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Friday, March 29, 2024 | Back issues
Courthouse News Service Courthouse News Service

Vincent Pastore Was a No Show, Producer Says

HACKENSACK, N.J. (CN) - Vincent Pastore, best known for his role as Big Pussy on "The Sopranos," didn't show up for a film project, a film director and former "Real Housewives of New Jersey" regular claims in court.

Daniel Provanzano and his production company filed the complaint against the actor, along with Pastore's representatives Abrams Artists Agency, in Bergen County Court.

Provanzano says he is best known for his appearances as the boyfriend of Danielle Staub on "The Real Housewives of New Jersey," and for writing and directing the 2003 movie "This Thing of Ours," starring Pastore and James Caan, among others.

Provanzano also served almost four years in jail from 2003-07 for racketeering and failing to pay his taxes.

In his April 24 complaint, the Upper Saddle River man says he formed Genco Olive Oil Co. in 2009 to produce movies, TV shows and other media. The name of the company is similar to the fictional Genco Pura Olive Oil Co., which is the front organization formed by film icon Vito Corleone in "The Godfather Part II."

The real-life Genco Olive Oil, of which Provanzano claims to be the president, has produced such television and web series as "Joe Perry's Raw" and "Wiseguys and Wackjobs."

Provanzano says that in 2013 he and his production company "negotiated a contract whereby Pastore was to appear in a film project and several speculative commercials produced by Provenzano and Genco."

"Pastore contractually agreed to appear in those projects, which were to have an initial three-day filming," according to the complaint.

Provanzano says it was mutually agreed "that Pastore was the recognized name and face that was essential to the success of the projects that were to be initially filmed in December 2013."

Lining up a crew for the shoot - "including producers, directors, other actors, ... technicians, set designers, costume designers, hair and makeup artists, [and] food and catering services" - allegedly cost Provanzano about $85,000.

Provanzano says he confirmed the three-day shoot with Pastore "multiple times," but on Dec. 15, "everyone scheduled to appear showed up - except for Pastore."

As the minutes ticked away, Provenzano allegedly telephoned Pastore, who "simply said he was not coming, citing no real reason," and then "just cut the phone call short and hung up" on him.

Provenzano says he redialed repeatedly, but that Pastore "never picked up his calls" and "never did show up for any of the three shoot days and never offered any explanation as to why not."

"Pastore and Abrams knew in advance that there would be serious economic repercussions of not showing up, but Pastore simply failed to show up anyway," the complaint alleges.

Neither Pastore nor his representatives, Abrams Arists Agency, responded to a request for comment on the accusations.

Provenzano seeks damages for breach of contract. He filed the case pro se.

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