James Quattrochi: From the Bronx to Hollywood — An Italian-American Story

Grazia British Exclusive

For James Quattrochi, every role begins with authenticity.

Raised in a proud Italian-American family near the legendary Arthur Avenue in the Bronx—New York City’s own Little Italy—Quattrochi grew up surrounded by family traditions, Sunday dinners, neighborhood pride, and a work ethic instilled by his parents, who owned a local hardware store. Those values have remained the foundation of his life and career, shaping the actor audiences recognize today.

While Hollywood has become home professionally, the Bronx has never left him. Family and lifelong friends still live there, and Quattrochi returns often, crediting his upbringing with keeping him grounded throughout nearly three decades in the entertainment industry.

Today, audiences know him best as Sally Dogs on Paramount+’s hit series Tulsa King alongside Sylvester Stallone, a recurring role that has grown through Seasons 2, 3, and the upcoming Season 4. He is also recognized as Rocco in BET+‘s popular drama The Family Business, while his extensive body of work includes Disney’s Jungle Cruise with Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt, Blue Bloods, Goodfellas, Sound of Freedom, Dutch, Pam & Tommy, Jane the Virgin, and more than seventy film and television credits.

Now Quattrochi is preparing for one of the most exciting chapters of his career with That’s Amore!, directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Nick Vallelonga.

Vallelonga is internationally celebrated for co-writing and producing Green Book, which earned Academy Awards for Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay, along with two Golden Globe Awards. Inspired by the remarkable true story of his father, Tony Lip, Green Book became a worldwide phenomenon, grossing more than $330 million globally and introducing audiences to one of the most memorable Italian-American stories ever told on film.

Tony Lip himself became a familiar face in American cinema, appearing in classics including The Godfather, Goodfellas, The Pope of Greenwich Village, and HBO’s The Sopranos. That cinematic legacy makes working with Nick Vallelonga especially meaningful for Quattrochi, whose own Italian-American heritage has influenced both his life and his career.

In That’s Amore!, Quattrochi portrays Big Bob, joining an outstanding ensemble cast that includes John Travolta, Mira Sorvino, Drea de Matteo, William Fichtner, Chazz Palminteri, Robert Davi, and Sofia Milos. The film celebrates family, friendship, humor, and the unmistakable spirit of Italian-American culture, making it a project that feels especially personal to Quattrochi.

Away from the camera, he remains deeply connected to his heritage through family traditions, cooking, travel, and a timeless sense of Italian style. Whether wearing a beautifully tailored suit or stepping onto a film set, Quattrochi represents the quiet confidence, elegance, and authenticity long associated with Italian culture.

For Grazia, James Quattrochi reflects something increasingly rare in Hollywood: an actor who has built his career through perseverance, professionalism, and genuine respect for his roots.

Grazia Exclusive Interview

James Quattrochi on That’s Amore!, Italy, and His Italian-American Heritage

THAT’S AMORE!

• Your latest film, That’s Amore!, reunites an extraordinary cast including John Travolta, Mira Sorvino, Robert Davi, Chazz Palminteri, William Fichtner, Drea de Matteo, and Sofia Milos. What attracted you to the role of Big Bob, and what can audiences expect from the film?

James Quattrochi:

“It’s like nothing else out there! It reminds me of one of those classic 1940s films where actors sang and danced. John and Mira are Academy Award-worthy in this film! The rest of the cast are brilliant. It’s a must-see, feel-good movie you will want to own forever.”

• Academy Award-winning director Nick Vallelonga is celebrated for telling authentic Italian-American stories. What was it like collaborating with him, and what makes him such a unique filmmaker?

James Quattrochi:

“Nick and I have done several films together in the past, so I’m pretty familiar with how he works. Together, we were able to come up with the right beats for the character. The role also needed an actor who could throw and pitch competitive softball, so I hit the field for a month to practice before I started principal photography.”

• Working alongside such an accomplished ensemble must have been a memorable experience. Was there a particular moment on set that you’ll always remember?

James Quattrochi:

“To be honest, about a week before filming I started to get anxious. I have always been a big

fan of John Travolta, and the reality started to sink in that I was about to work with him, with most of my scenes being with him. I truly needed to take a deep breath and rely on some of the acting techniques I have studied for over 30 years. This was a big help, and John and I did some great work together.”

• Without revealing too much, why do you think audiences around the world are going to enjoy That’s Amore!?

James Quattrochi:

“If you have ever been in love, had your heart broken, or felt left out, this is a film that will make you laugh and cry. I promise you will love it and feel inspired.”

Italian Roots & Hollywood

• You were raised in an Italian-American family in the Bronx near Arthur Avenue. How has your heritage shaped both your life and your approach to acting?

James Quattrochi:

“Acting requires one to play many different characters with many different layers. I grew up in a very diverse area and saw many walks of life, personalities, and experiences. That character study has helped me create characters inspired by the people who colored my world back in the day.”

• Italy has such a rich cinematic and cultural history. What does spending time in Italy mean to you personally, and do you have a favorite place to visit?

James Quattrochi:

“Being Italian and having been to Italy is what makes me, me. My grandparents are from Sicily, and I have been there. It holds a special place in my heart because we still have family there. All of Italy has such amazing culture. I would say the entire country is part of my soul, but I did fall in love with Venice!”

• You’ve portrayed many memorable Italian-American characters throughout your career. Do you enjoy playing those roles because they feel familiar, or do you hope to continue expanding beyond those characters?

James Quattrochi:

“The simple answer is both! I enjoy playing those typical roles, and yes, I enjoy exploring other roles as well.”

• Do you think Hollywood still stereotypes Italian-American actors, or do you believe those opportunities are changing?

James Quattrochi:

“Yes and no. But the roles are getting better. The Sopranos, Tulsa King—what great roles for Italians! Stereotype me and keep me working! (Laughs.)”

• Family is such an important part of Italian culture. How has your family influenced your career and helped keep you grounded throughout your years in Hollywood?

James Quattrochi:

“Our parents, my sister, my brother, and I have been so blessed. Mom and Dad gave us an amazing foundation to become whatever we wanted to become. They always supported us in every way. It starts at home! They were our true heroes.”

• Looking ahead, what kinds of roles and stories would you most like to tell as an Italian-American actor?

James Quattrochi:

“More films that start in America but end up in Italy. Love stories. Under the Tuscan Sun was a big favorite of mine. A good crime drama always intrigues me. Stories of a man’s struggle to leave Italy, come to America, make it there, and start a family. That was my grandparents’ story. Of course, one of my all-time favorites is The Godfather—a true classic!”

Follow James Quattrochi on Social Media

• Instagram: james_quattrochi
• Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jamesquattrochiactor?_r=1&_t=ZT-97hxxmiRpCn
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1B589Q3Lif/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Photo Credits: Jameson Scalia