The Sopranos cast — main roles and stars of the cult crime series.

At the Time, the movie about the Sopranos became incredibly popular, and many years later the series appeared. Therefore, "The Sopranos" is not just a crime series but a true revolution in the world of television. 

For the first time in history, viewers were offered not just another story about the mafia but a psychologically deep, emotionally rich, and finely crafted drama that explores the inner world of the main character — mafia boss Tony Soprano, who balances between the brutal criminal world and the ordinary life of a man, father, son, and psychotherapy patient.

Main actors of the TV series "The Sopranos"

The series premiered on HBO in 1999 and immediately gained phenomenal popularity. Over six seasons, the project received numerous awards, including 21 Emmy Awards and 5 Golden Globes. "The Sopranos" became not just a cult series — it shaped a new era in television, initiating a trend for "anti-heroes" and deep psychological plots in television shows. The actors' performances, many of whom became icons not only within the series but also in American culture in general, gave this project particular strength.

James Gandolfini — Tony Soprano

James Gandolfini created one of the strongest images in television history — Tony Soprano. He is a charismatic mafia boss leading a double life: brutal and ruthless in the criminal world, yet vulnerable, confused, and suffering in his personal life. Gandolfini made the character deep and ambiguous, making viewers both admire and condemn him.

Outside the series, James was known as a friendly and humble man. After "The Sopranos," he acted in films, produced television projects, and was actively involved in charity work. Unfortunately, the actor passed away prematurely in 2013 during a trip to Italy, which was a shock to all fans.

Gandolfini left behind not only a legendary role but also a son, Michael, who later played young Tony in the prequel "The Many Saints of Newark."

Lorraine Bracco — Jennifer Melfi

Doctor Jennifer Melfi is Tony Soprano's psychotherapist, playing a key role in revealing the inner world of the main character. She serves not just as a doctor, but as a certain voice of reason and conscience in the tangled world of mafia intrigues and moral dilemmas. Her sessions with Tony are not only psychological therapy but also philosophical reflections on the nature of evil, responsibility, and personal choice. This character transforms the series from a crime drama into a truly profound psychological story, where viewers get the opportunity to delve into the motivations and experiences of the antagonist.

Lorraine Bracco had a notable career even before "The Sopranos" — she was remembered for her role in the cult film "Goodfellas," where her performance was also very bright. After participating in the series, she continued to work actively both in film and television, gaining recognition as a talented and versatile actress. In addition to acting, Lorraine is engaged in educational work, writes books on health and well-being, and actively participates in environmental initiatives aimed at greening cities and improving the environment. She supports many community projects, demonstrating her multifacetedness not only in the arts but also in life.

Instagram of the actress that fans might like. 

Michael Imperioli — Christopher Moltisanti

Christopher Moltisanti is Tony Soprano's nephew, a young, charismatic, and ambitious mafioso who simultaneously dreams of a screenwriting career in Hollywood. His character is a complex personality struggling with his own demons, trying to combine the criminal world with creative ambitions. His path is a story of internal conflict related to addiction to drugs and alcohol, as well as the desire to leave something more behind than just a mafia life. Michael Imperioli brilliantly conveyed all the nuances of this dramatic struggle, making the character one of the deepest and most tragic in the entire series.

After "The Sopranos," Michael continued his active career: he starred in numerous films, worked as a writer and director, and developed his creative projects. In addition to acting, he is the vocalist of the rock band Zopa, showcasing his multifacetedness and love for music. In 2022, Michael returned to television in one of the year's most successful series — the second season of "The White Lotus," where he played the role of a wealthy heir of Italian descent, receiving positive feedback from critics and audiences.

Instagram of the actor is also interesting. 

Drea de Matteo — Adriana La Cerva

Adriana is Christopher's fiancée, a bright, emotional, and at the same time naive girl who unwittingly gets caught up in the FBI's game, becoming an informant. Her story is a chronicle of hopelessness demonstrating how easily an ordinary person can perish in the shadow of a big game. Drea de Matteo brilliantly played this complex role, earning an Emmy Award in 2004.

Outside the series, the actress starred in "Sons of Anarchy," "Joey," and "Desperate Housewives." She also hosts her own podcast and actively highlights personal and social issues on Instagram. In 2023, she even opened a profile on OnlyFans, which caused a significant media stir.

Instagram of the actress may interest fans. 

Tony Sirico — Paulie "Walnuts" Gualtieri

Paulie is Tony's senior capo, one of the most colorful characters in the series. His passion for paranoia, superstitions, and classic gangster style made Paulie the perfect embodiment of the old school mafia world. His behavior contains much humor, but also brutality.

