Born: September 18, 1961 – Died: June 19, 2013
James Gandolfini, renowned for his iconic role as mob boss Tony Soprano in HBO's hit series "The Sopranos," was born in Westwood, New Jersey, on September 18, 1961. His parents, Santa and James Joseph Gandolfini, Sr., both of Italian origin, led ordinary lives, with his mother working as a high school lunch lady and his father as a bricklayer and head school janitor. James ventured into the world of acting in the New York theater scene, ultimately making a breakthrough with his portrayal of the hitman Virgil. However, it was his complex character as Tony Soprano that catapulted him to worldwide fame and earned him numerous accolades. Gandolfini's remarkable contributions to the entertainment industry continue to be celebrated, even after his unexpected passing in Italy on June 19, 2013, due to a heart attack.
Early Life and Career
James Gandolfini's childhood and upbringing were marked by the simplicity of his parents' lives and his Italian heritage. He embarked on his acting journey in the vibrant theater scene of New York. His first professional role was a significant milestone, but it was his portrayal of the hitman Virgil that marked his initial success.
However, it was his groundbreaking performance as Tony Soprano in "The Sopranos" that catapulted him into stardom and garnered him numerous awards, including three Primetime Emmys.
Beyond his acting career, Gandolfini's personal life included his marriage to Deborah Lin in 2008, with whom he had a child. Known to be a shy and reserved individual, he often expressed discomfort with his celebrity status.
Despite this, his talent and unique portrayal of Tony Soprano left an indelible mark on Hollywood and the entertainment industry, earning him recognition as an icon and a legend in the world of television and film. Gandolfini's untimely death in 2013 left a void in the industry, but his legacy continues to shine through his memorable work and the impact he had on his craft.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | The Drop | Cousin Marv |
| 2013 | Enough Said | Albert |
| 2013 | Nicky Deuce (TV Movie) | Bobby Eggs |
| 2013 | The Incredible Burt Wonderstone | Doug Munny |
| 2012 | Zero Dark Thirty | C.I.A. Director |
| 2012 | Not Fade Away | Pat |
| 2012 | Killing Them Softly | Mickey |
| 2011 | Violet & Daisy | The Guy |
| 2011 | Cinema Verite (TV Movie) | Craig Gilbert |
| 2011 | Down the Shore | Bailey Euler |
| 2010 | Mint Julep | Mr. G |
| 2010 | Welcome to the Rileys | Doug Riley |
| 2009 | Where the Wild Things Are | Carol (voice) |
| 2009 | The Taking of Pelham 123 | Mayor |
| 2009 | In the Loop | Lt. Gen. George Miller |
| 2007 | Stories USA | The Man (segment "Club Soda") |
| 1999–2007 | The Sopranos (TV Series) | Tony Soprano |
| 2006 | The Sopranos: Road to Respect (Video Game) | Tony Soprano (voice) |
| 2006 | Club Soda (Short) | The Man |
| 2006 | All the King's Men | Tiny Duffy |
| 2006 | Lonely Hearts | Det. Charles Hilderbrandt |
| 2005 | The Sopranos: Season 6 Invitation to the Set (Video) | Unknown |
| 2005 | Romance & Cigarettes | Nick Murder |
| 2004 | Surviving Christmas | Tom Valco |
| 2001 | The Last Castle | Col. Winter |
| 2001 | The Man Who Wasn't There | Big Dave Brewster |
| 2001 | The Mexican | Leroy |
| 1999 | A Whole New Day (Short) | Vincent |
| 1999 | 8MM | Eddie Poole |
| 1998 | A Civil Action | Al Love |
| 1998 | The Mighty | Kenny Kane |
| 1998 | Fallen | Lou |
| 1997 | Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil | Diner Cook #2 (uncredited) |
| 1997 | Perdita Durango | Dumas |
| 1997 | 12 Angry Men (TV Movie) | Juror #6 |
| 1997 | She's So Lovely | Kiefer |
| 1997 | Gun (TV Series) | Walter Difideli |
| 1996 | Night Falls on Manhattan | Joey Allegretto |
| 1996 | The Juror | Eddie |
| 1995 | Get Shorty | Bear |
| 1995 | Italian Movie | Angelo |
| 1995 | Crimson Tide | Lt. Bobby Dougherty |
| 1995 | New World | Will Caberra |
| 1994 | Terminal Velocity | Ben Pinkwater |
| 1994 | Angie | Vinnie |
| 1993 | Mr. Wonderful | Mike |
| 1993 | True Romance | Virgil |
| 1993 | Money for Nothing | Billy Coyle |
| 1992 | A Stranger Among Us | Tony Baldessari |
| 1991 | The Last Boy Scout | Marcone's Henchman (uncredited) |
| 1987 | Shock! Shock! Shock! | Orderly (as Jim Gandolfini) |
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