Outplay.
The cast includes Simon Burke (who performs the signature song Man to Man), Patrick Brammall, Rob Carlton, Annie Maynard and New York actor Vinnie Vella, whose credits include Casino, The Sopranos and Coffee and Cigarettes.
Australian distributor Curious Film is closing the VOD deals,...
Guy Edmonds and Matt Zeremes, who co-wrote and co-directed the mico-budgeted film, play struggling actors who are given one last chance to prove themselves by staging a musical, Honey I.m Homeless.
The theme is marriage equality, a topic about which the naïve, straight guys know next to nothing.
The self-funded $60,000 film will premiere at the 25th Annual Inside Out Toronto Lgbt Film Festival, arranged by the international sales agent, French- based Outplay.
The cast includes Simon Burke (who performs the signature song Man to Man), Patrick Brammall, Rob Carlton, Annie Maynard and New York actor Vinnie Vella, whose credits include Casino, The Sopranos and Coffee and Cigarettes.
Australian distributor Curious Film is closing the VOD deals,...
- 5/4/2015
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Check out our latest ‘The Irishman‘ Video.
Costume Designer Melissa Bruning sits down to talk about creating the illusion of reality in a period piece through proper wardrobe selection. She discusses her research into the clothes of the era and introduces the wardrobe staff that keep the continuity of the cast’s clothing correct from scene to scene.
The Irishman Synopsis
‘The Irishman’ chronicles the rise and fall of infamous Cleveland gangster Danny Greene (Ray Stevenson), who engaged in a power struggle with the Italian mob. Greene was as an upstart longshoreman union rep and later became a cocky, legendarily difficult-to-kill troublemaker in the world of organized crime in the 1970’s.
Based on the real story of mobster Danny Greene, Christoper Walken will play the loan shark and nightclub owner Shondor Birns and Val Kilmer is a Cleveland police detective who befriends Greene.
The incredible ensemble cast includes Vinnie Jones,...
Costume Designer Melissa Bruning sits down to talk about creating the illusion of reality in a period piece through proper wardrobe selection. She discusses her research into the clothes of the era and introduces the wardrobe staff that keep the continuity of the cast’s clothing correct from scene to scene.
The Irishman Synopsis
‘The Irishman’ chronicles the rise and fall of infamous Cleveland gangster Danny Greene (Ray Stevenson), who engaged in a power struggle with the Italian mob. Greene was as an upstart longshoreman union rep and later became a cocky, legendarily difficult-to-kill troublemaker in the world of organized crime in the 1970’s.
Based on the real story of mobster Danny Greene, Christoper Walken will play the loan shark and nightclub owner Shondor Birns and Val Kilmer is a Cleveland police detective who befriends Greene.
The incredible ensemble cast includes Vinnie Jones,...
- 10/8/2009
- by Kyle Zahar
- MovieSet.com
MovieSet.com Exclusive: Next up from the set of ‘The Irishman‘ filming in Detroit come interviews with Marcus Thomas (Bill McComber) and Steve Schirripa (Mike Frato) in this based-on-real-life story of an Irish/Italian mafia conflict in Cleveland.
First off, join Steve Schirripa on the set of ‘The Irishman’ to hear what he has to say about his character Mike Frato, the star studded cast, and the plot of the film.
Steve Schrippa in 'The Irishman'
Next, go behind the scenes of ‘The Irishman’ to hear actor Marcus Thomas talk about his character Bill McComber and his characters relationship with Danny Greene played by Ray Stevenson.
Steve Schrippa in 'The Irishman'
More videos from ‘The Irishman’ after the break
More Videos from ‘The Irishman’ movie Hair and Costumes for ‘The Irishman’ - Behind the Scenes Video
Exploding Cars in ‘The Irishman’ - Behind the Scenes Video...
First off, join Steve Schirripa on the set of ‘The Irishman’ to hear what he has to say about his character Mike Frato, the star studded cast, and the plot of the film.
Steve Schrippa in 'The Irishman'
Next, go behind the scenes of ‘The Irishman’ to hear actor Marcus Thomas talk about his character Bill McComber and his characters relationship with Danny Greene played by Ray Stevenson.
