The Sopranos star James Gandolfini passed away from a major heart attack Wednesday afternoon at age 51. The HBO show ran from 1999-2007 and Mr. Gandolfini was awarded three Emmys and six nominations as well as multiple Golden Glob and Sag Award nominations and wins. We have complied a list of top ten moments of his character, Tony Soprano, to honor him and remember his talent.
10. Tony Soprano has a panic attack
Tony has an anxiety problem that causes him to visit Dr. Melifi in the very first episode. Before the anxiety attack Tony is smoking a cigar and watching the geese swim in his swimming pool. This brings out the human side of his character and it is shows through out the series when the root of his anxiety is addressed.
9. Tony Soprano visits Dr. Melfi
This scene also takes place in the very first episode. Tony is visiting Dr. Melfi. He discusses a time when he was younger hanging out with and laughing at Jimmy Smash. This is another chance to see the more human side to Gadolfini’s character.
8. Tony Soprano kills Ralph Cifaretto
This scene from the fourth-season shows the other side to Tony, showing his ability to shift from acting sensitive to a homicidal madman. This time it is Tony hashing it out with one of his crew, Ralph Cifaretto over the death of his racing horse.
7. Tony Soprano being a father
Not only did Gandolfini have to conquer being sensitive and being a tough mob boss, which he did, he was also a convincing father of two. In this scene from season two, he is confused on how to handle is son, Anthony Soprano Jr. and his discovery with existentialism after reading “The Stranger.”
6. “Are you in the mob?”
This scene is from season one when Tony’s daughter, Meadow, asks if he is in the mob. It demonstrates how Tony handles being asked this question.
5. Tony Soprano and his wife, Carmela Soprano fight
Tony and Carmela fight about what its like being married to the mob. Tony also addresses his infidelity and his wife admits she is lusting after someone else. The fight leads to a violent outburst.
4. Tony Soprano’s speech to the family at dinner
Tony makes a speech to his family talking about the Tony Blundetto problem and the conflict in New York. It shows Gandolfini acting as a strong mob boss.
3. Tony Soprano and Meadow fight
Meadow is upset after her boyfriend’s death. She addresses the unspoken truth about the way her father makes his money. He reveals his tough mob boss side right in front of her.
2. Tony Soprano and his nephew Christopher Moltisanti
Tony was close to his nephew. He helped stage an intervention when Christopher became addicted to heroin but decided to let him die when the pair is in a car accident. This scene shows he was a father figure to Christopher and how he valued their connection.
1. The Sopranos final scene
Writer and director David Chase set the final scene in a neighborhood diner, with Tony having a quiet dinner with his family. Gandolfini was able to stay composed and natural while the cameras were pointed at him constructing the final scene.
Image:Wikimedia Commons
