THEN AND NOW: The cast of 'The Sopranos,' 14 years after the series finale

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THEN AND NOW: The cast of 'The Sopranos,' 14 years after the series finale
  • "The Sopranos" premiered January 10, 1999 on HBO. The drama follows mobster Tony Soprano.
  • In the years since the critically-acclaimed show ended in 2007, many of its stars have kept acting.
  • Edie Falco went on to star on "Nurse Jackie," but James Gandolfini died in 2013.
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James Gandolfini played mobster Tony Soprano.

James Gandolfini played mobster Tony Soprano.
James Gandolfini as Tony Soprano. HBO

Throughout the series, Tony struggles with anxiety and depression, as well as the pressures of being a high-ranking member in the DiMeo crime family.

His complex relationships with his wife Carmela, children AJ and Meadow, and other family members are also explored.

Gandolfini died in 2013.

Gandolfini died in 2013.
James Gandolfini in 2013. Richard Shotwell/AP

Following the end of "The Sopranos," Gandolfini co-founded a production company called Attaboy Films, along with film executive Alex Ryan.

Gandolfini would go on to produce documentaries for HBO, like "Alive Day Memories: Home from Iraq," about injured veterans from the Iraq war, and "Wartorn," focusing on the effects of PTSD on soldiers.

The actor also appeared in numerous other projects after "The Sopranos" wrapped. He starred opposite Marcia Gay Harden and Jeff Daniels in the Broadway play "God of Carnage," voiced a character in the 2009 film "Where the Wild Things Are," and had a minor role in the remake of "The Taking of Pelham 123."

In the year before his death, Gandofini produced the HBO film "Hemingway & Gellhorn," and reuinted with "Sopranos" creator David Chase for the coming-of-age film "Not Fade Away."

Sadly, Gandolfini died in 2013 during a trip to Rome with his family. His final two projects, rom-com "Enough Said" (with Julia Louis-Dreyfus) and crime drama "The Drop" (costarring Tom Hardy and Noomi Rapace) were released posthumously.

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Edie Falco played Carmela Soprano, Tony's long-suffering wife.

Edie Falco played Carmela Soprano, Tony's long-suffering wife.
Edie Falco as Carmela Soprano on "The Sopranos." HBO.

As Tony's spouse, Carmela was forced to deal with his mood swings and extramarital affairs, while also maintaining the household and taking care of their children.

Falco went on to star on the critically-acclaimed drama "Nurse Jackie."

Falco went on to star on the critically-acclaimed drama "Nurse Jackie."
Edie Falco at the 2021 premiere of "The Many Saints of Newark." Taylor Hill/FilmMagic

During the Showtime comedy-drama's run from 2009 to 2015, Falco was nominated for six Emmy awards (she previously won three for her work on "The Sopranos"), winning in 2010.

Following the end of "The Sopranos," Falco also guest-starred on "30 Rock." She later appeared on "Law & Order True Crime" in 2016, and "Horace and Pete" in 2017. Falco also starred on the CBS police drama "Tommy," but it was canceled in mid-2020 after one season.

She's appeared in several Broadway and off-Broadway plays, including 2011's "The House of Blue Leaves," and "The True" in 2018.

In addition to her numerous TV roles, Falco has kept up a steady string of film roles, starring in 2016's "The Comedian," and also appearing in "Landline," "I Love You, Daddy," "Megan Leavey," and "Outside In" in 2017.

She was also featured in several movies the following year, including "Viper Club" and "The Land of Steady Habits."

Falco was supposed to reprise her role as Carmela in this year's "Sopranos" prequel film "The Many Saints of Newark," but her scenes were ultimately cut from the final film.

Most recently, Falco played Hillary Clinton on "American Crime Story: Impeachment," opposite Clive Owen as former president Bill Clinton, and Beanie Feldstein as Monica Lewinsky.

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Lorraine Bracco played Tony's psychotherapist Dr. Jennifer Melfi.

Lorraine Bracco played Tony's psychotherapist Dr. Jennifer Melfi.
Lorraine Bracco as Dr. Melfi on "The Sopranos." HBO

Dr. Melfi does her best to help Tony take control of his anxiety and depression, but often comes up against his violent and demanding nature.

Bracco later starred on the crime drama "Rizzoli & Isles."

