Joe Caniano began acting later in life. Caniano first studied under Joie Lee (sister of acclaimed director Spike Lee), and was later discovered by Sopranos star Michael Imperioli. Soon after studying at Imperioli's theater, Studio Dante, Caniano landed the part of Teddy Spirodakis in season 6 of "The Sopranos."After securing another small part in the critically acclaimed movie "Big Fan" (written and directed by Robert Siegel, author of "The Wrestler"), Caniano earned his first supporting role in "The Hungry Ghosts," written and directed by Michael Imperioli. Caniano's performance was singled out in The Village Voice review of the movie.Caniano also appeared in the indie film "Ponies," alongside John Ventimiglia and Kevin Corrigan. The film was directed by Nick Sandow and received The New York Times Critics' Pick. Most notably, Caniano portrayed Chicago gangster Jake "Greasy Thumb" Guzik on HBO's "Boardwalk Empire."