A Tribute – Another Jersey Guy
source: businessinsider.com
The news reports poured in from Italy. James Gandolfini -
actor, husband, father, and Jersey native, died of a heart attack at age 51.
As one of the legion of Soprano’s fans, I have currently
been viewing the series for a third time, and adore Gandolfini and his work. I
realize he’s a celebrity; and I didn’t know the man. So why do I feel so stunned and saddened by
his passing? Moments after the news broke, my daughter texted me the news; then
another daughter. Then, my son called. (All original Jersey folk, by the way.) Facebook posts began to appear emoting tender
responses. Several of my women friends have come out of the closet, declaring
their attraction to this man whom most of us know as Tony Soprano, mob boss. Tony – with a vicious, irrational temper. He
killed people with little or no remorse. He was a glutton who abused women – a lout
and unreasonable to an extreme, declared a sociopath by his psychiatrist. Yet
we were drawn to him and into the drama of his life.
Amidst the self-loathing and “shit storms” in which Tony
surrounded himself, we related to him due to Gandolfini’s acting genius. He
convinced me that seemingly lost human beings are capable of goodness. The character’s
love for his children cannot be denied. Though at times impatient and nasty,
still his passion came through for the kids and his wife, Carmela. I swear it
seemed Tony spent more time with his kids than real-life dads often do with
theirs. Tony and Carmela’s volatile relationship
reeked of condescension and disrespect, but I can say right here, that after
watching the series a third time, they also, for whatever it is worth, loved
each other. According to Edie Falco, Gandolfini’s co-star, “He (Gandolfini) was
a man of tremendous depth and sensitivity, with a kindness and generosity
beyond words. I consider myself very lucky to have spent 10 years as his close
colleague. The love between Tony and
Carmela was one of the greatest I've ever known."
Drawn in by
Gandolfini’s talent and genuine warmth, we had no choice but to believe in
Tony’s humanity with all its flaws, and rooted for his redemption. I don’t
think my friends, fellow fans, and I would have believed in Tony if it weren’t
for James Gandolfini’s remarkable spirit.