Former HBO ExecSays James Gandolfini Dared Him to 'Fire' the Actor fromThe SopranosAfter Staged Intervention

Mar. 15, 2025

James Gandolfini in West Hollywood, California in November 2011.Photo:Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic

Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic

James Gandolfinibreathed life into the role of Tony Soprano, but doing so may have come at a cost for the actor.In the new documentaryWise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos,which premiered on Saturday, Sept. 7, former HBO CEO Chris Albrecht recalled how he once staged an intervention with Gandolfini to convince the actor to enter rehab for his struggles with alcohol.

Gandolfini ultimately helped carry the show for six seasons from 1999 to 2007, earning three Emmys for outstanding lead actor in a drama series for his portrayal of Tony.

James Gandolfini on ‘The Sopranos.'.Anthony Neste/Getty

Anthony Neste/Getty

Hedied on June 19, 2013at age 51 of a heart attack. Although the show’s creator David Chase admitted at the time of the actor’s death that he “wasn’t easy sometimes,” Chase was quick to point out that the three-time Emmy winner was “one of the greatest actors of this or any time.”

“A great deal of that genius resided in those sad eyes,” Chase continued. “I remember telling him many times, ‘You don’t get it. You’re like Mozart.’ There would be silence at the other end of the phone.”Chase cast a wide net when initially trying to cast Tony forThe Sopranos.Chase revealed inWise Guythat he eventually discovered Gandolfini, who initially thought he’d flubbed his audition but gave it another go at Chase’s home, where he nailed the part.

“Bang,” said Chase, adding, “It was pretty obvious when Jim did [it]. HewasTony.”

James Gandolfini and Edie Falco on ‘The Sopranos.'.HBO/Getty

HBO/Getty

Falco, for her part, mused that she never received a check from Gandolfini, but added that the good deed “sounds like him.”

“He was a very good-hearted, kind man looking out for his friends,” added Falco.

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Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranosis available to stream on Max. Seasons 1 to 6 ofThe Sopranosare also available on the streaming platform.

source: people.com