Steve Bastoni meets with Mick Gatto over planned TV series

Mick Gatto has met up with the actor planning a TV series on the hard man’s life — and the resemblance is uncanny.

Melbourne identity Mick Gatto is set to have a TV series made about his life. Picture: Keryn Stevens

Melbourne identity Mick Gatto has given a tentative blessing to a planned TV series about his life.

The eight-part series, created by actor and writer Steve Bastoni, is at the script development stage.

“Steve is a good bloke. I’ve had several meetings with him. He called down to Carlton the other day to try on wigs and look like me,” Gatto said.

“We had a laugh and I’ve developed a good friendship with him.”

Gatto says he won’t interfere with the script as it’s being crafted, but he and his family will have final say on the project going ahead.

Mick Gatto and actor-writer Steve Bastoni, wearing a wig that will feature in the TV series about Gatto's life.

The wig Steve Bastoni will wear in the TV series about Mick Gatto.

“I’m going to let them write it. I’m told it starts from me growing up, through to all my charity work … Steve is keen to look at all those things.

“I haven’t guided him in any way. He can do whatever he wants, then show me the script … and if there’s no issue, they can do what they like.”

Gatto, who has a reputation as a hard man, said his younger self dreamt of being a boxer.

“Muhammad Ali was my idol. I wanted to be a champion like him,” Gatto said. “Then I got introduced to the gambling – 2-up and all that – and that was the end of my boxing career.”

Mick Gatto has a reputation as a hard man and once dreamt of being a boxer. Picture: Rob Leeson

Meanwhile, Gatto has set up a non-profit organisation to raise money and awareness for autism.

He and wife Cheryl are the backers of Equal Access For Autism, which aims to improve the lives of young children and teenagers on the spectrum.

Their grandson Dominic, 14, is autistic.

“Autistic kids are so pure of heart,” said Gatto, who has five grandchildren.

“He’s brought so much joy to our lives, and we just love him to death. It’s a different level of love when you have grandkids. It’s what you live for. There’s nothing better.”