Steve Schrippa in 'The Irishman'
More videos from ‘The Irishman’ after the break
More Videos from ‘The Irishman’ movie Hair and Costumes for ‘The Irishman’ - Behind the Scenes Video
Exploding Cars in ‘The Irishman’ - Behind the Scenes Video...
- 9/28/2009
- by Dave
- MovieSet.com
MovieSet.com Exclusive: Next up from the set of ‘The Irishman‘ filming in Detroit features a montage of scenes from this based-on-real-life story of an Irish/Italian mafia conflict in Cleveland. Take a peek behind the scenes of ‘The Irishman’ to see not only explosions, stunts, and special effects, but also shots of actors Ray Stevenson, Vinnie Jones, Val Kilmer and Linda Cardellini working on the set.
See all the videos, stills and news from the set of ‘The Irishman’ after the break …
The Irishman Synopsis
‘The Irishman’ chronicles the rise and fall of infamous Cleveland gangster Danny Greene (Ray Stevenson), who engaged in a power struggle with the Italian mob. Greene was as an upstart longshoreman union rep and later became a cocky, legendarily difficult-to-kill troublemaker in the world of organized crime in the 1970’s.
Based on the real story of mobster Danny Greene, Christoper Walken will play the...
See all the videos, stills and news from the set of ‘The Irishman’ after the break …
The Irishman Synopsis
‘The Irishman’ chronicles the rise and fall of infamous Cleveland gangster Danny Greene (Ray Stevenson), who engaged in a power struggle with the Italian mob. Greene was as an upstart longshoreman union rep and later became a cocky, legendarily difficult-to-kill troublemaker in the world of organized crime in the 1970’s.
Based on the real story of mobster Danny Greene, Christoper Walken will play the...
- 9/15/2009
- by Dave
- MovieSet.com
Tiff kicks off tomorrow and we’re excited to see that some films we’ve followed through production are screening at this notable film fest in Toronto. You can check out some great coverage resources in the Toronto International Film Fest - The MovieSet Dossier and Tiff’ers on the Scene in Toronto ~ Film Previews and Fest Tips.
Alas, we’re not on the ground but friend of MovieSet, Jonathan Dana, the Executive Producer of ‘The Irishman‘ is in “The Big Smoke” spreading the word about his forthcoming story of an Irish/Italian mafia conflict in Cleveland while he clinks glasses with the industry.
"Do you wanna make a deal?" Scene from the set of 'The Irishman'
Meanwhile from the set, ‘The Irishman’ production team filming in Detroit has gathered a variety of behind-the-scenes interviews with actors including Christopher Walken, Val Kilmer, Vincent D’Onofrio and lead man...
Alas, we’re not on the ground but friend of MovieSet, Jonathan Dana, the Executive Producer of ‘The Irishman‘ is in “The Big Smoke” spreading the word about his forthcoming story of an Irish/Italian mafia conflict in Cleveland while he clinks glasses with the industry.
"Do you wanna make a deal?" Scene from the set of 'The Irishman'
Meanwhile from the set, ‘The Irishman’ production team filming in Detroit has gathered a variety of behind-the-scenes interviews with actors including Christopher Walken, Val Kilmer, Vincent D’Onofrio and lead man...
- 9/12/2009
- by Dave
- MovieSet.com
“His reckless, ‘no one can touch me’ attitude is interesting”
MovieSet.com Exclusive: Next up from the set of ‘The Irishman‘ filming in Detroit is another MovieSet exclusive video featuring actor Paul Sorvino (’Repo,’ ‘The Genetic Opera’) in the role of Tony Salerno in this real-life story of an Irish/Italian mafia conflict in Cleveland.
More Videos from ‘The Irishman’ movie Hair and Costumes for ‘The Irishman’ - Behind the Scenes Video
Exploding Cars in ‘The Irishman’ - Behind the Scenes Video
Christopher Walken - Interview from the set of ‘The Irishman’
Ray Stevenson discusses his character ‘Danny Greene’ in ‘The Irishman’
Vincent D’Onofrio in ‘The Irishman’ - Interview about his character John Nardi
Vinnie Jones in ‘The Irishman’ - Interview about acting as a Union Thug
Val Kilmer from the set of ‘The Irishman’ discussing the story and violence
Linda Cardellini on set of ‘The Irishman’ playing Joan...
