Anthony J. Ribustello was an American actor and politician. He was best known for his role as Dante Greco, Tony Soprano's driver on the HBO series The Sopranos. A member of the Republican Party, Ribustello was the party's nominee for Bronx Borough President in 2009, losing to Democratic Assemblyman Rubén Díaz Jr., who subsequently appointed him to Bronx Community Board 10.

Anthony Ribustello
Born
Anthony J. Ribustello

(1966-08-06)August 6, 1966
DiedDecember 28, 2019(2019-12-28) (aged 53)
Occupation(s)Actor, politician
EmployerNew York City Board of Elections
Known forDante Greco on The Sopranos
Political partyRepublican

Career

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In April 2009, Ribustello ran for Bronx borough president as the Republican candidate in a special election to replace incumbent Democrat Adolfo Carrión Jr., who resigned to take a position in the Obama administration. Ribustello received about 13 percent of the vote in the overwhelmingly Democratic borough, losing to Democratic Assemblyman Rubén Díaz Jr.[1] After the election, Diaz appointed Ribustello to Bronx Community Board 10.[2]

In addition to acting, Ribustello was also employed at the New York City Board of Elections.

Personal life

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Ribustello died on December 28, 2019, after years of waiting for a kidney transplant at age 53.[3]

Filmography

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Film

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Year Title Role Notes
1991 Poison Fontenal Inmate
1992 Fathers & Sons Chris
1995 No Exit Goombie
1999 Under Hellgate Bridge Vincent's Crew
2003 Uptown Girls Tony
2003 Anything Else Car Thug #1
2005 Be Cool Fast Freddie
2008 A Jersey Christmas John
2010 Bronx Paradise Dante Greco
2012 The History of Future Folk Cop #2
2013 Side Effects Desk Sergeant Uncredited

Television

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Year Title Role Notes
1996–1997 The City Vito 16 episodes
1999 Sex and the City Large Imposing Man Episode: "La Douleur Exquise!"
2001 Deadline Al Episode: "Somebody's Fool"
2002 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Fast Food Manager Episode: "Protection"
2002, 2009 Law & Order Paul Upton / Hank 2 episodes
2004 Ed Mitch Martel Episode: "Happily Ever After"
2004–2007 The Sopranos Dante Greco 11 episodes
2004 Bad Apple Stanley Television film
2007 The Knights of Prosperity Drunk Guy Episode: "Operation: Fighting Shape"
2008 Law & Order: Criminal Intent Tony Snails Episode: "Contract"
2012 Magic City Jilly Rizzo Episode: "The Year of the Fin"

References

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  1. ^ Bindley, Katherine (2009-04-18). "Tony Soprano's Driver Eyes a Different Gig". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2023-05-19.
  2. ^ "Borough President Diaz Appoints Ribustello to Community Board #10". The Office of The Bronx Borough President | Vanessa L. Gibson. Retrieved 2023-05-19.
  3. ^ "Sopranos Actor and Country Club Resident Passes Away | Bronx Times". www.bxtimes.com. Archived from the original on 2020-01-14.
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