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THE HOLLYWOODGODFATHERP O D C A S T
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SEASON 8 / EPISODE 149

GR Meets GR: An Interview with the Actor Who Plays Gianni in “The Offer” (Rebroadcast)

Aug 12, 2026 · Guest conversations
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On the Hollywood Godfather Podcast, Gianni Russo, Patrick Piccirilli, and Megan Horan welcome actor and real estate developer Brandon Williams, cast to play Russo in Paramount+’s limited series The Offer about the making of The Godfather. After a comedic “top 10 ways to become Gianni Russo,” Williams describes growing up on the streets of Los Angeles, his love of mob films, his Italian wife and son named Gianni, his shift from acting to successful Los Angeles real estate, and how casting director John Papsidera offered him the role and quickly cast him from a self-tape. Williams says he appears in three episodes, including scenes involving James Caan and delivering a tape to producer Al Ruddy, and notes the series largely centers on Ruddy with a strong cast. After a brief book promo and event plug, the hosts answer listener emails about Sinatra Jr.’s kidnapping, Rat Pack entertainers, The Many Saints of Newark, other podcast appearances, and Joe Silvestri of Shelton Health Clubs, then close the show with contact and subscription info.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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A reviewed transcript is not available for this release.

Original illustration · inspired by the era

NEW YORK · 1972

The Godfather

The role that changed everything.

In Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather, Gianni played Carlo Rizzi, Connie Corleone’s husband. Released in 1972, the film became the defining credit of his acting career. The podcast returns to the production, the cast, and Gianni’s memories of stepping into a film that would become part of cinema history.

Career history: Gianni’s official biography ↗

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