The Sopranos Cast: Then And Now

In 1999, the world was introduced to arguably the best TV show ever made .The series was a huge success, with the acting, writing, dialogue and cast holding us captivated with each episode that aired. Wonder where the brilliant actors are today? Let’s take a look at what they are up to.

Tony Soprano as James Gandolfini-Then

‘The Sopranos’ absolutely blew the roof off with the ratings, causing James Gandolfini  to become a star. Before ‘The Sopranos’ took to HBO, Gandolfini had played memorable tough guys in films such as ‘Get Shorty’ and ‘True Romance.’

Tony Soprano as James Gandolfini-Now

Fans were devastated by the news that Gandolfini died suddenly of a heart attack in 2013 at the age of 51 while vacationing in Rome. His death shook Hollywood and thousands paid tribute. Before he passed away, he had appeared in many critically acclaimed films such as ‘Zero Dark Thirty’ and ‘Enough Said.’ His last credit is for a film called ‘The Drop,’ slated to open later in 2014.

Jamie-Lynn Sigler as Meadow Soprano-Then

Beginning her acting and singing career at the age of seven, Jamie-Lynn Sigler was a born star, and cast as Meadow Soprano at just 18. In the earlier seasons, Meadow was an intelligent yet somewhat troubled teen. However, as the show rolled on she grew into a young woman who learned the consequences of life — often firsthand, given her father’s “business.”

Jamie-Lynn Sigler as Meadow Soprano-Now

Life post-‘Sopranos’ has been successful for Sigler, who guest starred on 13 episodes of HBO’s ‘Entourage’ and five episodes of ‘Ugly Betty.’ She also starred on the short-lived TV series ‘Guys with Kids.’ In August 2013, she and husband Cutter Dykstra welcomed a baby boy. She continues to act starring in smaller roles, but note worthy never the less and is a well known name in Hollywood.

Lorraine Bracco as Dr. Jennifer Melfi-Then

Certainly quite a strong member of the mob motif (Bracco co-starred in the Martin Scorsese classic ‘Goodfellas’), the actress known Dr. Melfi was originally offered the role of Carmela Soprano. Thinking it was too close to her ‘Goodfellas’ role, Bracco instead asked to play Dr. Jennifer Melfi, Tony Soprano’s psychiatrist. The choice definitely turned out to be the right one.

Lorraine Bracco as Dr. Jennifer Melfi-Now

After the show, Bracco went on to play Angela Rizzoli on TNT’s ‘Rizzoli & Isles.’ Outside of acting, she owns Bracco Wines, a line of wines that was featured on the season one finale of ‘Top Chef.’ She continues to pursue her passion for good wine, and also acting.

Carmela Soprano as Edie Falco-Then

The role of Tony’s wife, Carmela Soprano, wasn’t a first for Edie Falco working with HBO – she was already known for her role as Diane Whittlesey on the network’s prison drama ‘Oz.’ At the age of 30, she found herself still a struggling actress but was given small breaks with roles in ‘Law & Order,’ ‘Homicide: Life on the Street’ and ‘Laws of Gravity,’ and a big break with Woody Allen’s ‘Bullets Over Broadway.’ Yet, her Emmy-winning portrayal of Carmela would be one that would change her life.

Carmela Soprano — Edie Falco-Now

Falco’s career since her Soprano days has continued to be successful,  and she even earned another Emmy Award for her title role on the Showtime series ‘Nurse Jackie.’ Falco has also appeared in a number of top Broadway plays that have won high praise from critics and audiences.

Michael Imperioli as Christopher Moltisanti-Then

Another ‘Goodfellas’ cast member, Michael Imperioli played Christopher Moltisanti, Tony’s nephew who continues to battle with drugs and alcohol. His character desired to be a Hollywood screenwriter, which is the exact path Imperioli took, directing and writing a few ‘Sopranos’ episodes himself. Art imitating life we would say.

Michael Imperioli as Christopher Moltisanti-Now

Since ‘Sopranos’ Imperioli’s  acting credits have continued, starring in ‘Life on Mars’ and ‘Detroit 1-8-7’ and appearing in various films. He’s also appeared on the Showtime series ‘Californication.’ However, a memorable performance since ‘The Sopranos’ is the popular 1800 Tequila commercials in which he ruggedly mocks a bottle of Petron while “his” tequila pours him a shot.

