If you are a fan of the HBO drama series The Sopranos, you might be familiar with the actress Aida Turturro, who played the role of Janice Soprano, the sister of the main character Tony Soprano. But did you know that she is also related to another famous actor, John Turturro, who has starred in many films by the Coen brothers, Spike Lee, and Adam Sandler? In this article, we will reveal the truth about the relationship between Aida Turturro and John Turturro, and how they both became successful in Hollywood.
Contents
Aida Turturro and John Turturro are Cousins
According to Legend Peeps, Aida Turturro and John Turturro are cousins who share the same surname and Italian ancestry. Their grandparents were immigrants from Giovinazzo, a town in the Apulia region of southern Italy. Aida’s father, Domenick Turturro, was an artist and a cousin of John’s father, Nicholas Turturro, who was a carpenter and a construction worker. Aida’s mother, Dorothy Turturro, was a homemaker who raised Aida and her two brothers in New York City. John’s mother, Katherine Florence Incerella, was also a native New Yorker who worked as an amateur jazz singer and a naval yard worker during World War II.
Aida Turturro and John Turturro Grew Up in Different Parts of New York City
Although they are cousins, Aida Turturro and John Turturro did not grow up together. According to Wikipedia, John was born in 1957 in Brooklyn, where he lived until he was six years old. Then his family moved to the Rosedale section of Queens, where he attended Catholic school and developed an interest in acting. He later graduated from the State University of New York at New Paltz with a bachelor’s degree in theatre, and from Yale University with a master’s degree in fine arts.
Aida was born in 1962 in Manhattan, where she lived until she was six years old. Then her family moved to Teaneck, New Jersey, where she attended public school and also developed an interest in acting. She later graduated from the State University of New York at New Paltz with a bachelor’s degree in theatre, following her cousin’s footsteps.
Aida Turturro and John Turturro Have Worked Together on Several Projects
Aida Turturro and John Turturro have both had successful careers as actors and filmmakers. They have appeared in over sixty feature films each, and have worked with some of the most acclaimed directors in the industry. They have also collaborated on several projects together, such as:
- Mac (1992): John’s directorial debut, a drama about three brothers who try to start their own construction business after their father dies. Aida played the role of a wife of one of the brothers.
- Illuminata (1998): John’s second film as a director, a comedy about a theatre troupe in New York at the turn of the 20th century. Aida played the role of Marta, a backstage worker who has a crush on one of the actors.
- Romance & Cigarettes (2005): John’s third film as a director, a musical about a working-class man who has an affair with a seductive woman. Aida played the role of Rosebud, one of the man’s daughters.
- Fading Gigolo (2013): John’s fourth film as a director, a comedy about two friends who become gigolos to make some money. Aida played the role of Dr. Parker, a therapist who hires one of the gigolos.
- The Jesus Rolls (2020): John’s fifth film as a director, a spin-off from The Big Lebowski (1998), featuring his character Jesus Quintana. Aida played the role of Petunia.
Aida Turturro and John Turturro are Proud of Their Italian Heritage
Aida Turturro and John Turturro are both proud of their Italian heritage and have visited their ancestral town of Giovinazzo several times. They have also participated in events that celebrate Italian culture and history, such as:
- The National Italian American Foundation Gala: An annual event that honors prominent Italian Americans for their achievements and contributions to society. Aida and John have both received awards from this organization.
- The Italian American Museum: A museum that preserves and promotes the history and culture of Italian Americans in New York City. Aida and John have both donated memorabilia and artifacts from their careers to this museum.
- The Italian Film Festival: A festival that showcases the best of contemporary Italian cinema in the United States. Aida and John have both attended and presented films at this festival.
Conclusion
Aida Turturro and John Turturro are cousins who share a common surname and a common passion for acting and filmmaking. They are both successful and respected in their field, and have worked together on several projects. They are also proud of their Italian heritage and have maintained a close connection to their roots. They are an example of how family ties can inspire and support artistic endeavors.
