Imperioli is booked for Albom's "Day"

By Nellie Andreeva

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - In his first major role since the end of "The Sopranos," Emmy winner Michael Imperioli is set to star alongside Oscar winner Ellen Burstyn in ABC's original movie "Oprah Winfrey Presents: Mitch Albom's For One More Day."

Based on Albom's best-selling book, the TV film centers on Chick Benetto (Imperioli), a former baseball player battling alcoholism and depression who, on the verge of taking his life, is magically granted one more day with his deceased mother (Burstyn), who shows him a way to redemption.

Albom wrote the screenplay for "Day," which will be directed by Lloyd Kramer. Winfrey also helped bring Albom's best-seller "Tuesdays With Morrie" to the small screen for

ABC.

For Imperioli, the role draws parallels to his trademark "Sopranos" character, Christopher Moltisanti, who struggled with drug addiction.

Burstyn most recently appeared in the feature "The Fountain."

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter