Dominic Chianese

The Observer's own Spencer Morgan, probably hung over from a long night out with Christopher Hitchens and friends, sends us this from his Treo as he crawls his way back to New York from Washington today.

"The Transom's dad has been a lawyer all its life--albeit one with a wild set of eyebrows and a sinister Sopranos-esque scar on his left cheek.

"Then David Chase, who used to live down the street from the Transom's family growing up in Santa Monica, suggested him for a part on his show. His performance airs tonight!

"Without giving away too much, Papa Transom plays Uncle Junior's nemesis in the mental institute, a deranged former history professor, in tonight's installment.

"Since the filmming, Papa Transom has been going to the gym five times a week, taking acting classes at night, getting color headshots (see above) and trying to engage the Transom in late night script readings. He could be the next Jerry Orbach!

"Charles Morgan, whose own father, Harry, you may remember from M*A*S*H or Inherit the Wind, was kind enough to offer one spoiler a scene of particular interest to me, the part where Uncle Junior (Dominic Chianese) knees him in the family jewels:

I will say that Dominic was very concerned during the scene where he needs to knee me in the groin, lest he might actually hurt me.  read more »