What is the name of the character played by Joe Pantoliano?

Joe Pantoliano plays Ralph Cifaretto, also known as Ralph “Ralphie” Cifaretto, in The Sopranos. Ralph is a volatile mobster who becomes one of the show’s most memorable and dangerous characters.

Ralph first appears in season 3 after returning from Miami. He is an excellent earner but frequently undermines himself through cruelty, arrogance, and insubordination. Tony initially refuses to promote him, although Ralph eventually becomes capo of the Aprile crew after Gigi Cestone dies.

His story becomes especially important through his relationships with Tracee, Johnny Sack, and the racehorse Pie-O-My. Ralph’s treatment of Tracee and his suspected role in the horse’s death expose the brutality beneath his cleverness and financial success. His conflict with Tony eventually ends in a fatal fight.

Pantoliano also played memorable film roles as Cypher in The Matrix, Teddy in Memento, and Captain Conrad Howard in the Bad Boys films. “Joey Pants” is Pantoliano’s nickname, not a Sopranos character, while Silvio Dante and Bobby Baccalieri are played by other actors.