We lost N.J. native James Gandolfini on this date 10 years ago. 💔 'Sopranos' creator David Chase's eulogy began, 'Dear Jimmy. Your family asked me to speak at your service, and I am so honored and touched. I'm also really scared ...'
Video: James Gandolfini remembered at funeral service in Manhattan
I think the deal is I'm supposed to speak about the actor/artist's work part of your life. Others will have spoken beautifully and magnificently about the other beautiful and magnificent parts of you: father, brother, friend. I guess what I was told is I'm also supposed to speak for your castmates whom you loved, for your crew that you loved so much, for the people at HBO, and Journey. I hope I can speak for all of them today and for you.
And that is, one day toward the end of the show -- maybe season 4 or season 5 -- we were on the set shooting a scene with Stevie Van Zandt, and I think the set-up was that Tony had received news of the death of someone, and it was inconvenient for him. And it said, "Tony opens the refrigerator door, closes it and he starts to speak." And the cameras rolled, and you opened the refrigerator door, and you slammed it really hard -- you slammed it hard enough that it came open again.
When I said before that you were my brother, this has a lot to do with that: Italian-American, Italian worker, builder, that Jersey thing -- whatever that means -- the same social class. I really feel that, though I'm older than you, and always felt, that we are brothers. And it was really based on that day. I was filled with so much love for everything we were doing and about to embark on.
The paradox about you as a man is that I always felt personally, that with you, I was seeing a young boy. A boy about Michael's age right now. 'Cause you were very boyish. And about the age when humankind, and life on the planet are really opening up and putting on a show, really revealing themselves in all their beautiful and horrible glory. And I saw you as a boy -- as a sad boy, amazed and confused and loving and amazed by all that. And that was all in your eyes.
Sopranos creator David Chase, pictured at center, leaves the funeral for James Gandolfini at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine in Manhattan.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
James Gandolfini Was So Much More Than Tony SopranoFor the 10-year anniversary of the Emmy winner’s untimely passing, we spoke to more than two dozen of his costars, collaborators, and friends—including Edie Falco, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Tony Danza, Lorraine Bracco, Julianna Margulies, Steven Van Zandt, and more—about the “big, gentle, beautiful, warm human” they knew and loved.
Read more »
With Ja Morant suspended, so are Grizzlies’ plans for NBA title chaseThe Memphis Grizzlies put their future and title hopes in the hands of Ja Morant.
Read more »
Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes appears to fire back at Bengals' Ja'Marr Chase amid quarterback commentsKansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes appeared to clap back at Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase over the top QB debate.
Read more »
Four NYPD cops hurt after chase leads to patrol car crash in BrooklynFour NYPD officers were hurt after a car accident involving a patrol vehicle in Brooklyn.
Read more »
Diamondbacks star Corbin Carroll reacts to MVP chants at Chase FieldCorbin Carroll leads the National League in OPS and WAR.
Read more »