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EXCLUSIVE: Michael Rispoli (The Black Donnellys) has landed the male lead opposite Kirstie Alley in ABC’s multi-camera comedy pilot The Manzanis. Also cast in the family comedy is veteran actor Robert Costanzo. Written by sitcom veterans Marco Pennette and Dave Flebotte, The Manzanis stars Alley as Angela Manzani, an opinionated wife/mother who, along with her Italian American husband, Nick Manzani (Rispoli), and their 3 kids moves to a quiet New Jersey neighborhood where they clash with their new, WASPy neighbors. Constanzo will play Nick’s father, Joe, while Rhea Perlman was recently cast to play Nick’s mother, Camille. ABC Studios and studio-based Brillstein Entertainment Partners are producing, with Pennette, Flebotte, JoAnn Alfano, Aaron Kaplan and Jason Weinberg executive producing. Rispoli next co-stars on Starz’s period drama Magic City.
TV Editor Nellie Andreeva - tip her here.
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Michael is awesome. This is coming together really well.
It was only a matter of time before someone green lit “Real Housewives of New Jersey: The Sitcom”.
The only WASPs in New Jersey are the ones pumping gas.
How can we get tickets to watch Kirstie film her new program? We are a group who became friends on Twitter with Kirstie Alley. We are dying to see her!
Michael Rispoli is a stand-up guy and a gentleman — good luck, Michael, from me and my Uncle Buddy.
Robert Costanzo, one of the greatest character actors ever.
“You blabbed Quaid, you blabbed about Mars…”
Kirstie has seen better days and is over..The two showrunners cannot run a show..I say this in the nicest way…Kirstie has not been on a successful show since Cheers..hello…
I know Flebotte and he’s a genius, Steven doody pants.
Steven, you are dead wrong. I guess you didn’t see Kirstie on Dancing with the Stars. She was hugely successful & also has a role on Broadway coming up in 2012. She is still beautiful, talented and extremely funny.
Steven, you are mean. And 100% correct. Neither are showrunners. Plus, shouldn’t Michael be playing her son, not her husband? The woman is 100.
She’s actually 60 but I agree with you. The male lead should be someone her age. I hope the show goes well but I have my doubts .
You both are completely mean and out of line. Kirstie is beautiful and talented and has 2 emmys to prove it. Not only can she carry a series but movies also.
This show seems like a great fit for ABC and star Kirstie Alley..if the material is funny..hope the pilots good enough to get picked up to series..im looking forward to seeing it..
No, he should not be playing her son. He is 51 and she is 60, has lost 100 lbs & looks great. Both your and Steven’s comments are mean spirited and untrue. If the writing is good, this will be a hit.
Yay for Kirstie & Michael!! This is awesome news! I can’t wait to watch it & I am sure it will be a hit! Those that don’t approve – just don’t watch it! I was taught if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all!!!!
Bob Castanzo…He put his time in…A real Vet.
Good luck..You deserve it.
Way to go Bobbie…knew you couldn’t stay retired. You are too good of a talent. All your friends in West Palm Beach are rooting for the success of this sitcom.
Congrats Bobby!!!!
maybe you havn’t seen all michael has done as an actor . Look him up,you’ll be surprised at all the different parts he has played.Did you see him in Rum Diaries,he was unbelievable working with Johnny.He definatly has talent, give him his due on this one
Mikie… congratulations and good luck… you desere it! I’ll be watching you… as will some in NJ, I’m sure….
Ok, so I can’t spell “deserve”…. I’ll still be watching
How is going to be playing Kirstie’s
Younger son?
Mike was a suite mate of mine in College and he was such a great guy!!!! Im so happy for him!
Barb Wild
(one of the twins)