Friday, August 25,

'Dough Boys' about Bronx Bakers, Stars "Newbie" Gaetano Iacono

 

 

 

"Dough Boys" is a slice of life about Lou and Frank, two Bronx brothers -- one with a major gambling problem -- struggling to keep their family bakery out of a neighborhood gangster's clutches. The location film shoot wrapped earlier this month.

Louis Lombardi (computer geek Edgar Stiles on "24") plays Lou in the film, which triples as his screenwriting/directorial debut. Iaccono is Frank. Also in the cast: Mike Starr ("Goodfellas," "The Bodyguard"), Vincent Pastore ("Sopranos," "Shark Tale") and Andrew Keegan ("7th Heaven").

Co-producers Peter Orphanos and Al Messinna are aiming for a Sundance Film Festival premiere later this year. Both had kind words for Iacono.

"I think one of the things that we've seen as were editing and watching dailies is the guy really sells himself," Orphanos said. "Some of the scenes actually make you feel he's the type of baker you'd like to go to. It seems like he's been doing it for many years." Iaccono recently talked to the Advance about his starring debut, Italian-American film stereotypes and his dream acting job.

Q: How long were you hacking away at Hollywood before you scored this breakthrough.

A: I broke into the business as a dayplayer (that's an extra in crowd scenes for the uninitiated) in a Jimmy Whispers movie I found out about from an Advance listing six years ago. It left me feeling empty inside. I just knew I wanted more.

Q. Would you call yourself a raw talent or more of a method actor.

A. I trained with acting coach Dan Grimaldi, who taught me that there was more to acting than just being a wiseguy. Having never played a principal role before, was it hard to get into the swing of things on the "Dough Boys" set. I appreciate how nice the producers made me feel on my first starring role. I felt a lot of pressure being that it was my first leading role. They really made me feel comfortable. And of course, Louis Lombardi really helped a lot. Lots of tips. His patience with me was dynamite.

Q.The film and television industries have taken some major heat for their depictions of Italian-Americans. Have you encountered any limitations.

A. I love doing Italian-American stuff, but it doesn't all have to be mob-related. That's why I'm so happy "Dough Boys" came along so I can show I have range -- that I can play a normal Italian man. I'm proud of that.

Q. Now that you've crossed the hurdle from bit parts to feature roles, do you have any dream gigs.

A. I've been a fan of Robert DeNiro's since I was a little kid watching "Godfather II."

I spoke Italian before I spoke English, and that movie had a lot of subtitles. I understood both parts. I just loved it. One day I would love to do a movie with him. Maybe a supporting lead. It would be a dream come true. "Godfather IV" was just written. A movie of that's gotta be coming out, right (laughing).

Q. With all of the rejection that comes with trying out for parts and hustling for work, the movie biz isn't for wimps. Did you ever consider giving up during the hard times.

A. Yeah, I was banging my head against a wall not getting anywhere. I decided to step back from it for five or six months. Then, I heard about this movie and went after a role. As luck would have it, the same production company, Harrington Talent, was behind the film. So I did a little networking -- after one day I had an audition.

Now I know what I want from this business and I'm going to make it happen.

Rob Bailey is the Advance entertainment editor. He may be reached at bailey@siadvance.com.


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