Introduction
Anthony DeSando (born 4 December 1965), also known as Anthony Joseph De Santis, is an American film and television actor, known for his roles in The Sopranos (1999), Under Suspicion (1994-1995), and Welcome to New York (2000-2001).
Early life
Anthony DeSando was born on December 4, 1965, in Jersey City, New Jersey. He is of Italian descent; his grandparents were immigrants from the southern Italian regions. He studied acting in New York at The Public Theater's Shakespeare Lab program.
Career
DeSando made his acting debut in 1990, appearing as "Albert Lamanna" in three episodes of TV mini-series Bride of Violence. He also played the character in the TV movie version of series, which was released in 1993.
1991 saw his film debut as "Frankie Needles" in Mario Van Peebles' action film New Jack City, starring Wesley Snipes, Ice-T, and Allen Payne.
In 1992, DeSando landed the recurring role of "Alex DePalma" in the TV series L.A. Law, in which he was seen in 11 episodes.
In the years 1994-1995, he portrayed detective Costa "Doc" Papadakis in 16 episodes of the TV series Under Suspicion. In 1994, he also starred as "Nicky" in director Michael Corrente's crime/drama Federal Hill, alongside Nicholas Turturro and Libby Langdon.
Over the years, DeSando appeared in such television series as Crossing Jordan, NYPD Blue, Without a Trace and Sex and the City. One of his most prominent roles is "Brendan Filone" in The Sopranos (1999). He also did the voice of "Reggie" in The Sopranos: Road to Respect video game (2006).
In 2000, he was seen in the leading cast in Adrian Pasdar's drama Cement, alongside Chris Penn and Jeffrey Wright.
In 2006 and 2009, he had minor roles in Dito Montiel's films A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints and Fighting, respectively.
In 2016, DeSando made a cameo appearance in "Friends in Need", the 17th episode of the 6th season of the CBS police procedural drama Blue Bloods, playing the role of "Joey Ruscoli," cousin of Detective "Anthony Abetemarco" who is played by fellow Sopranos actor Steve Schirripa.
Most recently, in March 2020, DeSando portrayed "Angelo" in an episode of the TV series The Plot Against America.
He has also finished filming for Matthew Berkowitz's Inside Me (starring Merrin Dungey and Devon Graye) and Omri Bezalel's Listen (starring himself and Chris Petrovski). Both films are in the post-production phase with the release dates yet to be announced.
Personal life
DeSando is married to actress Bridgit Ryan. He is also a licensed massage therapist.