MovieSet.com Exclusive: Next up from the set of ‘The Irishman‘ filming in Detroit is another MovieSet exclusive video featuring actor Paul Sorvino (’Repo,’ ‘The Genetic Opera’) in the role of Tony Salerno in this real-life story of an Irish/Italian mafia conflict in Cleveland.
More Videos from ‘The Irishman’ movie Hair and Costumes for ‘The Irishman’ - Behind the Scenes Video
Exploding Cars in ‘The Irishman’ - Behind the Scenes Video
Christopher Walken - Interview from the set of ‘The Irishman’
Ray Stevenson discusses his character ‘Danny Greene’ in ‘The Irishman’
Vincent D’Onofrio in ‘The Irishman’ - Interview about his character John Nardi
Vinnie Jones in ‘The Irishman’ - Interview about acting as a Union Thug
Val Kilmer from the set of ‘The Irishman’ discussing the story and violence
Linda Cardellini on set of ‘The Irishman’ playing Joan...
- 9/4/2009
- by Kyle Zahar
- MovieSet.com
“This guy, he did bad things, but it was sorta his job”
MovieSet.com Exclusive: Next up from the set of ‘The Irishman‘ filming in Detroit is another MovieSet exclusive video featuring actress Laura Ramsey (’The Ruins,’ ‘Lords of Dogtown’) in the role of Ellie O’Hara in this real-life story of an Irish/Italian mafia conflict in Cleveland.
Laura Ramsey as Ellie O'Hara in 'The Irishman'
The graceful blonde actress talks about fleshing out her character Ellie O’Hara, the girlfriend of Danny Greene (note: see Linda Cardellini in the role of Joan Madigan, Danny Greene’s wife).
She points out that, “When I first arrived, John (Writer/Director Jonathan Hensleigh) and I had a meeting and discussed who this girl really was, they don’t really know about her much at all.”
This discussion evolved into her character’s relationship with Danny Greene (Ray Stevenson) about...
MovieSet.com Exclusive: Next up from the set of ‘The Irishman‘ filming in Detroit is another MovieSet exclusive video featuring actress Laura Ramsey (’The Ruins,’ ‘Lords of Dogtown’) in the role of Ellie O’Hara in this real-life story of an Irish/Italian mafia conflict in Cleveland.
Laura Ramsey as Ellie O'Hara in 'The Irishman'
The graceful blonde actress talks about fleshing out her character Ellie O’Hara, the girlfriend of Danny Greene (note: see Linda Cardellini in the role of Joan Madigan, Danny Greene’s wife).
She points out that, “When I first arrived, John (Writer/Director Jonathan Hensleigh) and I had a meeting and discussed who this girl really was, they don’t really know about her much at all.”
This discussion evolved into her character’s relationship with Danny Greene (Ray Stevenson) about...
- 9/1/2009
- by Dave
- MovieSet.com
“Joan was someone who loved someone very much” MovieSet.com Exclusive: Next up from the set of ‘The Irishman‘ filming in Detroit is another MovieSet exclusive video featuring actress Linda Cardellini (’Scooby Doo,’ ‘Grandma’s Boy,’ ‘Brokeback Mountain’ TV’s ‘ER’) in the role of Joan Madigan in this real-life story of an Irish/Italian mafia conflict in Cleveland.
In a visit with Linda Cardellini on set of ‘The Irishman,’ she discussses playing Joan Madigan, the wife of lead character Danny Greene (Ray Stevenson) and mother to his children.
Ms. Cardellini (looking like the perfect housewife in costume), says, “For me playing the character, Joan was someone who loved someone very much and saw a lot of potential in him and that potential could go to greatness and that greatness could lead to something positive or something negative and I think he chose the negative road and I think thats the story of her disappointment.
In a visit with Linda Cardellini on set of ‘The Irishman,’ she discussses playing Joan Madigan, the wife of lead character Danny Greene (Ray Stevenson) and mother to his children.
Ms. Cardellini (looking like the perfect housewife in costume), says, “For me playing the character, Joan was someone who loved someone very much and saw a lot of potential in him and that potential could go to greatness and that greatness could lead to something positive or something negative and I think he chose the negative road and I think thats the story of her disappointment.
- 8/25/2009
- by Dave
- MovieSet.com
“A great fireball of violence and tragedy” MovieSet.com Exclusive: Next up from the set of ‘The Irishman‘ filming in Detroit is another MovieSet exclusive video featuring actor Val Kilmer in the role of Joe Manditski in this real-life story of an Irish/Italian mafia conflict in Cleveland.