Bracco later starred on the crime drama "Rizzoli & Isles."
Lorraine Bracco in 2019. Charles Sykes/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images

Following her Emmy-nominated turn as Dr. Melfi, Bracco starred in feature films "Son of Morning" (2011), "Monday Nights at Seven" (2016), and "A Ring for Christmas" (2020). She's also appeared in short films like "The Bensonhurst Spelling Bee" in 2012, and "Master Maggie" in 2019.

In addition to her film credits, Bracco has had numerous roles on TV shows after "The Sopranos." She guest-starred on "Lipstick Jungle" in 2008, as well as "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" in 2011.

Bracco narrated the series "I Married a Mobster" that same year, and voiced a therapist similar to Dr. Melfi on animated show "BoJack Horseman" in 2016. She also appeared on Showtime's comedy "Dice," and starred on "Rizzoli & Isles" from 2010 to 2016.

More recently, Bracco had a recurring role on "Blue Bloods" from 2017 to 2018, and currently plays Tim's mom on the British comedy show "Jerk."

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Tony's "nephew" Christopher Moltisanti is played by Michael Imperioli.

Tony's "nephew" Christopher Moltisanti is played by Michael Imperioli.
Michael Imperioli as Christopher Moltisanti on "The Sopranos." HBO

A cousin of Tony's by marriage, Christopher grows from an inexperienced petty criminal to one of Tony's right-hand men as the series progresses.

Imperioli has since guest-starred on "The Office" and "Girls."

Imperioli has since guest-starred on "The Office" and "Girls."
Michael Imperioli in 2020. Marcus Ingram/Getty Images

After "The Sopranos," Imperioli starred on sci-fi crime drama "Life on Mars" and police procedural "Detroit 1-8-7," both of which were canceled by ABC after one season.

Throughout the early 2010s, Imperioli guest-starred on several shows. He played Dr. Wattabi on "The Secret Life of the American Teenager" in 2010, Powell Goldman on a 2012 episode of "Girls," and Sensei Billy on a season nine episode of "The Office."

Imperioli also had a recurring role on season seven of "Californication," and made appearances on "Hawaii Five-O," "Lucifer," and "Blue Bloods" in recent years. The actor also played Lex on the 2015 Amazon comedy show "Mad Dogs," and took on the role of Eddie on "Alex, Inc." in 2018.

More recently, Imperioli played former New York governor Andrew Cuomo in the Showtime limited series "Escape at Dannemora," and starred in the 2020 series "Lincoln Rhyme: Bone Collector" before it was canceled by NBC.

In addition to his television credits, Imperioli wrote and directed the 2009 drama "The Hungry Ghosts." He's appeared in numerous films in the years since "The Sopranos" ended, including "The Lovely Bones" in 2009, "Oldboy" in 2013, "The Wannabe" in 2015, and "Primal" in 2019.

The actor played boxing trainer Angelo Dundee in the 2020 film "One Night in Miami," and reprised his role as Christopher to narrate the "Sopranos" prequel film "The Many Saints of Newark."

Imperioli is also a musician. His band Zopa released their first album, "La Dolce Vita," in 2020.

The actor currently cohosts a podcast with "Sopranos" costar Steve Schirripa called "Talking Sopranos," where the two dissect the HBO drama episode by episode.

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Dominic Chianese plays the stubborn and crotchety Uncle Junior.

Dominic Chianese plays the stubborn and crotchety Uncle Junior.
Dominic Chianese as Uncle Junior on "The Sopranos." HBO

Tony and Uncle Junior both vie for the position of boss of the DiMeo crime family throughout the series, with Tony eventually taking over as Junior becomes senile in the later seasons.

The 90-year-old Chianese has continued to act in recent years.

The 90-year-old Chianese has continued to act in recent years.
Dominic Chianese in 2019. Bobby Bank/Getty Images

After the "Sopranos," Chianese starred in "The Last New Yorker" and "Adrift in Manhattan" in 2007, and appeared in "Mr. Popper's Penguins" in 2011, "The Family" in 2013, and "Active Adults" in 2017.

In addition to his film roles, Chianese played Stuart on season three of "Damages," appeared on a 2010 episode of "Blue Bloods," and made a guest appearance on "The Secret Life of the American Teenager" in 2011.

He also played Leander Whitlock on "Boardwalk Empire" from 2011 to 2013, and had a recurring role on "The Good Wife" from 2012 to 2015.

In 2019, Chianese joined the cast of the NBC drama "The Village," but it was canceled after one season.

