James Gandolfini Dies, Sopranos Snake Scene At Beardsley Zoo A Classic

James Gandolfini. photo: Barry Wetcher
James Gandolfini, who played Tony Soprano, passes away at 51.

James Gandolfini, who played shrink-dependent mobster Tony Soprano, died Wednesday in Italy of an apparent heart attack. So many memorable scenes and lines from The Sopranos that aired on HBO from 1999 to 2007. Close to home, a scene filmed in the Rain Forest exhibit at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo appeared in a Soprano’s episode featuring Soprano’s (Gandolfini) steamy affair with Gloria played by Annabella Sciorra.

Gandolfini snakehouse
Silhouette from The Sopranos shoot inside Rain Forest exhibit at Beardsley Zoo features Tony Soprano (Gandolfini) and Gloria (Annabella Sciorra).

 From CNN:

James Gandolfini, best known for his role as an anxiety-ridden mob boss on HBO’s “The Sopranos,” died in Italy, possibly of a heart attack, an HBO spokeswoman and the actor’s managers said Wednesday. He was 51.

Gandolfini was on holiday in Rome, said Mara Mikialian, HBO’s vice president for program publicity.

The actor was scheduled to make an appearance at the Taormina Film Fest in Sicily this week, according to the festival.

Gandolfini won three Emmy Awards for his portrayal of Tony Soprano, the angst-ridden mob boss who visited a therapist and took Prozac while knocking off people. “The Sopranos” aired from 1999 to 2007.

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  1. “You don’t have to like me, but you will respect me.”–Tony Soprano, delivered perfectly with gritted teeth and a clenched fist by James Gandolfini. A true talent with a big, albeit broken heart, is with the angels today. You will always be remembered for your fine acting and also for you work with the US Military and our wounded Veterans. RIP, James.

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