The Sopranos is widely perceived as one of the best shows of all time, and James Gandolfini‘s performance as the crime boss Tony Soprano is iconic, to say the least. Gandolfini as Tony Soprano went down in history as one of the greatest performances on television. His portrayal of this incredibly complex and troubling character is truly unmatched, even today.
When Gandolfini suddenly died of a heart attack at just 51 years old, the news of his death shocked and saddened the world. He had an out-of-this-world talent, and his legacy extends beyond the cultural phenomenon that was The Sopranos. Everyone who knew him personally and loved his work was crushed after his sudden passing. He was one of the greatest of all time, not just talent-wise but in his personal life. Here are ten facts you probably didn’t know about The Soprano icon, James Gandolfini.
1. James Gandolfini Was Very Shy and Thoughtful
Unlike his on-screen character Tony Soprano, James Gandolfini was very timid and humble in real life. Because of his incredible performance as the ultimate alpha male and mobster, it’s hard to imagine him being anything other than that. But in fact, James Gandolfini was nothing like Tony. He was extremely camera-shy, often declining interviews and media appearances. He even once said to a reporter, “I’m an actor. I do a job, and I go home. Why are you interested in me? You don’t ask a truck driver about his job.” His coworkers described him as sweet, genuine, and giving. By so many accounts, Gandolfini was sensitive, thoughtful, and emotional.