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Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero was played by Vincent Pastore.

Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero was played by Vincent Pastore.
Vincent Pastore played Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero on "The Sopranos." HBO

Pussy is an integral part of Tony's inner circle before becoming an FBI informant. He's later killed by Tony, Paulie, and Silvio, and his body is thrown off a yacht.

Pastore has continued to act, and recently launched his own brand of marinara sauce.

Pastore has continued to act, and recently launched his own brand of marinara sauce.
Vincent Pastore in 2019. Steven Ferdman/Getty Images

Pastore has appeared in numerous films in the years since "The Sopranos," including "College Road Trip" in 2008, "Surviving Family" in 2012, "Once Upon a Time in Brooklyn" and "The Family in 2013, and "Staten Island Summer" in 2015, among others.

In 2019, Pastore appeared in crime thriller "Vault," and sports drama "Bottom of the 9th." His most recent film credits include Amadore Condimento in "Made in Chinatown," and Vito in "The Birthday Cake."

Pastore has been equally prolific in his television career, appearing on shows like "Everybody Hates Chris" and "General Hospital." He played Terry on adult animated show "Aqua Teen Hunger Force," and had a recurring role on Disney sitcom "Pair of Kings" from 2010 to 2012.

He's also appeared on "Blue Bloods" and "Hawaii Five-O," and currently plays Fat Larry on the Hulu drama "Wu-Tang: An American Saga," about the formation of hip-hop group the Wu-Tang Clan.

The New York native launched an eponymous brand of pasta sauce in 2019, which is reportedly made with San Marzano tomatoes.

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Silvio Dante was played by Steven Van Zandt.

Silvio Dante was played by Steven Van Zandt.
Steven Van Zandt as Silvio Dante on "The Sopranos." HBO

As consigliere, Silvio acts as Tony's right-hand man throughout the series, frequently helping him make difficult decisions.

Van Zandt has continued his successful career in music following the show.

Van Zandt has continued his successful career in music following the show.
Steven Van Zandt and wife Maureen Van Zandt at the 2021 premiere of "The Many Saints of Newark." Taylor Hill/FilmMagic

Before joining "The Sopranos" as Silvio, Van Zandt had a successful career as a musician, and played in Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band.

After the show wrapped, Van Zandt continued making music, releasing an album called "Soulfire" in 2017, and "Summer of Sorcery" in 2019. He also continued playing with Springsteen's band, touring with them in 2007, 2009, 2012, 2014, and 2016.

In addition to his music career, Van Zandt has continued acting. He starred in, cowrote, and produced an English and Norwegian series called "Lilyhammer," about an ex-mafioso who flees to Norway. The show ran for three seasons before it was canceled in 2015.

Van Zandt also guest-starred on "American Dad!" in 2016, and starred in the 2018 film "The Christmas Chronicles."

Most recently, he played Italian-American singer Jerry Vale in Martin Scorsese's 2019 film "The Irishman."

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Paulie "Walnuts" Gualtieri is played by Tony Sirico.

Paulie "Walnuts" Gualtieri is played by Tony Sirico.
Tony Sirico as Paulie "Walnuts" Gualtieri on "The Sopranos." HBO

Paulie is one of the most colorful characters on the show, although his paranoid and neurotic tendencies often cause rifts between him and other members of Tony's inner circle.

Sirico has appeared in several Woody Allen films.

Sirico has appeared in several Woody Allen films.
Michael Imperioli and Tony Sirico in 2019. Theo Wargo/Getty Images

Sirico kept acting following his role as Paulie on "The Sopranos," appearing in "Friends and Romans" in 2014, and Woody Allen's "Cafe Society" and "Wonder Wheel" in 2016 and 2017, respectively.

Sirico has also had roles in several TV movies, including "A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa" in 2008, and "Jersey Shore Shark Attack" in 2012.

In addition to his film credits, the actor has had guest roles on shows like "Medium," "Family Guy," and "American Dad!," among others. He also appeared on several episodes of Van Zandt's show "Lilyhammer."

His most recent project was the 2019 short film "Return to Me."

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Tony's son AJ Soprano was played by Robert Iler.

Tony's son AJ Soprano was played by Robert Iler.
Robert Iler as AJ on "The Sopranos." HBO

As he gets older, AJ chafes at the responsibilities placed on him by his parents, eventually dabbling in event planning and film production instead of going to college.

Iler has kept a low profile since "The Sopranos" wrapped.

