Michael Gandolfini, son of the late Sopranos star James Gandolfini, has opened up about his childhood experience on the set of the iconic series. Despite being born the year The Sopranos debuted, Michael was largely kept away from the production, with his parents choosing to shelter him from the show’s violence and adult themes.

Life on Set: Limited Access and Childhood Isolation

Michael shared that during his visits to his father’s set, he was only allowed to hang out in his father’s trailer. “I had my own little drawer of toys and things to keep me occupied,” he told The Wall Street Journal. His parents, especially his mother, Marcy Wudarski, wanted to protect him from the mature content on the show. “My parents didn’t want me outside on set, exposed to the show’s violence and language,” Michael explained.

This exclusion from the set was something that bothered young Michael, especially given his growing interest in filmmaking. “Being excluded on set drove me crazy,” he said. “I already understood the idea of filmmaking and wanted to be a part of it.”

Growing Up Without His Father: The Impact of Divorce

Michael’s relationship with his father was also affected by their divorce when he was just three years old. James Gandolfini spent long stretches of time filming The Sopranos, often being away for months. This meant that Michael was primarily raised by his mother, who was home with him during these times. Despite the divorce, Michael spoke fondly of the relationship his parents had after separating, noting that they remained close and co-parented effectively.

A Shift Towards Acting

When Michael was 12, he and his mother relocated to Los Angeles after The Sopranos ended. His interest in acting waned for a time, but during high school, he began performing in school plays. Eventually, Michael decided to pursue acting more seriously and attended NYU. His acting career took off when he landed a role in Ocean’s 8 (2018), followed by playing a young Tony Soprano in The Many Saints of Newark (2021), which marked a transformative moment in his career.

Interestingly, Michael admitted that he had never watched The Sopranos before taking on the role of his father’s character as a teenager. “Going through the series to prep wasn’t like watching home movies. Tony was a role, and there were many layers to what my dad was doing with the character,” Michael noted.

A Heartfelt Loss: James Gandolfini’s Death

Tragically, Michael’s father passed away in 2013 after suffering a heart attack while on vacation in Italy. Michael was only 13 at the time, and his father’s death was a heavy blow. In a poignant reflection, Michael mentioned that he still feels a connection with his father, often seeking guidance from him during significant moments in his life.

James Gandolfini’s Complex Legacy

Michael’s relationship with his father, and his eventual decision to follow in his footsteps as an actor, sheds light on the complexities of James Gandolfini’s own life and career. Behind the scenes, Gandolfini struggled with the demands of playing the intense character of Tony Soprano. According to Mark Kamine, the location manager for The Sopranos, Gandolfini was a private man who often battled with the darker aspects of his role. Despite this, Gandolfini was known for his generosity on set, regularly treating the crew to lavish meals and showing kindness to those around him.

However, Gandolfini also had his demons. Kamine revealed that the actor’s struggles with alcohol were well-known on set, sometimes causing delays in filming. Despite these challenges, Gandolfini was beloved by his colleagues for his down-to-earth nature and his willingness to support others in the industry.

Michael Gandolfini: Honoring His Father’s Legacy

As Michael continues to navigate his own acting career, he carries with him both the memory of his father and the legacy of Tony Soprano. His role in The Many Saints of Newark was a full-circle moment, one that allowed him to understand his father’s portrayal of the iconic mob boss in a deeper, more personal way.

Michael’s journey, from being a child banned from the Sopranos set to playing Tony Soprano in The Many Saints of Newark, speaks to both his own growth and the lasting impact of his father’s career on his life.