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Gandolfini: "No Way I'd Get Role"
20 Sep
Summary
- Gandolfini doubted his casting for a lead role.
- He expected a 'suave, good-looking mafioso' type.
- Creator Chase questioned if Gandolfini was threatening enough.
James Gandolfini harbored significant doubts about his suitability for a leading role in a now-iconic HBO series. He recalled reading the script and laughing, believing the part demanded a more conventionally handsome, 'leading man type' of actor. Gandolfini expressed he thought his exact words were that he could "kick this guy right in the a**, but I'll never get cast."
Conversely, show creator David Chase was struck by Gandolfini's performance but had a specific concern. Chase reportedly asked Gandolfini's manager if the actor was "threatening enough" for the character. This concern, rather than Gandolfini's perceived lack of leading-man looks, was Chase's primary consideration.