Tony Sirico as Paulie ‘Walnuts’ Gualtieri -Then

Before his acting career took off, Sirico, aka Paulie Walnuts, was an actual real life mobster, having served two different stints in the big house in the late ’60s and early ’70s. Since then, it was goodbye crime and hello Hollywood. Sirico is mainly know for playing… mobsters, perhaps because he knows the role so well. Word has it that he agreed to play Paulie on one condition, that his character would not be a ‘rat.’

Tony Sirico as Paulie ‘Walnuts’ Gualtieri-Now

Since ‘The Sopranos’ ended, his career has definitely slowed down, he made appearances on shows such as ‘Chuck’ and ‘Medium’  but recently he’s transitioned from mobsters to cops, donning badges in films like ‘Zarra’s Law’ and the awesomely named ‘Jersey Shore Shark Attack.’ He’s also secured a guest role on the acclaimed Netflix series ‘Lilyhammer’ and done some voicework on ‘Family Guy.’

Steven Van Zandt as Silvio Dante-Then

Before ‘The Sopranos’ began Van Zandt was a struggling musician in a musical combo called The E Street Band headed by a guy from Jersey named Bruce Springsteen. Already having the world in the palm of his hands, Little Steven’s career hit a new high when he took on the role of Silvio Dante.

Steven Van Zandt as Silvio Dante- Now

Age means nothing to this guy,  clearly who consistently tours with Springsteen and the E Street Band. Aside from his first love, Van Zandt starred in ‘Lilyhammer’ and served as an executive producer on the 2013 film ‘Not Fade Away,’ which was written and directed by ‘Sopranos’ creator David Chase.

Robert Iler as A.J. Soprano-Then

Iler played Anthony Soprano, Jr., or A.J., the youngest child of the Sopranos. His character was portrayed as a slacker, often lazy and discovering a lot of hard ships during his adolescence. Iler didn’t do much television acting before ‘The Sopranos,’ mainly appearing in commercials. However, once HBO cast him it was smooth sailing…sort of.

Robert Iler as A.J. Soprano-Now

With just one television appearance post-Sopranos (he appeared on ‘Law & Order’ in 2009), Iler doesn’t seem to be doing much acting today. But he did show up on the ‘2010 World Series of Poker.’ Acting aside, Iler’s had multiple run-ins with the law for cases ranging from marijuana possession to larceny.

Steve Schirripa as Bobby ‘Bacala’ Baccalieri-Then

Back in the early ’90s, Schirripa was working in Las Vegas when he got a part as an extra in the Martin Scorsese film, ‘Casino.’ Just just five years later, his ‘Casino’ role helped him to be cast in ‘The Sopranos’ as Bobby Baccalieri.

Steve Schirripa as Bobby ‘Bacala’ Baccalieri-Now

Today, Schirripa has had minor appearances on shows such as ‘Ugly Betty’ and ‘Brothers’ to more prominent television roles like ‘The Secret Life of the American Teenager.’ He also serves as the host and narrator of ‘Nothing Personal,’ a true-crime series on Investigation Discovery.

Joe Pantoliano as Ralph Cifaretto-Then

Having already racked some impressive roles before joining ‘The Sopranos’ such as ‘The Goonies’ and ‘The Matrix’ — Pantoliano’s character Ralph Cifaretto  automatically ascended him to new heights. Playing an unlikable mobster, his character held an immense presence from the day his character came to life, to the very moment of his death — which was most definitely a gruesome one.

Joe Pantoliano as Ralph Cifaretto-Now

Even today, ‘Joey Pants’ pops up everywhere, having appeared in everything from ‘How to Make it In America’ to ‘The Simpsons.’ Aside from acting in Hollywood, he has other talents, and is an author, with two memoirs written titled ‘Who’s Sorry Now’ and the more recent, ‘Asylum,’ in which he discusses his diagnosis with clinical depression.

Dominic Chianese as Corrado ‘Junior’ Soprano-Then

He began his career in Off-Broadway plays and cabarets all the way back in 1952. Chianese got his first televised role in 1974’s ‘East Side/West Side.’ He would then go on to appear in ‘The Godfather: Part II,’ which sparked a friendship with fellow actor Al Pacino. However, among his lengthy list of accomplishments, his portrayal of Junior Soprano garnered him arguably the most attention.

Dominic Chianese as Corrado ‘Junior’ Soprano-Now

Life post-‘Sopranos’ is rather busy for Chianese, even in his 80s. A celebrated musician, he’s also been featured on HBO’s ‘Boardwalk Empire’ (created by ‘Sopranos’ writer Terrance Winter), ‘Damages,’ ‘The Good Wife’ and ‘The Secret Life of the American Teenager.’

