James: A Hunger for Life

The sad death of Mr. Gandolfini.

The Sopranos was the best show ever on television. They say. I agree. Basically.

He was amazing, this actor. There was no question. It is universally agreed.

Now, to the meat of things.

I used to watch that show and I was always afraid for him. He just seemed too large. And watching that character Tony Soprano stuff his face, I would think, “This man is going to die, eating like that.”

I had dinner with the wonderful actor who played Johnny Sack on The Sopranos just two weeks ago. I asked him how the actress who played his wife held up on the set. She was the one who was picked from a whole line up of civilians in New Jersey. It was stunt casting. Large and Jersey and real.  She didn’t do too well on the show. One story line focused on how humiliated Johnny Sack was because the guys were making fun of how fat his wife was.

Well, that actress is dead, too.

I love New Jersey. Sure.

But what is it about these Italians who just eat and eat?

Is it too soon?  No, I don’t think so. People in that fabulous state, along with people from all the other states---simply have to eat less and exercise more.  So public service announcement: Put down that fork and take a walk.

Sorry to be so dry and pragmatic. But, look, I didn’t know James Gandolfini---so I’m not going to pretend to be all misty.

So happy to see such a talented guy do so well.

James Gandolfini: he broke my heart as Carol in Where the Wild Things Are.  

He was perfect in the great play God of Carnage.

He was huge and beautiful and powerful and talented.

What a life, cut too short.

He also looks like my brother, a bit.