So true.. I made my life so much harder by getting involved with drugs. Before the drugs I could accomplish anything, now I can barely pay my bills. I want to live the normal life, yea it’s not perfect but it’s easier than the life I’m living now!
I truly hope things have gotten better for you and you are getting the help you need to fight your addiction. I have seen what it can do to someone and to the people that love them.
Lillo does a great impression of De Niro in the first part, bang on with the facial expressions. Best I've ever seen! He was perfect for the part as De Niro's son in A Bronx Tale and astonished me to learn he had never acted professionally before that movie. It's ironic that the message in the story rings true to his own life and he actually learned from it. Remember his screen father always said, "the saddest thing in life is wasted talent". In some ways that film nearly mirrored his own real life experience. He nearly threw away his acting talent by making a few wrong choices in life and hanging out with the wrong people, but learned his lesson, got on the right path and is back acting again! Not many people could come back from his situation and a 10-year prison stretch as a reformed character and be able to do acting work again.. He paid his dues to society, and still is, and that has earned him a lot of respect from people and got him offers of work like from Michael Franzese. He still is a capable talented actor, and has a long career ahead of him I'm sure and will always be remembered for his lead role in that first iconic movie he did. Imagine being chosen to play a real role alongside De Niro in a major movie when you've never acted before!! Bob saw talent in him.
The honesty is just PRICELESS!!! Thank you Michael for doing this sit down. Lillo is on fire for a heavenly cause. How wonderful I’m seeing this tonight. God bless you both!
Really proud of him, it's not easy to raise from the ashes of your errors and press on. The experience was one that I could tell provided a multitude of wisdom. For me in this case " it Takes one to Know one." Thank you, Michael & Lillo.
Choose the course God would choose. (Or that God would want you to choose) The simplicity in this phrase is too beautiful. What better advice he he give. God bless both of you.❤️
Thank you Michael for your honesty and compassion… I am a retired teacher from S.Bx and wish you could’ve visited my class and spoke the truth about how to go the right direction to my students… God is good… Mary
I’m happy I came across this video. I loved the Bronx Tale and was disappointed that he chose the path he did. After watching this video, I found Lillo to be a very respectful and well spoken young man. I’m very happy to hear that he’s doing much better and helping other individuals go through tough times. Thanks Michael and Lillo!
I met Lillo through a mutual friend at a Party for Vinny Vella shortly before Lillo's life took a bad turn. He was very cordial and welcoming. I was shocked when I heard what happened on the news.
Wonderful sitdown Michael! This one was really touching. I can hear the hurt Lilo was feeling from how Chazz treated him. I know he made a colossal mistake, but the sit down is also about second chances. You’re a good man Michael giving him an opportunity to bounce back in life. God bless
@@sonnyooo338 yeah even if he doesn’t apologize. Just reach out and see how Lilo is doing and if he needs anything . Although it was just on film, they shared a past together. Sonny looked out for C on film, just wished he did that without all that Hollywood bs. Like Michael said, “ for much is given, he is expected to give back.”
Sometimes you have to walk through that dark alley to finally see the light. "Use our experience to let others know to stay away from what we did. God's work." Truly inspirational 🙏🏼
I tell others its not religion its a relationship with Jesus who you can talk too just like a regular person and he walks by your side never leaving you..
I agree. You can go to church everyday for the rest of your life and still not understand what Christianity is nor the power it brings to your life. As long as I stay in the Word everyday and pray, I’m good.
I love Atheism and the real power it offers you. All religions, every one, seek to keep you like a sheep, stupid, asking all the wrong questions & on your knees. When you believe in yourself truly & shed the foolish desire for an afterlife, you realize how precious life is and that you are god of it while you are here. Accept that & also accept all gods and jesus's are made up by HUMANS. Think before we had language, was there a god? Nope. We couldn't even convey the thought. Be god of you & your own world and accept Atheism as unstoppable.
What a wonderful piece of work Mr Franzese! This is a story of true redemption from two men who were on top of the world and had it crumble all down. Only to find Christ and redemption! God bless you Mr Franzese and thank you for your content. Be healthy, be well and love yourself!
Michael We all appreciate what you have done with your life turnaround and what you have done to better the world. Thank you and God bless you and you family.
Michael I Love To Listen To You Talk And You R A Handsome Young Man. I A 71-Year Old Woman. I Just Discovered You And Your Show. You Touch My Heart And Soul. I Am A Christian Also. My Husband Of 52 Years Passed 2-Years Ago. He Was A Truck Driver For ,47 Years. We Have 2-Son' And One Daughter 36-Grands And Great Grands And Another On The Way. I Am So Very Happy I Discovered You R Shall I Say You Crossed My Path. Thank You For Your Time And Patience And Bless You And Your Wife And Children. I Will Be Keeping You In My Prayers.
As a retired cop that lost seven friends during my 30 years it’s difficult for me to overlook your role in the death of a police officer regardless of how minor it was. That said I’m glad you were able to somehow turn your life around in the arts, and to give back to kids headed where you were. FWIW A Bronx Tale was one of my favorite movies, you and DeNiro were amazing in it. Another of my favorite DeNiro flicks was The Intern, something I identified with since “Bobby” and I are about the same age. Best of luck in your future Lillo.
