Who is the actor in the Freshpet dog food commercial?
Featuring Sopranos’ beloved character in an unforgettable Freshpet ad
(By Carmichael Phillip)
Meet the Actor: Steve Schirripa, Reprising Sopranos Energy
Steve Schirripa, best remembered for his portrayal of Bobby “Bacala” Baccalieri on HBO’s The Sopranos, stars in Freshpet’s latest dog food commercial, “My Boy Junior.” Cast intentionally for his iconic Sopranos persona, Schirripa brings humorous gravitas to the ad as a mobster-style figure defending his dog food with mob-like fervor. The ad cleverly juxtaposes pet food with family loyalty, all wrapped in classic Sopranos flavor.
From Sopranos to Freshpet: The Perfect Fit
The Freshpet campaign needed someone who could deliver both nostalgia and warmth—and Steve Schirripa fit that mold perfectly. In the commercial, a mob-style gathering defends the presence of Freshpet in a refrigerator with the line: “That’s not dog food. That’s Freshpet. Real meat. Real veggies. For my boy, Junior.” His real-life role as a devoted “dog dad”—feeding Freshpet to his dachshund Willie Boy—made the casting especially authentic and compelling.
A Commercial That’s Equal Parts Funny and Heartfelt
Released during the Christmas Day NFL games on Netflix, “My Boy Junior” blends cinematic homage with canine charm. The setting mirrors Satriale’s Pork Store from The Sopranos, where Schirripa’s character, surrounded by fellow tough guys, reacts when someone discovers Freshpet in his fridge. The dramatic tension gives way to humor as the scene ends with the line: “If anybody asks, we were at grandma’s.”
Cameos That Elevate the Scene
Adding to the authenticity are appearances by character actors Johnny “Roastbeef” Williams (from Goodfellas, Green Book) and Robert Costanzo (Saturday Night Fever, Die Hard 2). Their presence amplifies the mob-movie vigilante vibe, making the Freshpet ad feel like a mini Sopranos reunion—with a playful twist.
Steve’s Bark-Worthy Inspiration
Steve Schirripa’s participation wasn’t just a business move—it was personal. He feeds Freshpet to his own dog, Willie Boy, and they even featured together in promotional materials. When the script arrived, Schirripa embraced the opportunity to slip back into “Sopranos mode.” He called the commercial “really smart, really clever and really funny,” and praised the brand’s fresh, wholesome messaging.
A Smart Advertising Strategy with Emotional Bite
Freshpet’s campaign doesn’t just sell dog food—it sells a feeling: the idea that feeding your dog fresh, real food is as important as what you put in your own fridge. Using Schirripa added emotional weight and cultural resonance; it wasn’t about celebrity status but emotional authenticity wrapped in humor.
The Public’s Reaction: Nostalgic and Playful
Viewers—especially Sopranos fans—loved seeing a nostalgic character delivering an ad with tongue firmly in cheek. The spot struck a balance between homage and brand storytelling, prompting laughs and curiosity. Audiences appreciated that Schirripa wasn’t just playing a character—he was playing against type with heart.
Anatomy of a Mob-Themed Pet Food Ad
Freshpet enlisted agency Terri & Sandy and director Dan Opsal (“Hungry Man,” The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon) to bring professional flair to the campaign. The result? A mini cinematic experience: lighting, tone, and characters all deliver high production value, yet feel playful and genuine—a smart way to elevate dog food advertising.
How This Fits Into Freshpet’s Branding
Freshpet built its brand on fresh, refrigerated pet food made with real ingredients—redefining it not as “dog food” but as “Food Food.” Partnering with Schirripa, a genuine dog owner and fan, both reinforces this message and humanizes it beautifully. The commercial isn’t just funny—it’s persuasive.
Final Thoughts: More Than an Ad, It’s a Mood
Who is the actor in the Freshpet dog food commercial? It’s none other than Steve Schirripa—channeling his mobster legacy, genuine love for his own dog, and comedic timing. He brings the ad to life in a way that’s equal parts hilarious, nostalgic, and heartfelt. It’s a testament to how a clever idea, the right actor, and emotional truth can invigorate even the most everyday product spotlight.
Acting Magazine Newsletters
Never miss out on the best from Acting Magazine.