Iler has kept a low profile since "The Sopranos" wrapped.
Robert Iler in 2019. Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images

The actor has remained largely out of the spotlight, only appearing on an episode of "Law & Order" in 2009.

Iler revealed in a rare 2020 interview with "Sopranos" costars Steve Schirripa and Michael Imperioli that he struggled with alcohol and drug abuse following the show.

He also said that it was painful for him to watch "The Sopranos," given how close he was with the late Gandolfini.

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Jamie-Lynn Sigler played Tony's daughter Meadow Soprano.

Jamie-Lynn Sigler played Tony's daughter Meadow Soprano.
Jamie-Lynn Sigler as Meadow on "The Sopranos." HBO

Meadow grows from a spoiled teenager to an insightful adult with a passion for social justice as the series goes on.

Sigler later played a fictionalized version of herself on "Entourage."

Sigler later played a fictionalized version of herself on "Entourage."
Jamie-Lynn Sigler in 2020. Jason Mendez/Getty Images

After "The Sopranos," Sigler starred on "Entourage" from 2008 to 2009, and on "Ugly Betty" in 2009. She guest-starred on "How I Met Your Mother" in 2008, "Last Man Standing" in 2012, and "Baby Daddy" in 2016, among other shows.

More recently, Sigler voiced the character Princess Rebeca on Disney's animated fantasy show "Elena of Avalor," and starred opposite comedian Eric Wareheim on Adult Swim's "Beef House."

Sigler has also appeared in numerous films, including "Beneath the Dark," "I Do," "Jewtopia," and "Mobtown."

The actress currently hosts the podcast "Pajama Pants" with her former onscreen brother Robert Iler and comedian Kasseem G. On the podcast, the hosts interview stars (including "Sopranos" alums) and talk about new developments in their lives.

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Tony's mother Livia Soprano was played by Nancy Marchand.

Tony's mother Livia Soprano was played by Nancy Marchand.
Nancy Marchand as Livia on "The Sopranos." HBO

Vicious, needy, and cunning, Livia is a great inconvenience to Tony for the first few seasons of the show.

Marchand died in 2000 at age 71, after two seasons on the show.

Marchand died in 2000 at age 71, after two seasons on the show.
Nancy Marchand on "The Sopranos." HBO

Her character appeared posthumously on the show's third season through a combination of previously recorded footage and computer-generated imagery.

A younger Livia was recently portrayed in the "Sopranos" prequel film "The Many Saints of Newark" by Vera Farmiga.

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Drea de Matteo played Christopher's long-term girlfriend Adriana La Cerva.

Drea de Matteo played Christopher's long-term girlfriend Adriana La Cerva.
Drea de Matteo as Adriana La Cerva on "The Sopranos." HBO

Adriana eventually becomes engaged to Christopher, but is forced to become an FBI informant, which eventually complicates her relationship with him.

De Matteo went on to star on "Sons of Anarchy" and "Desperate Housewives."

De Matteo went on to star on "Sons of Anarchy" and "Desperate Housewives."
Drea de Matteo in 2019. Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for MTV

Following her role as the ill-fated Adriana, de Matteo played Joey Tribbiani's sister Gina on the "Friends" spinoff "Joey" until it was canceled in 2006 after two seasons.

She later starred as Wendy on "Sons of Anarchy," making her first appearance on season one in 2008 before joining the series as a regular for seasons four through seven. De Matteo also played Angie on season six of "Desperate Housewives" in 2008, and guest starred on "Law & Order: SVU" in 2011, "Californication" in 2012, "The Mindy Project" in 2013, and Marvel's "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D" in 2015.

More recently, de Matteo starred opposite Jennifer Lopez and Ray Liotta on the NBC police procedural "Shades of Blue" from 2016 to 2018. The "Sopranos" star has a recurring role on ABC's "A Million Little Things," and currently stars on Amazon's drama "Paradise City."

In addition to her TV credits, de Matteo has also appeared in numerous films, including "Broken English" in 2007, "New York, I Love You" in 2009, "Dark Places" in 2015, and "Don't Sleep" in 2017.

Like Imperioli, De Matteo also hosts a podcast called "Gangster Goddess Broad-cast" with Chris Kushner, which follows the two as they rewatch and dissect episodes of "The Sopranos."

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Janice Soprano was played by Aida Turturro.

