Guy Nardulli is Chicago proud. A Harwood Heights native, the actor, known for his gritty portrayal of New York mobster “Johnny The Zip” on Sylvester Stallone’s hit show “Tulsa King,” was in the process of relocating from Los Angeles to his hometown when we caught up with him to learn more about his new movie, “Dirty Hands.”
Tell us a little about “Dirty Hands” and when we might expect a release.
It’s a gritty, dark, action thriller-slash-redemption story about two brothers who follow a drop and have to deal with the repercussions when the drug deal goes bad. The top billings are Patrick Muldoon, Denise Richards, Michael Beach, Kevin [Interdonato] and me. Kevin also wrote and directed the movie. Production is going on right now, and we’re targeting a release for next fall. The movie is being filmed almost entirely in Harwood Heights where I grew up. The amount of support this movie has received from the City of Harwood Heights and Chicago, in general, has gone way beyond my expectations. I have many people I know from my high school [Ridgewood High School] letting me film in their businesses, restaurants, and stores. That kind of connection to people and places is really what it’s all about.
Why did you decide to film your next film in Chicago?
A: It was a no-brainer for me to make Chicago the backdrop of the movie. I strongly believe Chicago is the greatest city in the world and I’m not saying that just because I’m from here. I’ve been to New York, Miami, Vegas, lived in Italy and spent the last 21 years in Los Angeles, but there is nothing Chicago—the food, the restaurants, the people, the traditions, the values. You walk down the street in Chicago and people say hello to you—I don’t get that in other big cities. Even though I’ve been living in L.A., I’m still a Bears fan, a Blackhawks fan, a Bulls fan, a White Sox fan and I’ve also rooted for the Cubs. Coming home and working in Chicago has always been something I wanted to do.
You come from a four generation Italian family as the son of a Chicago police officer, and you were a two-time All-American for the football team at Elmhurst College. How did make the switch to Hollywood and acting?
One of the first languages I learned was Italian. My grandmother, who passed away three years ago at almost 100 years old, didn’t speak a lick of English. Knowing Italian actually helped me book roles later in my career such as in the movie “Red Notice” where I played an Italian valet guy and got to yell—in Italian—at The Rock. After playing football, I did some fitness modeling and some people told me I should go to Hollywood. So I went out to L.A. and met with a casting director. I had no idea what auditions were like. Somebody handed me a piece of paper and told me to read it, so I did. Right away I booked General Hospital. Then, as fast as I got the job, I died on the show. But the acting bug really bit me, so I kept trying, and fortunately, I’ve been working pretty consistently ever since.
You’re moving back from sunny California to your hometown just in time for the holidays (and snow) while many Chicagoans take flight to warmer destinations around this time. Why the big change?
I adore the holiday season in Chicago and have come home every Christmas for the past 21 years. My whole family is here—my mom, my dad, my two younger sisters, their kids, my cousins, my aunts, my uncles. I come from a huge family. I love how in Chicago around the holidays, we all get together, and everyone gives back to their communities.
What are some of your favorite holiday foods or traditions?
We always enjoy the Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve. My mom also makes panza [panzerotti], which is a fried pizza pocket similar to a calzone, and we eat those all day long. A family member always dresses up as Santa. My father dressed up when I was younger for a bit. Then it was my uncle’s turn. Now, I’ve been playing Santa Claus for my nephews and nieces. Although last year, one of my nieces figured out it was me when I forgot to change my shoes to boots. I was busted! We like to keep our traditions strong in our family—just like many Chicago families during the holidays.
Coming home and working in Chicago has always been something I wanted to do.
I love how in Chicago around the holidays, we all get together, and everyone gives back to their communities.