In between takes, Val Kilmer (star of ‘Top Gun’ ‘The Doors’ and many others) compares the story of ‘The Irishman’ to ‘Good Fellas’ saying both movies are well-written stories with inside info into the Mafia. He goes on to say that this is a story “which could only happen in America” and adds insight to Danny Greene (played by Ray Stevenson) saying “saw himself in that unique, local patriot way.”
Finally, he adds that “you think you know what’s happening, there some nice twist which care all true, then it just becomes a great fireball of violence and tragedy.”
A late...
In between takes, Val Kilmer (star of ‘Top Gun’ ‘The Doors’ and many others) compares the story of ‘The Irishman’ to ‘Good Fellas’ saying both movies are well-written stories with inside info into the Mafia. He goes on to say that this is a story “which could only happen in America” and adds insight to Danny Greene (played by Ray Stevenson) saying “saw himself in that unique, local patriot way.”
Finally, he adds that “you think you know what’s happening, there some nice twist which care all true, then it just becomes a great fireball of violence and tragedy.”
A late...
- 8/19/2009
- by Dave
- MovieSet.com
“Working in the Garbage” MovieSet.com Exclusive: Next up from the set of ‘The Irishman‘ filming in Detroit is another MovieSet exclusive video featuring actor Vinnie Jones who plays character Keith Ritson in this real-life story of an Irish/Italian mafia conflict in Cleveland. You might recognize the (thuggish looking) UK-born actor from his roles of ‘Big Chris’ in’Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels’ or the Manchester United freak-fan ‘Mad Maynard’ in ‘EuroTrip’.
In between takes with actors Christopher Walken, Vincent D’Onofrio and Ray Stevenson, Jones talks about his enthusiasm over the film’s script, the dynamic between the Director Jonathan Hensleigh and the rest of the cast plus points out Ray Stevenson’s presence in the lead role and their rapport in developing their roles. He also describes his character’s plot situation as a union guy who helped Danny Greene bring the 200+ garbage companies in Ohio under one organization,...
In between takes with actors Christopher Walken, Vincent D’Onofrio and Ray Stevenson, Jones talks about his enthusiasm over the film’s script, the dynamic between the Director Jonathan Hensleigh and the rest of the cast plus points out Ray Stevenson’s presence in the lead role and their rapport in developing their roles. He also describes his character’s plot situation as a union guy who helped Danny Greene bring the 200+ garbage companies in Ohio under one organization,...
- 8/10/2009
- by Dave
- MovieSet.com
“A Mind for Money” MovieSet.com Exclusive: Next up from the set of ‘The Irishman‘ filming in Detroit is another MovieSet exclusive video featuring actor Vincent D’Onofrio who plays character John Nardi in this real-life story of an Irish/Italian mafia conflict in Cleveland.
Vincent D’Onofrio talks about how he plays his character John Nardi more like an accountant then a gangster. While outside of Roma Cafe, this veteran actor mentions how he admired Ray Stevenson’s work as a reason he came onboard. He also disusses how his character pushes Danny Greene (Ray Stevenson) in the direction of Shondor Birns (Christopher Walken) in search of a better job after Greene was recently released from prison.
Vincent D'OnofrioThe Irishman
Videos from The Irishman movie Hair and Costumes for The Irishman - Behind the Scenes Video
Exploding Cars in The Irishman - Behind the Scenes Video
Christopher Walken -...
Vincent D’Onofrio talks about how he plays his character John Nardi more like an accountant then a gangster. While outside of Roma Cafe, this veteran actor mentions how he admired Ray Stevenson’s work as a reason he came onboard. He also disusses how his character pushes Danny Greene (Ray Stevenson) in the direction of Shondor Birns (Christopher Walken) in search of a better job after Greene was recently released from prison.
Vincent D'OnofrioThe Irishman
Videos from The Irishman movie Hair and Costumes for The Irishman - Behind the Scenes Video
Exploding Cars in The Irishman - Behind the Scenes Video
Christopher Walken -...
