While his peers continue to release statements mourning the loss of James Gandolfini, the restaurant where the iconic final scene of The Sopranos was filmed came up with a really unique tribute. The owner put a reserved sign on the table where Tony Soprano, Anthony Soprano Jr. and Carmela Soprano sat during the last episode in 2007.
The New York Post reports that Chris Carley, who owns the Holsten’s ice cream parlor in New Jersey, decided that the reserved sign was the perfect trbiute. HE also shared his memories of the crew filming that scene.
“During his down time, he’d be outside smoking a big cigar, talking to people. He seemed like real regular guy,” Carley recalled. He described Gandolfini as being “really, really nice to the staff, giving autographs and taking pictures . . . One night, at 1 a.m., he brought in a whole bunch of sushi at his own cost. Just a really nice guy.”
As People notes, in the scene, Tony Soprano orders onion rings as “Don’t Stop Believin’” plays. People will often go just to get onion rings, Carey notes. But last night, many came just to see the reserved sign.
“A lot of people came just to see it, not to get ice cream,” Sara, Carley’s daughter, told the Post.
“I am shocked and devastated by Jim's passing,” Edie Falco, who played Carmela, told Us Weekly in a statement. “He was a man of tremendous depth and sensitivity, with a kindness and generosity beyond words. I consider myself very lucky to have spent 10 years as his close colleague. My heart goes out to his family. As those of us in his pretend one hold on to the memories of our intense and beautiful time together. The love between Tony and Carmela was one of the greatest I've ever known.”
Gandolfini died Wednesday night of a heart attack in Italy.