I have to admit it, the first time I saw James was in the Hbo's hit "The Sopranos" and I immediately fell in love for that actor and his towering presence.
He was the reason why I've become a great fan of that show and after that, I've started watching some other of his works.
The way he portrais so different characters makes you completely forget that he's James Gandolfini, not Tony Soprano, Col. Winter, Eddie Poole and Big Dave. Why in 8mm you easily hate him and in The Man Who Wasn't There you even would be happy to see his character dead? Because he can really act. He's one of the few actors of our time who can really do his job, seriously.
No matter what he does in his career, no matter the roles played, no matter what else he does in entertainment he will forever be known for his role as "Tony Soprano". Never it seems do those so well admired for a particular role embrace that character, and their character of that role as do their fans. Non the less like it or not that is what you'll most likely be remembered for. James Gandolfini has played the character of "Tony Soprano" so well that it's hard if not impossible to imagine any other in that role. To this end it's a wonderful thing to make such a memorable mark in acting, yet understandable why actors fear being stereotyped, but the fact of the matter is could you see Robert Redford as "Tony Soprano". There isn't anything wrong with being able to give us that portrayal so convincingly, and he should be proud to know that like Marlon Brando's portrayal of "Don Vito Corleone" in "The Godfather" there is no one else able to match or exceed his performance in that role. Thank you Mr. Gandolfini for creating a character that will be remembered throughout time as one of TV's most memorable character's. And, that no matter what you do in the years to come your name and portrayal of "Tony Soprano" will reserve your work in the annuals of history as one of the greatest portrayals of a character. It's only...