It looks like too many of "The Sopranos" actors are taking their work home with them. Actors John Ventimiglia and Louis Gross were both arrested recently on unrelated charges.
Ventimiglia was arrested early Monday morning on suspicion of driving drunk and possessing cocaine. The 37-year-old was pulled over after his Volkswagen was spotted weaving, and he was driving in the dark without his headlights on. The actor plays annoying chef Artie Bucco who is a childhood friend of mob boss Tony Soprano and owner of the restaurant Vesuvio - the one that Tony had blown up.
He blew a blood alcohol level of 0.12 per cent, and was allegedly carrying a small plastic bag containing the residue of a white powder believed to be cocaine. His lawyer released a statement saying: "John feels terrible and embarrassed. Until we gather all the information we will have no further comment."
Louis Gross, who plays bodyguard Perry Annunziata, was arrested on Sunday for allegedly breaking into a New York City property. Gross was released on Monday without bail. Staying in character the actor told reporters, "I don't know nothing. I'm innocent. I'm always innocent."
Legal trouble has become the norm for a growing list of "Sopranos" cast members:
Lillo Brancato Jr., who played an junior mobster, has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder of an off-duty police officer who interrupted Brancato and another man breaking into a home in the Bronx.
Vincent Pastore, who played made guy Sal "Big Pussy" Bompensierod, pleaded guilty in 2005 to attempted assault on his girlfriend and was sentenced to 70 hours of community service.
Robert Iler, who plays A.J. Soprano, pleaded guilty to mugging two other youths and stealing $40. He was given 3 years' probation.
