ROBERT FUNARO PUTS HIT ON PALM WEST

American Gangster star Robert Funaro with Pasha David Salidor

Robert Funaro with Palm West GM Chris Gilman

Star ROBERT FUNARO, who was on THE SOPRANOS and essayed 'Eugene' who famously hung himself on the opening show of Season 5 show (episode titled "For Members Only"), is in the new movie AMERICAN GANGSTER(where he plays McCann), opening today, starring DENZEL WASHINGTON and RUSSELL CROWE, and most certain to be the weekend's #1 flick, was in at Palm West last night on West 50th, celebrating the movie's opening with TIMES SQUARE GOSSIP"S James Edstrom and P.R. powerhouse David Salidor.

"I finally saw it Wednesday night, and thought it was just terrific ... in the same league as 'The Departed' and 'Scarface.' The violence is fairly graphic, but considering what it's all about ... it's very necessary." Funaro also commented on the music, saying "The original score is just great, Ridley Scott, the Director, always has terrific music in his movies ... and, this one's no exception."
Funaro was presented with the script by JAMES GANDOLFINI, who he is close with and who has collaborated with on several projects. "I think he felt the script wasn't right for him, and although the character's development has gone through some changes in the final script, it was a great role for me." Funaro, who just finished a three-week run in the H.G. Brown's play THE LADY SWIMS TODAY, is a low-keyed individual, brimming with intelligence and finely-tuned knowledge about all things film. Talked turned to working with Mr. Crowe, who has not always gotten the best press. "Once the Director yelled action, he instantly became the character (Richie Roberts). Its another memorable performance ... no question ... he become the character. You know, you hear all sorts of things before you actually met him ... but, he and I got on fine." Robert is eyeing several new films projects and is even looking at perhaps taking THE LADY play to Europe for a month or so. "It was a great production, terrific set, great cast ... and, the reception here in New York was most receptive. It kind of lends itself to a European-feel, so I'd love it." Robert also noted that the producers of the play put together a video and posted it on YouTube. "I really think that type of marketing is going to be the new direction for exposing new projects. I'm taking a serious look into that technology." Palm West just hung (no pun intended!) Funaro's caricature on the wall ... and, it quietly greets you on the way in. The eatery's GM CHRIS GILMAN, a big Funaro-fan, wanted it up there immediately after The Soprano's episode ran. "He's a great guy ... loves the restaurant and is always a welcome presence here," adds Gilman. The restaurant's pr-man David Salidor (The Pasha!); Gilman; and, Funaro, had a huge birthday-cake delivered to yours truly Times Square Gossip guru James Edstrom, with one candle, as the assembled wait staff sang 'Happy Birthday', led by our waitress Eva.