Robert Funaro's life story began in Brooklyn, New York, where he was born to Anna, a dedicated Deaconess, and Vincent Funaro, an accomplished Interior Decorator. His parents, both second-generation Italians, instilled in him a strong sense of heritage and cultural identity.
As a young actor, Funaro made his professional debut in New York theater, starring alongside the late James Gandolfini in the European tour of Tennessee Williams' iconic play, "A Streetcar Named Desire". The two actors formed a lasting bond, with Gandolfini becoming a close friend and mentor to Funaro.
Funaro's breakthrough role came in 2001, when he played the character of Eugene in David Chase's critically acclaimed television series, "The Sopranos". This role marked the beginning of a successful career in film and television, with notable appearances in projects such as "The Sinner" (2017),"Ray Donovan" (2020),and "Vinyl" (HBO),directed by Martin Scorsese.
In addition to his television work, Funaro has also appeared in a number of films, including "The Irishman" (2019),alongside Robert De Niro, and "American Gangster" (2007),opposite Josh Brolin. Throughout his career, Funaro has been grateful for the opportunities he has had, and he often credits his friend James Gandolfini for helping him "send the elevator down", a phrase used in the entertainment industry to describe the act of giving someone a career boost.