Janice Soprano was played by Aida Turturro.
Aida Turturro as Janice on "The Sopranos." HBO

Whiny, self-absorbed, and needy, Tony's sister Janice takes after their mother Livia in more ways than one.

Turturro recently guest-starred on the FX vampire comedy "What We Do in the Shadows."

Turturro recently guest-starred on the FX vampire comedy "What We Do in the Shadows."
Aida Turturro in 2021. Taylor Hill/FilmMagic

Turturro has appeared on numerous TV shows following the end of "The Sopranos," including "ER" in 2008, "Curb Your Enthusiasm" in 2011, "Nurse Jackie" (opposite former "Sopranos" costar Edie Falco) in 2012, and "Blue Bloods" in 2013.

She's also had a recurring role as Judge Felicia Catano on "Law & Order: SVU" since 2013. Turturro guest-starred on "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" and "The Night Of" in 2016, and "Grey's Anatomy" in 2017.

The actress had a recurring role on "The Blacklist" from 2017 to 2021, and most recently played Gail, the werewolf love interest of vampire Nandor, on "What We Do in the Shadows."

Turturro has appeared in films as well, playing Nancy in 2010's "A Little Help," Anna in 2014's "Rob the Mob," and Margaret in 2018's "Head Full of Money," among other roles.

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John Ventimiglia played Artie Bucco, the chef-owner of popular restaurant Vesuvio.

John Ventimiglia played Artie Bucco, the chef-owner of popular restaurant Vesuvio.
John Ventimiglia as Artie Bucco on "The Sopranos." HBO

Artie is a longtime friend of Tony's, but the relationship between the two is often complicated by Tony's criminal pursuits.

Ventimiglia has continued acting following his role on "The Sopranos."

Ventimiglia has continued acting following his role on "The Sopranos."
Michael Imperioli and John Ventimiglia in 2019. Mike Coppola/WireImage

Ventimiglia has kept up a steady stream of guest appearances on numerous shows since "The Sopranos," including guest roles on "Law & Order" and related spinoffs, "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" and "Law & Order: SVU," as well as "CSI," "White Collar," and "Person of Interest."

From 2011 to 2014, he played Dino on "Blue Bloods," and had guest roles on "The Blacklist" and "The Good Wife" in 2015. The next year, Ventimiglia appeared on "Elementary," "Vinyl," and "Bull," and 2019 saw him guest star on "At Home with Amy Sedaris" and "Reprisal."

More recently, Ventimiglia played Detective Eddy Costa on "Jessica Jones" from 2018 to 2019, and appeared on "Joe Pera Talks With You" in 2020.

Ventimiglia has been equally prolific in his film career, appearing in the biopic of Biggie Smalls "Notorious" and in "The Hungry Ghosts" (written and directed by his "Sopranos" costar Michael Imperioli) in 2009. He's also appeared in 2012's "The Iceman," 2013's "Blood Ties," 2015's "The Wannabe," and 2016's "Money Monster," among other titles.

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Model train-loving Bobby "Bacala" Baccalieri was played by Steve Schirripa.

Model train-loving Bobby "Bacala" Baccalieri was played by Steve Schirripa.
Steve Schirripa as Bobby Bacala on "The Sopranos." HBO

Bobby starts off as a low-level soldier under Uncle Junior, but eventually becomes one of the higher-ranking members of Tony's inner circle as the series goes on.

Schirripa currently stars as Detective Anthony Abetemarco on "Blue Bloods."

Schirripa currently stars as Detective Anthony Abetemarco on "Blue Bloods."
Steve Schirripa in 2019. Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images

In addition to his role on "Blue Bloods," Schirripa also starred as Leo Boykewich on all five seasons of "The Secret Life of the American Teenager" until the show ended in 2013. He appeared on "Stargate Atlantis" in 2008, "Ugly Betty" in 2009, "Call Me Fitz" in 2012, and "American Dad!" in 2014.

The actor guest-starred on "Sirens" and "Benders" in 2015, and voiced a character on animated sitcom "Jeff & Some Aliens" in 2017.

Schirripa is an accomplished film actor as well, and has appeared in 2009's "The Hungry Ghosts" (opposite several "Sopranos" alums), "Hereafter" in 2010, "Jersey Boys" in 2014, and "Wonder Wheel" in 2017.

He currently co-hosts the "Talking Sopranos" podcast with Michael Imperioli. The two actors' oral history of "The Sopranos," titled "Woke Up This Morning," will be released later this year.

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