The Sopranos is widely regarded as a masterpiece of television, and it contains what is arguably the strongest cast in TV history. Led by James Gandolfini as Tony Soprano, each character was impeccably cast and performed, turning nearly everyone into international superstars and earning them a slew of accolades throughout the show's six seasons.
As is often the case, everyone's respective careers and lives went in wildly different directions after the conclusion of the show in 2007. Some people tragically ed away, others fell away from the spotlight, and others continued their careers in prominent shows and movies.
James Gandolfini
James Gandolfini rightfully earned his place in television history by portraying Tony Soprano. Widely regarded as one of the finest performances in TV history, Gandolfini was the recipient of a slew of accolades, including one Golden Globe, three Emmys, and three Screen Actors Guild awards (five if including the Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble awards). Unfortunately, Gandolfini ed away from a heart attack in 2013 when he was just 51 years old.
Lorraine Bracco
Playing Tony's psychiatrist, Dr. Melfi, was Lorraine Bracco. Prior to The Sopranos, Bracco was well-known for playing Karen Hill Goodfellas. Bracco was twice the recipient of the Screen Actors Guild award, winning for 'Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble' and received four 'Outstanding Lead Actress' Emmy nominations.
In 2015, Bracco wrote a self-help book titled o the Fullest: The Clean Up Your Act Plan to Lose Weight, Rejuvenate, and Be the Best You Can Be. She is also performing the voice of Sofia the Seagull in the Pinocchio remake.
Edie Falco
Aside from James Gandolfini, Edie Falco is perhaps the most consistently praised and awarded performer on The Sopranos. Playing Tony's wife Carmela, Falco earned three Emmy wins for 'Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series' (among six nominations). She also won two 'Golden Globes for Best Actress - Television Series Drama.'
From 2009 to 2015, Falco portrayed the titular Jackie Peyton in Nurse Jackie, winning a further Emmy for 'Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series.' In 2020, she starred as LAPD Chief Abigail Thomas in CBS's Tommy, but the show was canceled after just one season.
Dominic Chianese
The characters of The Sopranos often reference who played Junior Soprano) was lucky enough to be a part of them. He played Johnny Ola in The Godfather Part II. He later earned acclaim for his performance as Junior, earning two Emmy nominations for 'Outstanding ing Actor in a Drama Series.'
Between 2011 and 2013, Chianese starred in 12 episodes of Boardwalk Empire, playing Leander Cephas Whitlock. In 2019, he starred as Enzo Napolitano in the NBC drama The Village, but it was canceled after one season.
Michael Imperioli
Christopher Moltisanti has long been a fan favorite character, and that is in large part thanks to the incredible performance of Michael Imperioli. For his work on the series, Imperioli has received one Emmy win and five nominations for 'Outstanding ing Actor in a Drama Series.'
Imperioli has continued to do bit work in television, appearing in recent shows like Escape at Dannemora, Imperioli began co-hosting the popular Talking Sopranos podcast with co-star Steve Schirripa, who played Bobby Baccalieri.
Steven Van Zandt
Before starring as Silvio Dante, Steven Van Zandt earned popularity and acclaim as the guitarist and mandolin player for Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band. The Sopranos didn't stop Van Zandt from performing with Springsteen, and throughout 2016 and 2017, he toured with the popular musician on his global River Tour.
The tour encomed four legs and 89 shows, generating The Irishman.
Tony Sirico
Tony Sirico was actually starring as Paulie on The Sopranos. He had been arrested nearly thirty times throughout his life and had been convicted on a wide range of charges, including assault, felony weapons possession, and extortion. In the early 1970s, Sirico served time in the infamous New York prison Sing Sing.
Sirico continues to act in movies, typically as gangster characters. He played Vito in 2016's Café Society and Angelo in 2017's Wonder Wheel. He is also known for voicing Vinny the dog in numerous episodes of Family Guy.
Robert Iler
The young Robert Iler portrayed A.J. Soprano throughout the entirety of The Sopranos, even appearing in the show's final sequence. Iler continued to act until 2009 (appearing in an episode of Law & Order) before retiring.
He subsequently moved out to Las Vegas in an attempt to start a professional poker career. In September 2019, he started the podcast Pajama Pants alongside his fictional sister, Jamie-Lynn Sigler.
Jamie-Lynn Sigler
Playing AJ's older sister Meadow Soprano was Jamie-Lynn Sigler. Like Iler, Sigler played Meadow throughout the entirety of The Sopranos, even being the primary subject of the ambiguous final shot in which Tony looks up towards the door, hoping to see his daughter.
Sigler continues to act, appearing in recent episodes of Magnum P.I., Elena of Avalor, and Beef House. She also gave birth to her second son in 2018 and started the podcast Pajama Pants alongside Iler and comedian Kassem G.
Drea de Matteo
Drea de Matteo appeared in 56 episodes as Adriana La Cerva. Adriana is perhaps the most tragic character on the show and the unfortunate subject of one of its most famous death scenes.
Since the show has finished, de Matteo continues to act in TV, starring in the recent dramas Shades of Blue (NBC), A Million Little Things (ABC), and Paradise City (Prime Video).