- 8/5/2009
- by Dave
- MovieSet.com
“The Robin Hood of Collingwood” MovieSet.com Exclusive: From the set of ‘The Irishman‘ in Detroit comes a MovieSet exclusive video featuring actor Ray Stevenson who plays the lead character Danny Greene in this real-life story of a mafia conflict in Cleveland.
Amongst clips of the on-set action, Mr. Stevenson discusses the personality of his character saying he was a loner but also very charismatic. He points out that people called Greene “the Robin Hood of Collingwood” as he gave away turkeys at Thanksgiving and Christmas to show that, “It wasn’t about the money, there was a higher goal.”
Stevenson points out that, (unlike other gangster movies) “… these people actually have lives so it kinda matters when they die - even though they are on the wrong side of the law.”
He discusses Greene’s style including green suits, green pens and the importance of the costumes in the film.
Amongst clips of the on-set action, Mr. Stevenson discusses the personality of his character saying he was a loner but also very charismatic. He points out that people called Greene “the Robin Hood of Collingwood” as he gave away turkeys at Thanksgiving and Christmas to show that, “It wasn’t about the money, there was a higher goal.”
Stevenson points out that, (unlike other gangster movies) “… these people actually have lives so it kinda matters when they die - even though they are on the wrong side of the law.”
He discusses Greene’s style including green suits, green pens and the importance of the costumes in the film.
- 7/27/2009
- by Dave Olson
- MovieSet.com
Irish film maker Alan Cooke has won the NY Emmy for Best Writing for his documentary 'Home' at the New York Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Awards at the weekend. Home' had received an additional two Emmy nominations at the awards for Best Documentary (Producers Dawn Scibilia and Alan Cooke) and Best Photography (Dawn Scibilia). The doc is a reflection on Alan Cookes immigration to New York. Surrounding questions of the concept of home, it features interviews with Liam Neeson, Susan Sarandon, Mike Myers, Alfred Molina, Colin Quinn, Rosie Perez, Pete Hamill, Fran Lebowitz, Frank and Malachy McCourt, Elaine Kaufman, Drew Nieporent, Vinny Vella and Armand Dimele. (Woody Allen appears in TV/Cable version only)...
- 3/31/2009
- IFTN
Sopranos star Vinny Vella has threatened to sue New York lottery officials over a rejected ticket. The actor, 61, thought he had won the $$5 million [£2.5 million] jackpot after finding what he thought were two sevens on his scratch card. However, officials rejected his card, saying one of the sevens was actually a 17. The bar code and security features on the ticket also indicated that it was not a winner. Lottery official John Charlson claimed that there was a fault with the suppliers who printed the tickets, meaning that the number one only appeared faintly. (more)...
- 6/19/2008
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Former The Sopranos star Vinny Vella is threatening legal action against New York state lottery officials after they rejected what he believes is his $5 million (GBP2.5 million) winning ticket.
The 61-year-old actor - who played Jimmy Petrille on the hit U.S. drama - purchased an Extravaganza lottery ticket last Thursday at a New York store to be in with a chance of winning a share of the $500 million (GBP250 million) jackpot.
And he was shocked to discover what he believed to be two sevens on the scratch ticket - which would have made him $5 million richer.
But Vella's good fortune was shortlived after officials at a state lottery office refuted his claims, insisting one of the sevens was actually a number 17.
The official also pointed out an abbreviation underneath the numeral to dispel any further queries.
However, Vella remains unsatisfied with the verdict and took the matter to lottery headquarters in Schenectady on Monday.
Experts enlarged a picture of the ticket and found a 'one' next to the seven, checking the barcode on the ticket to determine it was not a winner.
But Vella is now threatening legal action, fuming, "I will do everything I can until these people are down on their knees... I'm going to put the lawyers on it. Without a doubt. Without a doubt."
Lottery spokesman John Charlson is blaming a "rare" printing issue for the mix-up, admitting an ink problem affected 4,500 tickets, which have had to be withdrawn.
But Vella remains unsatisfied, promising to make an issue of the incident the local TV show he hosts and to carry protest signs in front of state lottery offices.
He adds, "If it's a misprint, it's not my fault. You know what I look like after telling everybody I won? I look like some big ass."...
The 61-year-old actor - who played Jimmy Petrille on the hit U.S. drama - purchased an Extravaganza lottery ticket last Thursday at a New York store to be in with a chance of winning a share of the $500 million (GBP250 million) jackpot.