Drea de Matteo as Adriana La Cerva-Then

Drea de Matteo, played Adriana La Cerva, the sexy foul-mouthed girlfriend of Christopher Moltisanti, who unfortunately met her end by the gun of Silvio Dante.

Drea de Matteo as Adriana La Cerva-Now

Now: ‘The Sopranos’ was one of de Matteo’s earliest acting gigs, which certainly helped launch her career. Nowadays, she continues to act, having been seen on ‘Sons of Anarchy,’ ‘Californication,’ and ‘Desperate Housewives.’ She also turned up as a loud mouthed patient on ‘The Mindy Project.’ Although they broke off their engagement, she has two kids with Shooter Jennings, the son of country singer Waylon Jennings.

John Ventimiglia- Artie-Then

Arthur “Artie” Bucco, Jr., played by John Ventimiglia, is a restaurateur and childhood friend of Tony Soprano. Artie appears throughout the series, from the first episode to the penultimate episode. He is generally depicted as both an insecure fool and someone who never learns from his mistakes. His exploits tend to fail in unpredictably disastrous ways, lending light comic relief to many of the episodes in which he appears.

John Ventimiglia- Artie-Now

Ventimiglia’s character, restaurant owner Artie Bucco, was one of the more tragic on the show. Since then, he’s had several runs on shows like Law & Order, Blue Bloods, and The Good Wife. He starred in the crime drama Ponies both on stage and in film, and opened up in an interview that he constantly received offers to play “an Italian guy who runs a restaurant” for several years. It will always be hard to escape that character we reckon. He has had a few run ins with the law.

Federico Castelluccio- Furio-Then

Federico Castelluccio was born in Naples and moved to New Jersey when he was just four. “[The accent] is a compilation of my parents, my older brothers and my sister and the people I grew up with on 21st Avenue,” the actor told the New York Times. ”They’re really very proud to have somebody from their neighborhood that is on the show that they love. Almost everybody I know tells me they get together with friends and family and have Sopranos parties every Sunday.”

Federico Castelluccio- Furio- Now

Castelluccio has remained busy in the industry since The Sopranos ended, though he’s been largely seen in bit parts here and there, giving him more time to focus on his other passion: art. Not only is he a renowned realist painter, but Castelluccio is an avid collector of baroque pieces and actually made a huge sale in 2014 when he discovered a lost 17th century work hidden away at a market in Frankfurt.

David Proval-Richie-Then

Richard Aprile, Sr., played by David Proval, was one of the most ruthless characters on the show; he exhibited nasty traits including being impulsively violent. Richie is also embarrassed by his son Richard “Little Ricky” Aprile, Jr’s participation in ballroom dancing contests, which was considered to be a sign of homosexuality. Richie couldn’t raise him well, because he was sent to prison in his teenage years, and in 10 years he was grown up and wasn’t like his father.

David Proval-Richie-Now

Proval said in an interview. “I’m an actor; I like playing different characters. It’s wonderful and I’m blessed to be part of a show that’s been received as this has. But I like, I need, to play other characters.” After the show, he has continued to diversify. He featured in an episode of NBC’s “The West Wing,” playing a rabbi. Proval appeared in such big-screen films as “Mean Streets,” “The Shawshank Redemption,” “Four Rooms,” “The Phantom” and “The Siege. He also has appeared on Broadway, in numerous Off-Broadway productions and in several TV series. But none brought the same kind of success as his previous role. People often stop Proval to comment on story lines of “The Sopranos.

Aida Turturro as Janice Soprano-Then

As the oldest child of mobster Johnny Boy Soprano and Livia Soprano in a household financed by crime, Janice grew complacent of her families criminal ties. Her relationship with Tony is often strained in the show, as he still holds her responsible for abandoning the family and leaving him to deal with their abusive mother alone.

Aida Turturro as Janice Soprano-Now

Turturro played Janice Soprano, appearing in 49 episodes from 2000-2007, and even earning two nominations for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 2001 and 2007. After the show ended, she kept acting and appeared in many TV series. In 2012, Turturro appeared in “Day of the Iguana,” an episode of Nurse Jackie, which reunited her with her Sopranos co-star Edie Falco. She played Laura Vargas, the titular character’s lawyer. Between 2013 and 2016, she appeared in seven episodes of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit as Judge Felicia Catano. In 2016, Turturro appeared as Maura Figgis, sister of gangster William “The Butcher” Figgis on the Fox police procedural sitcom, Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

Oksana Lada as Irina Peltsin-Then

Irina Peltsin was Tony Soprano’s Kazakhstani girlfriend during Seasons 1 and 2 of the show, and made several appearances in each of the next couple of seasons, up to Season 4. Irina is the first of Tony’s girlfriends to be shown on the show. During Season 4, Irina begins dating Tony’s political ally, Assemblyman Ron Zellman. When he announces their relationship to Tony, Tony claims he doesn’t mind, but later becomes jealous, confronts him and beats him with a belt.

