Being attached to a big role on one of the most respected television shows in history is the ultimate double-edged sword in entertainment, even more so if that role was as a member of the Italian mob. Michael Imperioli should know that better than anybody, since most people would immediately recognize him as Christopher Moltisanti, one of the most intriguing characters on The Sopranos.

But instead of letting himself be typecast in the 15 years since the show ended, Imperioli has been keeping busy in order to buy himself some time. You’ll see him pop up in an indie film, then maybe on an episode of a network crime procedural here, a SAG Award-nominated part in One Night in Miami there — but that next big role on a television show was going to have to be something really special.