And he was shocked to discover what he believed to be two sevens on the scratch ticket - which would have made him $5 million richer.
But Vella's good fortune was shortlived after officials at a state lottery office refuted his claims, insisting one of the sevens was actually a number 17.
The official also pointed out an abbreviation underneath the numeral to dispel any further queries.
However, Vella remains unsatisfied with the verdict and took the matter to lottery headquarters in Schenectady on Monday.
Experts enlarged a picture of the ticket and found a 'one' next to the seven, checking the barcode on the ticket to determine it was not a winner.
But Vella is now threatening legal action, fuming, "I will do everything I can until these people are down on their knees... I'm going to put the lawyers on it. Without a doubt. Without a doubt."
Lottery spokesman John Charlson is blaming a "rare" printing issue for the mix-up, admitting an ink problem affected 4,500 tickets, which have had to be withdrawn.
But Vella remains unsatisfied, promising to make an issue of the incident the local TV show he hosts and to carry protest signs in front of state lottery offices.
He adds, "If it's a misprint, it's not my fault. You know what I look like after telling everybody I won? I look like some big ass."...
- 6/17/2008
- WENN
Screened
Toronto International Film Festival
TORONTO -- Never a big fan of conventional feature narrative structure, Jim Jarmusch again prefers to do it his way with "Coffee and Cigarettes", a consistently amusing collection of 10 black-and-white shorts shot over the past two decades.
Featuring many of the actors and musicians who have appeared in his previous films, the anthology is assembled around a very basic foundation -- a couple of people meet in a diner/lounge/dive over a cuppa joe (or, in a couple of cases, tea), light up a smoke and let life unfold.
Given the filmmaker's penchant for the gently absurdist, the results actually aren't as potentially numbing as might be anticipated, especially when those inspired eccentric matchups include Iggy Pop and Tom Waits, Roberto Benigni and Steven Wright (circa 1986), White Stripes bandmates Jack White and Meg White accompanied by a spark-generating Nikola Tesla invention and Wu-Tang Clan hip-hoppers GZA and RZA dispensing holistic medicine tips to a coffee pot-chugging Bill Murray.
Those names and Jarmusch's well-deserved following should ensure domestic distribution for the as-yet-unattached film, which was screened as a Toronto International Film Festival Special Presentation.
Stylistically something of a throwback to the director's earlier black-and-white work, the monochromatics have been impressively furnished by several cinematographers, including Frederick Elmes ("Blue Velvet"), Robby Muller, Ellen Kuras and filmmaker Tom DiCillo.
Unsurprisingly, not every encounter turns out to be a gem. The ones that work most effectively are those that reveal some sticky truths about the trappings of celebrity, including partially improvised discussions between Waits and Pop, British actors Alfred Molina and Steve Coogan and, in the picture's terrific centerpiece, a hotel lobby meeting between Cate Blanchett (playing herself) and her bitter Aussie rocker cousin (also, remarkably, Blanchett).
In Jarmusch's capable hands, the mundane has never been so delightful.
Coffee and Cigarettes
United Artists
Smokescreen Inc. presents in association with Asmik Ace and Bim Distribuzione A film by Jim Jarmusch
Credits:
Director-screenwriter: Jim Jarmusch
Producers: Joana Vicente, Jason Kliot
Directors of photography: Frederick Elmes, Ellen Kuras, Robby Muller, Tom DiCillo
Production designers: Mark Friedberg, Tom Jarmusch, Dan Bishop
Editors: Jay Rabinowitz, Melody London, Terry Katz, Jim Jarmusch
Cast:
Roberto Benigni, Steven Wright, Joie Lee, Cinque Lee, Steve Buscemi, Iggy Pop, Tom Waits, Joe Rigano, Vinny Vella, Vinny Vella Jr., Renee French, E.J. Rodriguez, Alex Descas, Isaach de Bankole, Cate Blanchett, Meg White, Jack White, Alfred Molina, Steve Coogan, GZA, RZA, Bill Murray, Bill Rice, Taylor Mead
Running time -- 96 minutes
No MPAA rating...
Toronto International Film Festival
TORONTO -- Never a big fan of conventional feature narrative structure, Jim Jarmusch again prefers to do it his way with "Coffee and Cigarettes", a consistently amusing collection of 10 black-and-white shorts shot over the past two decades.
