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LaPaglia's memoir: Cocaine, near-Sopranos role, and regrets
26 Oct
Summary
- LaPaglia reveals a past addiction to cocaine, describing it as a 'bingeing addict'.
- He almost played Tony Soprano but HBO picked up the show later.
- The actor is now 'pretty much broke' due to divorces and financial mismanagement.
Anthony LaPaglia's memoir, 'The Life We Choose,' offers a candid look at his life, including a difficult childhood and his journey to Hollywood.
LaPaglia recounts a period of significant cocaine addiction in the 1990s, describing it as a consuming force that led to bizarre experiences, such as a kitchen drawer appearing to speak to him. He eventually overcame this addiction by choosing to stop due to its debilitating nature.
In a surprising revelation, LaPaglia was a frontrunner for the iconic role of Tony Soprano in 'The Sopranos.' He pitched a different interpretation of the character to creator David Chase but ultimately missed out when HBO greenlit the series after LaPaglia committed to a Broadway play. James Gandolfini ultimately secured the role.
LaPaglia also details contentious relationships with directors, including Quentin Tarantino, who 'flipped out' when LaPaglia declined a role in 'Django Unchained' to film an independent Australian project. He also had a fraught experience working with director John Landis on 'Innocent Blood.'
Furthermore, the actor admits to being 'pretty much broke' in his current financial state. This situation stems from three divorces and a long-term failure to manage his finances effectively, leading to the sale of properties and prized possessions. He is sharing this as a cautionary tale for others.
