James Gandolfini
When the name James Gandolfini is mentioned, Tony Soprano flashes into most people’s minds from HBO’s smash hit series The Sopranos (86 episodes 1999-2007).
That role as complex Mafia boss brought him worldwide fame and accolades for his acting prowess.
I’m no exception. I loved Tony Soprano and The Sopranos. But between you and me, I lost interest during the fourth season. I have more lasting memories of him as a hit man in True Romance (1993) and a New York City electrical worker in Mr. Wonderful (1994).
Just this week he popped up in two movies I watched. He was a mob hood in Get Shorty (1995) and a juror in 12 Angry Men (the TV version from 1997). I also caught him last month in The Last Castle (2001). The header photo for this post is from The Last Castle.
James Gandolfini was born in Westwood, New Jersey. His mother worked in the high school cafeteria where his father was the head janitor and a bricklayer on the side. He only accumulated 52 acting credits. I say “only” because he died unexpectedly of a heart attack in 2013 while vacationing in Italy. He was “only” 51. Had he lived longer the total would’ve been much higher.
He was originally cast as Carl Hanratty (Tom Hanks’ role) in Catch Me If You Can (2002) but drop out due to his commitment with The Sopranos.
I’m America’s Best Crime Writer – Barry Bowe – & I approve this message.
My first book – Born to Be Wild – Published in 1992 – Still selling on Amazon & Kindle. A true story about certain members of the Warlocks motorcycle gang.
The story took 21 years to play out – many twists & turns – an amalgam of Sons of Anarchy and Breaking Bad – but these outlaw bikers make the Sons look like Cub Scouts.
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