Featuring many of the actors and musicians who have appeared in his previous films, the anthology is assembled around a very basic foundation -- a couple of people meet in a diner/lounge/dive over a cuppa joe (or, in a couple of cases, tea), light up a smoke and let life unfold.
Given the filmmaker's penchant for the gently absurdist, the results actually aren't as potentially numbing as might be anticipated, especially when those inspired eccentric matchups include Iggy Pop and Tom Waits, Roberto Benigni and Steven Wright (circa 1986), White Stripes bandmates Jack White and Meg White accompanied by a spark-generating Nikola Tesla invention and Wu-Tang Clan hip-hoppers GZA and RZA dispensing holistic medicine tips to a coffee pot-chugging Bill Murray.
Those names and Jarmusch's well-deserved following should ensure domestic distribution for the as-yet-unattached film, which was screened as a Toronto International Film Festival Special Presentation.
Stylistically something of a throwback to the director's earlier black-and-white work, the monochromatics have been impressively furnished by several cinematographers, including Frederick Elmes ("Blue Velvet"), Robby Muller, Ellen Kuras and filmmaker Tom DiCillo.
Unsurprisingly, not every encounter turns out to be a gem. The ones that work most effectively are those that reveal some sticky truths about the trappings of celebrity, including partially improvised discussions between Waits and Pop, British actors Alfred Molina and Steve Coogan and, in the picture's terrific centerpiece, a hotel lobby meeting between Cate Blanchett (playing herself) and her bitter Aussie rocker cousin (also, remarkably, Blanchett).
In Jarmusch's capable hands, the mundane has never been so delightful.
Coffee and Cigarettes
United Artists
Smokescreen Inc. presents in association with Asmik Ace and Bim Distribuzione A film by Jim Jarmusch
Credits:
Director-screenwriter: Jim Jarmusch
Producers: Joana Vicente, Jason Kliot
Directors of photography: Frederick Elmes, Ellen Kuras, Robby Muller, Tom DiCillo
Production designers: Mark Friedberg, Tom Jarmusch, Dan Bishop
Editors: Jay Rabinowitz, Melody London, Terry Katz, Jim Jarmusch
Cast:
Roberto Benigni, Steven Wright, Joie Lee, Cinque Lee, Steve Buscemi, Iggy Pop, Tom Waits, Joe Rigano, Vinny Vella, Vinny Vella Jr., Renee French, E.J. Rodriguez, Alex Descas, Isaach de Bankole, Cate Blanchett, Meg White, Jack White, Alfred Molina, Steve Coogan, GZA, RZA, Bill Murray, Bill Rice, Taylor Mead
Running time -- 96 minutes
No MPAA rating...
Screened
Toronto International Film Festival
TORONTO -- Never a big fan of conventional feature narrative structure, Jim Jarmusch again prefers to do it his way with "Coffee and Cigarettes", a consistently amusing collection of 10 black-and-white shorts shot over the past two decades.
Featuring many of the actors and musicians who have appeared in his previous films, the anthology is assembled around a very basic foundation -- a couple of people meet in a diner/lounge/dive over a cuppa joe (or, in a couple of cases, tea), light up a smoke and let life unfold.
Given the filmmaker's penchant for the gently absurdist, the results actually aren't as potentially numbing as might be anticipated, especially when those inspired eccentric matchups include Iggy Pop and Tom Waits, Roberto Benigni and Steven Wright (circa 1986), White Stripes bandmates Jack White and Meg White accompanied by a spark-generating Nikola Tesla invention and Wu-Tang Clan hip-hoppers GZA and RZA dispensing holistic medicine tips to a coffee pot-chugging Bill Murray.
Those names and Jarmusch's well-deserved following should ensure domestic distribution for the as-yet-unattached film, which was screened as a Toronto International Film Festival Special Presentation.
Stylistically something of a throwback to the director's earlier black-and-white work, the monochromatics have been impressively furnished by several cinematographers, including Frederick Elmes ("Blue Velvet"), Robby Muller, Ellen Kuras and filmmaker Tom DiCillo.
