Since the advent of television, the medium has always been considered less-than-reputed when compared to film. The Sopranos changed that in 1999. The James Gandolfini-starring series is a fascinating case study in visually and narratively gripping storytelling – so much so that it launched the Golden Age of television, influencing iconic shows like Mad Men, Breaking Bad, The Wire, and Game of Thrones.
![The Sopranos [Credit: HBO]](https://fwmedia.fandomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/21142559/The-Sopranos-%E2%80%93-Drea-de-Matteo-and-Michael-Imperioli-Credit-HBO-1024x576.jpg "“He finally had himself back”: James Gandolfini’s Mental State Weeks before Tragic Death, Revealed by ‘The Sopranos’ Co-star 1")
However, the star at the center of it all – James Gandolfini – was always busy shying away from the limelight to ever enjoy any of the privileges that the show’s growing popularity had to offer. Gandolfini’s reluctance toward fame was so well-documented that even decades later, his friends and colleagues feel compelled to protect his memory and shield his legacy from the media.
James Gandolfini’s love-hate relationship with fame
The Sopranos has never been subtle in creating its monumental legacy. The HBO series was as revolutionary while airing between 1999 and 2007 as it has been in its Covid-era resurgence post-2019. The show’s rabid fanbase worked overtime to keep it alive, giving rise to a spin-off film and multiple Twitter/X fan accounts reliving and celebrating moments from the iconic show.
However, as revered as the show may be, James Gandolfini never enjoyed being a part of its celebrated history as long as he was alive. His real-life friend and on-screen co-star Steve Schirripa was far too aware of how much the celebrity worship affected Gandolfini.
In an interview with The Independent, Schirripa admitted that the show’s reputation “affected him” and that “he never felt comfortable being the center of attention.” Gandolfini became notorious in his time for skipping out on press interviews, tours, and events even at the cost of promoting the show.
The Sopranos actor spills some insider knowledge
![The Sopranos [Credit: HBO]](https://fwmedia.fandomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/21142727/The-Sopranos-Credit-HBO-.jpg "“He finally had himself back”: James Gandolfini’s Mental State Weeks before Tragic Death, Revealed by ‘The Sopranos’ Co-star 4")
Beyond his time as the patriarch of the New Jersey mob, The Sopranos actor James Gandolfini was infamous for his relentless struggle with addiction and substance abuse. His time as a steady-paid actor suffered while on The Sopranos set for his multiple visits to rehab and he died at the age of 51 from an untimely and unfortunate heart attack.
However, beyond his struggles with addiction, there was a greater nightmare that plagued Gandolfini for years after The Sopranos ended. Michael Imperioli, a close confidant and co-star of Gandolfini’s, was one of the last people to see him alive. And in his last days, Imperioli revealed that the nightmare had somewhat lifted from Gandolfini’s shoulders.
Imperioli revealed to The Independent:
He was really happy. It was six years after the finale had aired, and he felt that some of the craziness was calming down for him, some of the identification with the role. He finally had himself back.
Currently, The Sopranos stands at an impressive 92% on Rotten Tomatoes and the show’s legacy remains as grounded as ever. Despite the troubling history associated with its stars behind the scenes, the series remains one of the most influential works ever created for the screen.
The Sopranos is currently streaming on Max.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
