Buddy Cianci's History in Pop Culture
GoLocalProv News Team
Buddy Cianci's History in Pop Culture
GoLocalProv looks at how the late Renaissance Mayor Buddy Cianci has been depicted in a wide array of pop culture expressions in movies, books, TV, and apparel.
No Rhode Islander is better known or more infamous. The former Mayor claims to be the, “Most Googled man in Rhode Island.”
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTCianci who was first elected Mayor of Providence in 1974 and in total, he served more than 21 years.
Twice he left office – once for assaulting a developer over a dispute and the second time when he was convicted on a RICO charge.
Take a tour of iconic Buddy graffiti, TV appearances, and so much more.
Buddy Cianci in Pop Culture
Graffiti
Shepard Fairey exploded on to the global stage when he designed the iconic "Hope" poster of President Obama, but he had rocked Providence when he attended RISD with his installations/graffiti cut- and-past on Buddy Cianci's re-election posters.
Photo by El-Pablo via Flickr
https://www.flickr.com/photos/el-pablo/4400073818/
Book
Mike Stanton, the author of "Prince of Providence," wrote the ultimate biography of Buddy Cianci - it was optioned for a movie with stars rumored for the role of Cianci ranging from Oliver Platt to Russell Crowe.
The movie has yet to be produced.
Jr. High
RISD grad Seth MacFarlane created the ultimate Rhode Island joke with his TV series, "Family Guy."
One of the show's backdrops is "Buddy Cianci Jr. High School."
Movie
Narrated by Rhode Island's own James Wood and directed by Sherry Wood, the documentary, "BUDDY, The Rise and Fall of America's Most Notorious Mayor," proved to be a snap shot of Cianci's life.
Buddy's Book
Nothing says Buddy Cianci like Buddy's own tell all autobiography. The post-jail book tried to even some scores and serve as a balance to Pulitzer prize winning investigative reporter Mike Stanton's, "Prince of Providence."
Buddy's book with the short title of "Politics and Pasta," failed to deliver the context and range of Stanton's book.
T Shirt
The best Buddy T-shirt going.
Pasta Sauce
The infamous Buddy Cianci sauce was a favorite for the Mayor to hand out to VIPS.
The profits from the sale of the sauce are intended to support scholarship for students.
Early Art
One of the most expressive pieces of Buddy Cianci art was an early campaign poster from the 1970's.
The poster is now a collector's item.
60 Minutes
After his conviction but before he reported for Federal prison, Cianci appeared on CBS News' 60 Minutes news magazine.
Cianci was resolute in his appearance.
NBC Star
Buddy Cianci had his appearances on the 1999 NBC prime time drama, "Providence."
The show was shot in part in the Rhode Island capitol city. Cianci seemed to be everywhere during the production of the show.
GOP
"The next Governor of RI" was how Cianci was introduced at the GOP national convention in 1980.
Take a look at Cianci's speech as captured in a Flashback on NBC 10.
