Jump To James Gandolfini's Stats
Even though the natural reaction to being around James Gandolfini is to be quiet and careful with what you say, the giant of a man describes his off-screen character as just a larger life Woody Allen. The New Jersey native grew up with loving parents and under modest conditions that promote the way he looks as each character that he portrays as an actor.
He trained on Broadway, appearing in several successful productions before his film and television career got underway. During those lean years, Gandolfini survived by becoming a bouncer or a bartender if necessary. He remembers all those who helped him along the way, including those in his general neighborhood of Tweksbury Township, New Jersey.
From start to now, New Jersey has paid him back in aces. His most popular role as Tony Soprano on the long-running HBO series The Sopranos illustrates his New Jersey connection. Portraying a mafia family boss, Gandolfini mesmerized audiences for 10 years as he handed the ins and outs of the cross and double cross that came with his character. His rewards came in money and statuettes. Beside the great monetary package that the network realized that befitted his portrayal, Gandolfini earned a trio of Emmys for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series and three SAG Awards for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series.
His credits include a variety of other roles beside The Sopranos. He appeared as Bear along side John Travolta and Uma Thurman in Get Shorty. He made waves with his performance in True Romance as Virgil the woman-beating, mob enforcer. He also appeared with Robert Redford in The Last Castle as they went toe-to-toe over a military prison that Gandolfini ran.