Oksana Lada as Irina Peltsin-Now

Oksana Lada has been in a lot of TV shows as a guest star since her time on The Sopranos. These include CSI: Miami, Law & Order, Orange Is the New Black, and Drop Dead Diva. She also stars in a lot of off-Broadway theatrical productions in NYC and studies acting in New York and Los Angeles.

Annabella Sciorra as Gloria Trillo- Then

Gloria Trillo was Tony Soprano’s girlfriend in Season 3 of the show. Tony first met Gloria at Dr. Jennifer Melfi’s office, as Gloria was another patient of Dr. Melfi’s. Dr. Melfi accidentally scheduled them for the same time period, and Tony gave Gloria his time slot, which impressed Gloria. Tony later saw Gloria again at a Mercedes dealership, where Gloria worked as a sales-woman. They went out for a drive in one of the Mercedes cars and that outing ended up in Gloria and Tony beginning their relationship.In 2001, she received a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for her portrayal of Gloria Trillo. Entertainment Weekly called it “a career changing performance”.

Annabella Sciorra as Gloria Trillo-Now

Sciorra continued to work steadily since the show, with subsequent TV credits including the CBS series Queens Supreme, a recurring role as Det. Carolyn Barek on Law & Order: Criminal Intent, the FOX series Mental, and guest appearances on The L Word, ER, The Good Wife, and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.

Leslie Bega as Valentina La Paz- Then

Valentina La Paz was Tony Soprano’s girlfriend in Seasons 4 and 5. She was initially Ralph Cifaretto’s girlfriend, and she met Tony at Hesh Rabkin’s horse stables when Tony was meeting with Ralph. She and Tony are quickly attracted to one another, and soon start an intimate relationship. After their first time together, Tony does not want to see Valentina anymore, mainly because she is dating Ralph Cifaretto. She reveals to Tony that Ralph has very strange sexual habits and is not meeting her needs.

Leslie Bega as Valentina La Paz-Now

Since the show, she has appeared as a guest star in the television shows 21 Jump Street, Beverly Hills, 90210, The New Twilight Zone, and Highway To Heaven. Her theater work includes King Lear, at the Electric Theatre, The Merchant of Venice, Gypsy, Grease, The Sound of Music, and Maria in West Side Story at the Westchester Theatre. She continues to act and has a strong career.

Julianna Luisa Margulies as Julianna Skiff-Then

Julianna nearly became Tony’s new mistress as he recovered from his gunshot in 2006. They met because she was a realtor working for Century 21 and trying to purchase a building owned by Tony in Newark, New Jersey. She was persistent in pursuing the deal, contacting Tony at Satriale’s and the Bada Bing and over the phone. It was then they could not give into temptation.

Julianna Luisa Margulies as Julianna Skiff-Now

In 2009, Julianna took on the lead role of Alicia Florrick in the American legal drama The Good Wife on CBS. Her performance got a lot of critical acclaim: she won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series twice, a Golden Globe, and a Television Critics Association Award. She has won eight Screen Actor Guild Awards, making her the most awarded woman ever within SAG. In 2015, TIME featured her as one of the “100 Most Influential People in the World”.

Alla Kliouka Schaffer as Svetlana Kirilenko-Then

Svetlana Kirilenko is the maternal cousin of Tony’s ex-Comare Irina and is the manager of a home care nursing business. Svetlana resurfaces as Uncle Junior’s nurse after he suffers a fall at the courthouse. One afternoon while Uncle Junior is asleep, Tony sleeps with Svetlana but they are caught by Junior’s nurse, Branca. This prompts Carmela’s violent confrontation of Tony and of course their separation. It can be argued, that Svetlana is the most psychologically balanced of all Tony’s extramarital affairs.

Alla Kliouka Schaffer as Svetlana Kirilenko-Now

Since the show, she got married to Russian film director and screenwriter Vladimir Morozov and has two children, Ivan Morozov and Kibo Schaffer. She has continued to act, and made small appearances in shows. She recently won the prize for the Best Actress at the First International Festival of CIS and Baltic countries New Cinema XXI Century for her role in a Russian film.