Unsurprisingly, not every encounter turns out to be a gem. The ones that work most effectively are those that reveal some sticky truths about the trappings of celebrity, including partially improvised discussions between Waits and Pop, British actors Alfred Molina and Steve Coogan and, in the picture's terrific centerpiece, a hotel lobby meeting between Cate Blanchett (playing herself) and her bitter Aussie rocker cousin (also, remarkably, Blanchett).
In Jarmusch's capable hands, the mundane has never been so delightful.
Coffee and Cigarettes
United Artists
Smokescreen Inc. presents in association with Asmik Ace and Bim Distribuzione A film by Jim Jarmusch
Credits:
Director-screenwriter: Jim Jarmusch
Producers: Joana Vicente, Jason Kliot
Directors of photography: Frederick Elmes, Ellen Kuras, Robby Muller, Tom DiCillo
Production designers: Mark Friedberg, Tom Jarmusch, Dan Bishop
Editors: Jay Rabinowitz, Melody London, Terry Katz, Jim Jarmusch
Cast:
Roberto Benigni, Steven Wright, Joie Lee, Cinque Lee, Steve Buscemi, Iggy Pop, Tom Waits, Joe Rigano, Vinny Vella, Vinny Vella Jr., Renee French, E.J. Rodriguez, Alex Descas, Isaach de Bankole, Cate Blanchett, Meg White, Jack White, Alfred Molina, Steve Coogan, GZA, RZA, Bill Murray, Bill Rice, Taylor Mead
Running time -- 96 minutes
No MPAA rating...
Toronto International Film Festival
TORONTO -- Never a big fan of conventional feature narrative structure, Jim Jarmusch again prefers to do it his way with "Coffee and Cigarettes", a consistently amusing collection of 10 black-and-white shorts shot over the past two decades.
Featuring many of the actors and musicians who have appeared in his previous films, the anthology is assembled around a very basic foundation -- a couple of people meet in a diner/lounge/dive over a cuppa joe (or, in a couple of cases, tea), light up a smoke and let life unfold.
Given the filmmaker's penchant for the gently absurdist, the results actually aren't as potentially numbing as might be anticipated, especially when those inspired eccentric matchups include Iggy Pop and Tom Waits, Roberto Benigni and Steven Wright (circa 1986), White Stripes bandmates Jack White and Meg White accompanied by a spark-generating Nikola Tesla invention and Wu-Tang Clan hip-hoppers GZA and RZA dispensing holistic medicine tips to a coffee pot-chugging Bill Murray.
Those names and Jarmusch's well-deserved following should ensure domestic distribution for the as-yet-unattached film, which was screened as a Toronto International Film Festival Special Presentation.
Stylistically something of a throwback to the director's earlier black-and-white work, the monochromatics have been impressively furnished by several cinematographers, including Frederick Elmes ("Blue Velvet"), Robby Muller, Ellen Kuras and filmmaker Tom DiCillo.
Unsurprisingly, not every encounter turns out to be a gem. The ones that work most effectively are those that reveal some sticky truths about the trappings of celebrity, including partially improvised discussions between Waits and Pop, British actors Alfred Molina and Steve Coogan and, in the picture's terrific centerpiece, a hotel lobby meeting between Cate Blanchett (playing herself) and her bitter Aussie rocker cousin (also, remarkably, Blanchett).
In Jarmusch's capable hands, the mundane has never been so delightful.
Coffee and Cigarettes
United Artists
Smokescreen Inc. presents in association with Asmik Ace and Bim Distribuzione A film by Jim Jarmusch
Credits:
Director-screenwriter: Jim Jarmusch
Producers: Joana Vicente, Jason Kliot
Directors of photography: Frederick Elmes, Ellen Kuras, Robby Muller, Tom DiCillo
Production designers: Mark Friedberg, Tom Jarmusch, Dan Bishop
Editors: Jay Rabinowitz, Melody London, Terry Katz, Jim Jarmusch
Cast:
Roberto Benigni, Steven Wright, Joie Lee, Cinque Lee, Steve Buscemi, Iggy Pop, Tom Waits, Joe Rigano, Vinny Vella, Vinny Vella Jr., Renee French, E.J. Rodriguez, Alex Descas, Isaach de Bankole, Cate Blanchett, Meg White, Jack White, Alfred Molina, Steve Coogan, GZA, RZA, Bill Murray, Bill Rice, Taylor Mead
Running time -- 96 minutes
No MPAA rating...
- 9/11/2003
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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