In a newly released documentary, “Wise Guy: David Chase and the Sopranos,” it has been revealed that James Gandolfini, the iconic actor who portrayed Tony Soprano, frequently threatened to quit the show. The documentary, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 13, delves into the tumultuous relationship between Gandolfini and the show’s creator, David Chase.
David Chase, during a media tour for the prequel film “Many Saints of Newark” in 2021, often spoke about the strained relationship he had with Gandolfini. “He was tired of me, for sure,” Chase mentioned in an interview with The Guardian. “And I was kind of tired of him.” This tension was palpable by the time the series concluded in 2007.
The documentary sheds light on the extreme measures Gandolfini took to embody the character of Tony Soprano. According to a review by USA Today, Gandolfini would deprive himself of sleep for days before filming violent scenes. He would also walk around with rocks in his shoes to induce anger and bruise his hands by hitting the inside of his character’s car. These methods, while effective on screen, took a significant toll on Gandolfini’s mental and physical health.
Edie Falco, who played Tony’s wife Carmela Soprano, described Gandolfini as a “very good, kindhearted man” but acknowledged that the role “may have taken a toll on him.” The documentary also reveals that Gandolfini’s off-screen behavior was often erratic. He would sometimes not show up to work if he had been out drinking with co-stars the night before.
Former HBO executive Chris Albrecht recounted an incident where he tried to convince Gandolfini to go to rehab. Gandolfini’s response was to shout “Fire me!” before storming away. This was not an isolated incident; according to the documentary, Gandolfini threatened to quit the show nearly every other day for various reasons. He was acutely aware that the show could not continue without him, and he used this leverage to get what he wanted from the producers.
Jeff Bewkes, former chairman and CEO of Time Warner, expressed his concerns in the 2021 book “Tinderbox: HBO’s Ruthless Pursuit of New Frontier.” Bewkes feared that Gandolfini might die during the show’s run due to his destructive behavior. “Occasionally he would go on a bender or a coke binge. We had to stop production,” Bewkes said.
Despite these challenges, Gandolfini completed all six seasons of “The Sopranos.” He and Chase eventually reconciled in 2012 while working on the film “Not Fade Away.” “Things were fine [between us during the movie],” Chase recalled. “It was refreshed.” Tragically, Gandolfini passed away from a heart attack in 2013 at the age of 51.
The new documentary features audition tapes of cast members, interviews, and insights into the show’s controversial ending. It will be available for streaming on Max at a date yet to be announced. The documentary also highlights the immense pressure Gandolfini faced while playing Tony Soprano, a role that has been widely regarded as one of the greatest performances in television history.
The revelations in “Wise Guy: David Chase and the Sopranos” offer a deeper understanding of the personal struggles Gandolfini faced while bringing Tony Soprano to life. His commitment to the role was undeniable, but it came at a significant personal cost. The documentary serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices actors often make for their craft and the lasting impact of their performances.
