Celebrities
Published January 11, 2024, 4:20 PM ET
“The Sopranos” is undoubtedly one of the most remarkable television series in history.
25 years after the mob crime drama premiered on HBO, the cast and James Gandolfini's son Michael gathered for an anniversary party on Wednesday to celebrate the series' legacy.
The party hosted by Max took place at Da Nico Ristorante, which famous “Sopranos” star Michael Imperioli counts as one of his favorite Italian restaurants in New York City.
Celebrities in attendance included Steve Buscemi, Julianna Margulies, Robert Funaro, Al Sapienza, Vincent Pastore, Kathrine Narducci and more.
The guests dined on an Italian feast and celebrated the evening away.
“The Sopranos” cast poses with creator David Chase. Marion Curtis/StarPix for Max/Shutterstock Steve Buscemi. Marion Curtis/StarPix for Max/Shutterstock
24-year-old Michael, also an actor, came to the anniversary event with his girlfriend Mia Healey.
James died in Rome in 2013 at the age of 51 as a result of a heart attack.
He portrayed the serial patriarch Tony, an Italian-American gangster who lives in New Jersey with his wife and two children and also suffers from panic attacks.
Steve Schirripa Marion Curtis/StarPix for Max/Shutterstock Robert Funaro Marion Curtis/StarPix for Max/Shutterstock Al Sapienza and Julianna Margulies Marion Curtis/StarPix for Max/Shutterstock
“The Offer” star also played the teenage version of his father’s character in the 2021 prequel “The Many Saints of Newark.”
The film's star cast included Ray Liotta, Leslie Odom Jr., Jon Bernthal and Vera Farmiga, who played Tony's mother.
At the time of the film's debut, he confessed that it was difficult for him to take on the role of his father.
Lorraine Bracco, Vincent Pastore and Kathrine Narducci Marion Curtis/StarPix for Max/Shutterstock Kathrine Narducci, Juliet Polcsa and Aida Turturro Marion Curtis/StarPix for Max/Shutterstock
“[It was] “Probably the hardest decision I've ever had to make,” he told Empire in 2021.
“I didn't want to put any pressure on myself to get out of that feeling like I had grown in my feelings towards my father,” Michael added on “Many Saints,” which followed Tony as he entered mafia life in 1960s Newark Years.
“I just wanted to be the best actor I could be and portray Tony like David [Chase] searched, scene by scene,” Michael added. “I didn't think about my grief because…well, I should have s–t been in bed.”
Ilene S. Landress and Julianna Margulies Marion Curtis/StarPix for Max/Shutterstock Steven Van Zandt and Maureen Van Zandt Zuma / SplashNews.com
Michael also told Entertainment Tonight at the time that he felt pressure to embody his father's iconic character.
“I want to make my dad proud, but I also want to make the fans proud,” he said. “I think Tony Soprano is one of the greatest characters of all time, and [series creator] David [Chase] I really trusted myself and the entire cast trusted me to take on this role with William playing a younger Tony, and I'm just so grateful and honored that I got to do that.”
The cast of “The Sopranos” will reunite at the 75th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards on January 15th.
Michael Gandolfini WireImage
The cast of the 1980s NBC sitcom “Cheers” will also take the stage on Monday.
Emmys host Anthony Anderson spoke about the upcoming reunions with People.
“We honor iconic shows that changed the scope of television and entertainment through their broadcast,” the comedian said.
Vincent Pastore Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock Aida Turturro WireImage Ray Abruzzo ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA
Anderson continued: “We'll be paying homage to them, a lot of the cast will be returning as themselves, as these characters, and there will be a little interaction between me and them on the set of their shows.”
“The Sopranos” also starred Lorraine Bracco, Edie Falco, Michael Imperioli, Dominic Chianese, Steven Van Zandt, Tony Sirico, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Michael Rispoli, Steve Schirripa and Robert Iler.
“The Sopranos” debuted in 1999 and lasted for six seasons, finally ending in 2007.
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