what he has to do. According to an interview Zamprogna did with ABC.com, Dante is completely torn after the shooting when he realizes that not only has he found his father, but that his father is the man he hates. It's a "double-edged sword" Zamprogna stated; Dante is "mortified" to learn of their biological connection. The revelation changes the "pace" of the storyline and also changes the "mentality in the character." The reveal also sets the stage for a potential rivalry between Dante and Michael. While Michael finds ways to screw up his life, Dante as Dominic has gotten into Sonny's inner circle, where Michael so desperately wants to be. On top of that, Dante takes Michael's place as Sonny's oldest child. It is his experience in Port Charles that helps Dante to understand that things are not always as they seem. Though Dante's stance on morality does not change, Zamprogna wanted to develop Dante enough to have him look past his hatred for Sonny. For example, when Sonny is arrested for shooting Johnny Zacchara (Brandon Barash), Dante actually believes Sonny when he claims self-defense. Reception Despite critics like Nelson Branco of TV Guide, and Sarah Brown who portrayed Claudia lobbying for Tom Pelphrey to get the job, Zamprogna won the role. TV Source magazine urged Pelphrey to take the role before it was filled. Dominic Zamprogna ranked at #1 on "Daytime Confidential's Top 10 Soap Newcomers of 2009." The list referred to the role as one of the most sought after roles in the past 10 years. The article continued and commented that not only was Zamprogna "a man who resembled Benard in stature and mannerisms, but more importantly could act his sexy behind off!" The post applauded the actor for selling every part of his storyline and said that Zamprogna was proof that being well known as an actor did not determine whether you made an impact. Jamey Giddens praised Zamprogna for his performance during the scene in which Dante confronted Sonny and tried to arrest him in January 2010 and said the performance solidified Zamprogna's place at the top of the newcomer list. Giddens also referred to him as a "Superstar-in-the-Making." Daytime Confidential's Perkie said the scene in which Dante confronted Sonny gave them goose bumps and referred to Zamprogna's performance as "mesmerizing." The scene was also spoofed on by Stephen Colbert on his late night talk