Tony Sirico was a former gangster in real life. Before starting his acting career, he had several convictions, which only enhanced the authenticity of his image in the series. Before "The Sopranos," he starred in other crime films, including those by Martin Scorsese.

Unfortunately, Sirico passed away in 2022, leaving a significant mark on the television industry. His image of Paulie became a symbol of the series, and his phrases became memes.

Robert Iler — A.J. Soprano

A.J. Soprano is Tony and Carmela's son, the youngest member of the family, embodying the generation of mafia children. Unlike his father, A.J. lacks firmness of character and over time becomes a reflection of confusion, apathy, and the internal duality of modern youth. Throughout the series, we observe his maturation, loss of direction, depression, and attempts to find his own path. Though he does not engage in the criminal world, he is constantly influenced by the consequences of his parents' actions.

Robert Iler impressed viewers with his deep portrayal of his character's internal crisis. However, after the series ended, the actor decided to step away from the big screen. In the 2010s, he tried his hand at professional poker and at one point even had the status of a permanent player. Later, Robert returned to creativity, notably as a guest in podcasts dedicated to "The Sopranos." In 2021, he, along with Jamie-Lynn Sigler (Meadow Soprano), launched the podcast "Not Today, Pal," where the actors discuss the past, friendship, and contemporary topics with a touch of nostalgia.

Edie Falco — Carmela Soprano

Carmela is Tony's wife, a woman living in the golden cage of mafia prosperity. On one hand, she is a mother, a Catholic, a housewife with high moral demands. On the other hand, her lifestyle depends on her husband's criminal income, and she is fully aware of this. Carmela's internal conflict is a struggle between conscience, fear, and convenience. Her scenes with Tony are always filled with tension, deep emotional content, and psychological depth.

Edie Falco has received four Emmy Awards and two Golden Globes for her performance. Her acting career after "The Sopranos" only intensified: she starred in "Nurse Jackie," for which she also received high critical acclaim. Additionally, Edie actively participates in charity and campaigns for animal rights. In 2022, she appeared in the film "Avatar: The Way of Water," playing General Ardmore. Despite her attempts to avoid the social scene, her presence on screen is always noticeable and impressive.

Vincent Pastore — Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero

Salvatore Bonpensiero, known simply as "Big Pussy," is one of Tony Soprano's closest friends. His fate is one of the most tragic in the series: under pressure from the FBI, Pussy becomes an informant and then a victim of the system. The scene of his final dialogue with Tony on the boat is one of the most emotional and memorable in the history of "The Sopranos."

Vincent Pastore has a long acting career, predominantly in mafia roles, even before the series began. After "The Sopranos," he appeared in various film and television projects, participated in reality shows, and performed on Broadway. Recently, Pastore has been active in podcasts, fan events, and even in internet shows, reminiscing about the best moments from the past. He also actively supports veterans and participates in fundraising campaigns for their benefit.

Steve Schirripa — Bobby Bacala

Bobby is a mafia capo who, unlike many others, has a relatively gentle character. He is kind to family, loyal to Tony, and tries to avoid brutality as much as possible in his position. In later seasons, Bobby grows close to Tony after marrying Janice's sister. His tragic death is one of the most symbolic in the final season.

Steve Schirripa was not only an actor but also an author. After the series ended, he wrote several humorous books, including "Big Daddy's Rules" about parenting. He also starred in the series "Blue Bloods," where he played Detective Anthony Abetemarco. In 2020, along with Michael Imperioli, Schirripa launched the popular podcast Talking Sopranos, where he reveals interesting facts about the show's creation, acting process, and its impact on modern television.

Instagram of the actor is also interesting. 

Joe Pantoliano — Ralph Cifaretto

Ralph Cifaretto is one of the most controversial characters in the series. He is cruel, manipulative, witty, and at the same time deeply traumatized. His relationships with other mafiosos are a constant source of conflict, and his cruelty borders on psychopathy. After the murder of his girlfriend and the equestrian tragedy, Ralph finally loses Tony's affections, leading to a brutal resolution.

Joe Pantoliano already had cult status before the series due to his roles in films like "The Matrix," "Memento," and "Bad Boys." His work in "The Sopranos" earned him an Emmy in 2003. Pantoliano also openly speaks about mental health issues — he was diagnosed with clinical depression. He even created a documentary film "No Kidding, Me Too!" to raise awareness about mental health. Despite his complicated character on screen, in real life, Joe actively engages in community work and art.