In the new documentary Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos, former HBO CEO Chris Albrecht recounts a tense moment with The Sopranos star James Gandolfini. Albrecht revealed that he once staged an intervention to urge Gandolfini to enter rehab for his struggles with alcohol.
The intervention took place at Albrecht’s New York apartment, under the guise of a personal conversation. However, when Gandolfini saw his family and colleagues gathered, he immediately realized what was happening. “He looked at me and said, ‘Fire me,’ and then he walked out,” Albrecht recalled.
Despite the challenges, Gandolfini went on to anchor The Sopranos for six seasons, earning three Emmys for his iconic portrayal of Tony Soprano. He passed away from a heart attack in 2013 at the age of 51.
Show creator David Chase praised Gandolfini as one of the greatest actors of his time, remembering the depth and brilliance he brought to the character. “I told him many times, ‘You don’t get it. You’re like Mozart,’” Chase said.
Gandolfini’s kindness extended beyond the screen. Co-star Drea de Matteo recalled how, after a salary increase, Gandolfini gave cast members $30,000 each, acknowledging that they hadn’t known to negotiate. His generosity is fondly remembered by many, as Edie Falco described him as “a good-hearted, kind man looking out for his friends.”
