Richard Aprile, Jr., portrayed by Andy Blankenbuehler, is a minor character in The Sopranos. He only appeared in one episode in the second season, "Knight in White Satin Armor".
Quick Answers
Who is Richard Aprile, Jr.'s mother in The Sopranos?
What is known about Richard Aprile, Jr.'s relationship with his father, Richie Aprile?
What year was Richard Aprile, Jr. likely born in based on the timeline of The Sopranos?
Biography[]
Richard is the only son of Richie Aprile. He was born in or before 1977, as Richie, who was incarcerated in 1989, was around to parent him until at least age 12. His mother is never discussed and Richie himself never mentions a former domestic life. Richard seems to have no problem accepting Janice Soprano as his stepmother, indicating that Richard and his biological mother were either not close or that Richard never met her at all. In the latter case, he was most likely raised by other relatives during Richie's 10-year prison sentence.
Richard used to be called "Little Ricky" until he was twelve, but has since gone by "Rick". He's not involved in the mafia, and is a ball room dancer along with his dance partner Juliet. However, his father was ashamed that his only heir was a ball room dancer, as he believed dancing was effeminate and a sign that Rick is gay, instead wishing he was more like his cousin Jackie Jr. Despite this, Richard is seen practicing with Juliet at his father's new home, and is at Richie and Janice's engagement party. He toasts his congratulations to his father and new stepmother, though Richie seems annoyed as he does this, partially because Rosalie continues to refer to him by his childhood nickname, seeing it as further emasculating him. He also helps with cleaning Livia Soprano's home.
A few nights later, Richie brings up in discussion that Ricky asked for a $5,000 loan to go to England to attend a dancing competition. Janice asks whether "Little Ricky" will still be able to go to their wedding, again incensing Richie, who dismisses his career in dance and laments having a "disgraziato" like him named after himself. Janice snaps at Richie's attitude and rejects the idea of his son being gay, but also says that it shouldn't matter even if he was. After that, Richie punches Janice in the mouth for considering his possible homosexuality acceptable. Shortly thereafter, Janice shoots Richie, killing him seconds before, and asking for the help of her brother Tony Soprano to hide the body.
Little Ricky wasn't mentioned again until the sixth season, episode eleven, where during the Vito Spatafore incident, Silvio Dante praises Richie for disowning Little Ricky. Sil is most likely misremembering the details behind Richie's strained relationship to Ricky, as the former never mentioned cutting off ties with his son before his death, with Ricky's sexuality never being confirmed.