Michael Imperioli Shares How Kerouac, Buddhism and NYC Changed His Life

Back in the early ’80s, a spirited 17-year-old named Michael Imperioli embarked on his new life in New York City, immersing himself in the vibrant arts culture of the East Village. On one particular day, he wandered into St. Mark’s Books and stumbled upon a book that would shape his future: “The Diamond Sutra.

In the 2nd century CE, an ancient Buddhist text, possibly the world’s first printed books, was not a typical choice for teenagers in ’80s downtown New York, who were more likely engrossed in works like Bret Easton Ellis, J.D Salinger, and William S. Burroughs. However, when actor Michael Imperioli’s favorite author, Jack Kerouac, also a notable literary figure, expressed his commitment to the Sutra manuscript, promising to read it daily after reorganizing it into seven parts, Imperioli found himself drawn to this book and remained captivated by it ever since.

The exact paperback still sits on a bookshelf in his Upper West Side home to this day.

Few writers leave an everlasting impact on your life,” as Steve Imperioli, a current Buddhist practitioner, shares with me at Spring Studios during the Tribeca Film Festival, where a documentary about the renowned Beat writer is set to debut this week. Titled “Kerouac’s Road: The Beat of a Generation” and directed by Ebs Burnough, the film delves into how Kerouac’s influential novel “On the Road” still strikes a chord in modern-day America. By following the footsteps of some of Kerouac’s most revered followers like Josh Brolin, W. Kamau Bell, Natalie Merchant, and Imperioli, it revisits his restless journey and explores how his work continues to inspire generations.

The “Sopranos” actor finds the 1957 autobiographical novel to be a symbolic representation of existence, profoundly shaped by the Buddhist principles that Jack Kerouac adhered to. He reflects thoughtfully, “This voyage from birth to death involves embracing experiences and people.” He emphasizes, “Given our current situation in this nation, we’ve been stirred into a madness of tribalism, division, and labeling, with individuals being categorized and grouped together.

He anticipates that utilizing this document may motivate the next generation to read Kerouac’s books, sparking within them an actual desire to embark on journeys similar to those described in his works, fostering a sense of adventure and open-mindedness towards diverse peoples and cultures.

At the very least, he expresses his hope that it encourages them to read his books purely for the delight of enjoying such fine literature.

Leading up to the debut of “Kerouac’s Road: The Beat of a Generation” at Tribeca Film Festival, I had the pleasure of conversing with Mr. Imperioli about his passion for literature, Buddhism, politics, and his perspectives on an ever-evolving New York City.

What was your first introduction to Jack Kerouac, and why does he resonate with you?

Few authors leave an indelible mark on one’s lifelong reading journey, particularly adulthood. Among them, he stands out as the one I have revisited frequently, finding a profound sense of empathy and a warm-heartedness that resonates deeply. His writing is characterized by this unwavering openness towards people, life, and experiences – most notably, other people. This quality shines through vividly, complemented by his exceptional literary prowess and innovative style, which revolutionized American literature with its fresh, captivating expression.

He often observed bebop jazz musicians improvising and similar activities, aiming to incorporate this freedom into literature and fiction. However, it’s the open-heartedness that truly permeates his entire body of work – poetry, novels, you name it. He has consistently served as a lighthouse in a world where an open heart and compassion are not always prevalent, regrettably.

What do you think this younger generation can learn from Kerouac’s way of life and his writing?

In essence, the novel ‘On The Road’ serves as a symbolic representation of life itself. It illustrates our collective journey from birth to death, emphasizing the importance of embracing new experiences and people. Regrettably, in today’s society, particularly within this country, we find ourselves swept up in a whirlwind of tribalism, division, and generalizations. When someone disagrees with us on an issue, it’s easy to dismiss them rather than engage. However, it is crucial to remember that people are not simply labels or groups; they are complex individuals who deserve understanding and empathy.

I enjoy it when my assumptions are challenged and proven incorrect, as we often form expectations about others based on our preconceived notions. Surprises can be enriching, so I hope this book encourages readers to embrace a similar openness – whether that’s towards people or different cultures. At the very least, I hope it inspires young and unacquainted audiences to discover this author’s works for the joy of reading his exceptional literature.

How does your spirituality inform your views on today’s tumultuous political landscape?

In the Buddhist viewpoint, everything is impermanent and nothing is flawless. This implies a hopeful optimism about human capacity to evolve, learn from errors, and grow through hardships. Buddhism also posits that every individual harbors an enlightened essence within them, which represents their authentic nature – a clear, unaltered mind, untouched by thoughts and ingrained behaviors. This essence is pure, boundless, and open in all aspects. Thus, according to Buddhism, everyone embodies the Buddha nature.

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s incredibly challenging. After all, isn’t it overwhelming to be constantly bombarded with information? I believe we weren’t designed for such an information overload. It seems almost insurmountable. You understand, don’t you? Problems have always existed and will continue to do so. However, we must discover a way to coexist as family, friends, peers, and colleagues amidst all this. We must find a way to balance our lives effectively.

You bought your first Kerouac book at 19 at St. Mark’s Books. There’s a lot of discourse right now about how much St. Marks has changed in the past few years. As a native New Yorker, what are your thoughts on how much the city has changed?

What’s unfortunate about the transformation in New York is it used to be a place where people could independently run businesses, from restaurants and bookstores to clothing shops, and now it’s more dominated by corporations. This shift represents a significant change. It’s disheartening as we see the gradual disappearance of the city’s authentic charm and diversity – that’s the sad aspect of New York’s economically driven evolution.

The economic situation presents challenges due to the shift from independently and family-owned businesses to corporate stores and chains. Losing that unique, personal touch is hard. It’s a bit disheartening because what we’re getting instead isn’t similar; it’s more like big corporations taking over, rather than small businesses run by individuals or families, such as a father and daughter team starting a place together. Despite these changes, I adore the city immensely. It’s still New York, just a bit different, but I continue to cherish it deeply.

You also grew up in the punk rock scene in New York as a musician. What do you miss most about that era?

It seems that the quality of music in New York has significantly improved compared to the start of this century.

Really?

Starting from around 2000, there were some positive developments. However, by 2010, things had deteriorated significantly. Now, it’s improved greatly, although I can’t quite explain why. Perhaps it’s because younger generations are more serious and focused due to the high costs involved, which has its pros and cons.

Do you know The Dare?

No. Should I?

No.

2025-06-06 23:17