Chazz Palminteri brings ‘A Bronx Tale’ back as one-man film

The actor and playwright, who still performs the stage version across the tri-state area and beyond, first crafted the story in 1988 with $200 left in his bank account in L.A.

Lisa LaRocca

Mar 3, 2025, 5:35 PM

Updated 4 hr ago

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Chazz Palminteri has turned his iconic “A Bronx Tale” one-man show into a new film.
The actor and playwright, who still performs the stage version across the tri-state area and beyond, first crafted the story in 1988 with $200 left in his bank account in L.A.
Inspired by a killing he saw at age 9, he wrote, “If they don’t give me a great part, I’ll write one myself.” The one-man show exploded, changing his life, he said: “It was like a miracle.”
Hollywood soon chased the rights, with Palminteri insisting on writing the screenplay and playing mob boss Sonny. Robert De Niro agreed, directing the 1993 hit film and starring as the father, saying, “If you shake my hand, that’s the way it will be.”
The story later became a Broadway show and has thrived for over 30 years. Now, the Hudson Valley resident’s filmed stage performance—where he plays all 18 characters—offers fans a fresh take, even after 1,000+ live shows.
Palminteri, chatting with News 12’s Lisa LaRocca at his White Plains restaurant, also shared sauce wisdom: “The sauce is the base for everything, lasagna, ravioli ... see the color on that?”
For information on catching the show live or seeing the new movie, click here.