The late James Gandolfini made Tony Soprano some of the iconic characters in tv historical past, however he nearly missed out on the function as a result of a particular concern from the present’s creator, David Chase.
In Jason Bailey’s new biography concerning the beloved actor, Gandolfini: Jim, Tony, and the Lifetime of a Legend, an excerpt of which was printed by Vulture, the creator and historian shares particulars of The Sopranos casting course of, which features a story from Nancy Sanders, certainly one of Gandolfini’s managers.
After studying the script for the HBO pilot, Sanders recalled, “I went, ‘Oh my God, I feel I’ve Tony Soprano.’” She then known as Chase, who instructed her, “He sounds acquainted. I’m completely into having this dialog with you, however I’ll not bear in mind it. Name me tomorrow morning and ship me the VHS.”
Sanders despatched Gandolfini’s tape to Chase, and he known as her again the subsequent morning with one explicit fear. “All proper, right here’s the deal,” he instructed her. “I feel he’s sensible. I’ve one concern, and that’s, Is he threatening sufficient?”
Timothy Van Patten (director), James Gandolfini, David Chase (creator/author), on set on Sopranos; HBO/Courtesy Everett Assortment
Remembering the dialog, Sanders mentioned she was shocked by the suggestions and instructed Chase, “David, in case your solely concern is ‘is he threatening sufficient?’… In the event you mentioned to me, ‘He’s a bit chubby,’ or ‘He’s shedding his hair,’ I might perceive. However he’s threatening sufficient. That is your man.”
As for Gandolfini, Bailey’s guide notes how the multi-time Emmy winner additionally thought he’d be good for the function, although he had doubts he’d ever be forged for the present. “I feel my precise phrases had been, ‘I might kick this man proper within the ass, however I’ll by no means get forged,’” Gandolfini mentioned. “‘They’ll rent some f****** fairly boy.’ I believed they’d rent, you understand, certainly one of these Irish-looking guys who’re throughout TV now.”
After agreeing to audition, Gandolfini learn for the function and ultimately satisfied Chase he was the person for the job. “When he lastly settled down and actually did a studying, it was simply apparent,” Chase mentioned, per Bailey’s guide. “There was simply not any query about it. He was the man.”
Gandolfini went on to land the defining function of his profession, taking part in mob boss Tony Soprano throughout all six seasons of the hit HBO drama. The half earned him three Excellent Lead Actor in a Drama Collection Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe Award for Finest Actor – Tv Collection Drama.