My best friend from DAY 1 kindergarten is a cop, I went the other way for a while but we still love each other and are buds. I understand what you mean about having difficulty overlooking it but at the same time for me, as a civilian who is close with a cop (of course, different than being a cop) it sorta troubles me to hear cops speak like that. Of course you don’t want to see one of your own go down. But why should the death of a cop matter more than the death of an innocent man, or a junkie? All death is tragic. If you can overlook one kind and not another, well it just baffles me. That’s not to say I’m judging you. Just my perspective. I’ve never walked a beat so I can’t speak on how it feels.
Thank you for this sit down. My family is going through something similar right now and it is not easy. I hope people get hope and inspiration from your stories. All the best.
I remember that Chaz interview. He really threw Lilo under the bus. He was so judgemental. Seemed like a PR thing...almost looked scared to have any association with Lilo. I guess you see who your real friends are when times are tough. Good on you Lilo in regards to your sobriety. Well done.
I also disagree with Chazz’s approach, but ATST I understand it and where it comes from: Anger, frustration, “tough love”, disgust - you name it. This may be conjecture on my part, but my guess is that - much in the same way his character Sonny pulls young Calogero out of the car near the end of _A Bronx Tale_ , giving him a new lease on life - Chazz saw the casting of Lillo as giving him that one-in-a-million shot that every kid who’s always wanted to perform dreams of. And then, , Brancanto f*cked it all up, 10 short years later. Chazz is big-time old-school, so he likely saw it as not only wasted opportunity, but bringing dishonor to him and the positive messages the film embodies, and a breakdown of trust. I’m reminded of De Niro’s reaction in a couple films, like what his character says to Sly Stallone’s in _Cop Land_ - “I gave you an opportunity, and you _BLEW_ it !!” It’s perhaps a bit ironic that De Niro’s IRL forgiveness of Lillo post-prison is so different from Chazz’s attitude. Hopefully Chazz will soften up in time, as he sees Lillo continue on his road to redemption.
@@Sharky165 I totally understand that "tough love" approach. My parents are Italian lol. Still though..when they asked Chazz "Would you ever each out or embrace Lilo if he reached out?", Chazz went in a little hard. Yes, he was given an amazing opportunity which we could only dream of..working opposite De Niro, however, family is family. They took this kid under their wings. Chazz could've handled that question better. I'm surprised Lilo brought it up because I specifically remember that interview and felt a funny way because love Chazz. People forget how funny he is too. Old schoolers should know..I've had a friend who's been in jail for doing stupid things. I knew he was wrong but still, I used to catch 2 hours worth of public transport to go visit him and deposit cash. I was angry at him as was his family and rightly so..but I can't leave a friend out to dry. I do agree with your main point.
@@Sharky165 We will see. I agree with most of what you said ; CHAZZ IS OLD SCHOOL.HE DOESN'T HAVE TO SOFTEN UP. IT IS WHAT IT IS . DEAL WITH IT. " YOU BLEW IT . . . . . !!!"
I allways litsen to Michael when i am at work. Michael is living proof that no matter where you come from and what background you have you can allways become something great
Subscribed! Michael thank you for the commitment and effort you put in your sit downs, you are authentic, honest and genuine which are the traits I value when I put in the time to watch great work like this 👍🏽
Lillo hit a point. Some of the addicts are some of the best people. They hurt themselves more than anything else and the damage that occurs around them is collateral due to the addiction. Lillo giving the proper guidance and wisdom is a good start for those that need it. Stay blessed everyone.
I have been watching Michael Franzese's show on RU-vid. His story and testimony has inspired me to start reading the Bible again after a long period of letting it just collect dust. This really is meaningful so I thank Michael Franzese for turning to Christ and sharing his story.
Michael, I’ve been Catholic for 78 years. I think I’ve gotten more out of listening to you than any sermon a priest has said at mass. Thank you. You’re like a breath of fresh air. I’d love to know what you think has happened to America and the direction we are being lead and what you think of Pope Francis. I’m so disheartened and would like to hear your perspective.
What a great sit down. Lillo is a very articulate man now and It is a shame to hear how the "devil" - aka drugs - stole so much from him. Fortunately, our Lord gives many chances to make things right. We have all made wrong decisions, but it doesn't have to be the end of us if we will only repent and turn to better things. Favorite line: "Now you'se can't leave." Thanks, Michael!
Michael, I could not agree with you more on your position on Jesus Christ. I am a fallen Catholic having been raised in a very Catholic family in a very Catholic city. But, I lead my life based upon the teachings of Jesus Christ. Being an attorney for 33 years, I have been blessed to be able to retire at an early age. If you do not think that Jesus Christ was the most complete man in the world, then you got the wrong religion. Kudos on this interview, “Bronx Tale” is one of my all time favorites. I really enjoy all of your interviews, you give the interviewee a chance to tell their story.
Just watched the Bronx tale last night and damn I fell in love with the movie it was absolutely amazing and really hit home for me especially the part when his friends died and his life was saved by being taken out the car a similar situation happen to me and I lost 2 of my best friends.
