Curtains Up on James Gandolfini by Joseph Rossi

What a blow.

One of the best and most versatile actors has passed away. James Gandolfini will always be that face among the few handsome and glossy that stands out as real. With his trademark snaggletooth grin and expressive eyes, this man was a character actor that the big stars wish they could cozy up to on screen.

To many he will always be Tony Soprano. HBO’s The Sopranos put him on the map.  His portrayal of a middle aged mob boss caught between his domestic and criminal life was and will always be a revelation. Funny and menacing, mostly at the same time, his Tony was a fascinating character study of a man stuck in the rut of domesticity.

But look beyond that show and you’ll find amazing work.  He blew Julia Roberts and Brad Pitt off the screen in The Mexican.  True Romance and Crimson Tide are two other great examples of less is more.  He played sweet and concerned in A Civil Action. And most recently he gave, to me, an award worthy turn as an aging, alcoholic hit man in Killing Them Softly. I don’t even include his amazing theatre credits. Those are the mark of a true artist.

Gone way too early, he leaves enough to ensure a legacy. People will study him. Be sure of it.