Back in Time Today
HBO’s groundbreaking series ‘The Sopranos’ changed television forever with its complex characters and gritty portrayal of mob life.
Since its premiere in 1999, fans have connected deeply with the talented actors who brought this world to life.
Sadly, over the years, we’ve had to say goodbye to several beloved cast members who made the show so special.
1. Nancy Marchand (Livia Soprano) – Age 71
The formidable matriarch who tormented Tony passed away in 2000, shortly after completing Season 2. Marchand’s portrayal of the manipulative, never-satisfied Livia created one of television’s most memorable villains.
Despite battling lung cancer during filming, her performance never wavered. The writers had planned an extensive storyline for her character before her unexpected death forced them to rewrite significant portions of Season 3.
2. John Costelloe (Jim “Johnny Cakes” Witowski) – Age 47
Former firefighter turned actor Costelloe brought warmth to Season 6 as the kind-hearted cook who connected with Vito. His authentic performance created a rare tender moment in the otherwise brutal world of The Sopranos.
Beyond acting, Costelloe served as a real-life New York City firefighter. His tragic 2008 death shocked castmates who remembered him as a gentle soul with remarkable talent that extended beyond his brief but impactful role.
3. Denise Borino-Quinn (Ginny Sacrimoni) – Age 46
Discovered at an open casting call without prior acting experience, Borino-Quinn perfectly embodied Johnny Sack’s beloved wife Ginny. Her character became central to several major plotlines, particularly when jokes about her weight triggered violent mob conflicts.
Away from the camera, she maintained her day job as a legal secretary throughout the series. Her unexpected 2010 passing from liver cancer came just months after losing her husband, leaving fans and castmates heartbroken.
4. Tom Aldredge (Hugh De Angelis, Carmela’s father) – Age 83
Broadway veteran Aldredge brought quiet dignity to Hugh De Angelis, Carmela’s principled father who often clashed with Tony. His memorable birthday party meltdown showcased his character’s complicated feelings about his daughter’s marriage to a mobster.
With a career spanning over five decades, Aldredge was already a theater legend before joining The Sopranos. His 2011 passing marked the loss of an actor whose subtle expressions could convey volumes without saying a word.
5. James Gandolfini (Tony Soprano) – Age 51
The heart and soul of The Sopranos, Gandolfini transformed television with his nuanced portrayal of the troubled mob boss. His ability to shift between terrifying violence and vulnerable therapy sessions created a character unlike any before.
His sudden 2013 death while vacationing in Italy devastated fans worldwide. Fellow cast members described him as incredibly generous and nothing like his on-screen persona – a gentle giant who mentored younger actors and fought for fair treatment of the entire cast.
6. Robert Loggia (Feech La Manna) – Age 85
Hollywood tough guy Loggia brought decades of experience to his role as the recently paroled Feech La Manna. Though appearing in just a handful of episodes, his intimidating presence as an old-school gangster made a lasting impression.
A career spanning six decades included Oscar-nominated work and iconic roles in Scarface and Big. Battling Alzheimer’s in his final years, Loggia passed in 2015, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of memorable characters across film and television.
7. David Margulies (Neil Mink, Tony’s lawyer) – Age 78
The calm voice of legal reason amid Tony’s chaos, Margulies portrayed the unflappable attorney who somehow kept his client out of prison. His character represented the legitimate world’s uneasy relationship with organized crime.
Beyond The Sopranos, Margulies delighted audiences as the mayor in Ghostbusters. Following his passing in 2016, colleagues remembered his meticulous preparation and ability to find humanity in even the smallest roles, making each character feel fully realized.
8. Joe Santos (Angelo Garepe) – Age 84
Santos brought quiet dignity to Angelo Garepe, the recently released mobster whose murder sparked a bloody war. His character represented an older generation of gangsters with a code of honor increasingly absent in the modern mob.
Famous for his role as Rockford’s police friend on The Rockford Files, Santos specialized in playing both cops and criminals. After his 2016 passing following a heart attack, castmates praised his authenticity – the Brooklyn-raised actor never needed to fake his distinctive New York accent.
9. Frank Vincent (Phil Leotardo) – Age 80
Vincent’s chilling performance as the vindictive Phil Leotardo created one of television’s most memorable villains. His character’s escalating feud with Tony provided the show’s final seasons with their most dangerous antagonist.
A Martin Scorsese favorite who appeared in Goodfellas and Casino, Vincent actually began his career as a drummer. Following his 2017 death from heart surgery complications, tributes poured in celebrating his authentic portrayal of mobsters that drew from his North Jersey upbringing.
10. John Heard (Detective Vin Makazian) – Age 71
Heard’s corrupt cop Vin Makazian added layers of moral complexity as Tony’s troubled informant. Despite limited screen time, his character’s suicide following a brothel raid became one of the show’s most poignant moments.
Best known to younger audiences as the father in Home Alone, Heard’s career included Emmy-nominated work and critical acclaim. His unexpected 2017 death following minor back surgery cut short a remarkable career spanning over four decades of memorable character work.
11. Joseph Siravo (Johnny Soprano, Tony’s father) – Age 66
Through powerful flashbacks, Siravo crafted the foundation of Tony’s complicated psychology as his charismatic but violent father. His scenes provided crucial context for understanding how Tony developed into the man he became.
A respected acting teacher and Broadway performer, Siravo battled colon cancer for years before his 2021 passing. His former students, including many successful actors, credit his passionate teaching with transforming their careers and approach to character development.
12. Tony Sirico (Paulie ‘Walnuts’ Gualtieri) – Age 79
The superstitious, germaphobic Paulie ‘Walnuts’ became an instant fan favorite thanks to Sirico’s unforgettable performance. His character’s malapropisms, distinctive silver wings hairstyle, and unexpected vulnerability created countless memorable moments.
Remarkably, Sirico lived a life not unlike his character’s before acting. With 28 arrests in his youth, he discovered acting while serving prison time. Following his 2022 death, castmates shared stories of his unwavering loyalty and insistence that Paulie never become an informant.
13. Robert LuPone (Dr. Bruce Cusamano) – Age 76
As Tony’s neighbor and reluctant doctor, LuPone perfectly captured the awkward position of a medical professional treating a known mobster. His character’s obvious discomfort provided subtle comic relief while highlighting Tony’s isolation from legitimate society.
Co-founder of Manhattan Class Company theater, LuPone (brother of Patti LuPone) was a Broadway veteran before joining The Sopranos. Following his 2022 death from pancreatic cancer, the theater community mourned a passionate advocate who nurtured countless emerging playwrights and performers.
14. Peter Bogdanovich (Dr. Elliot Kupferberg) – Age 82
Legendary director Bogdanovich stepped in front of the camera as Dr. Melfi’s smug therapist, creating a character viewers loved to hate. His perpetual water bottle and condescending attitude toward Tony made for fascinating therapy-about-therapy scenes.
A pivotal figure in 1970s Hollywood who directed classics like The Last Picture Show, Bogdanovich brought intellectual credibility to the series. His 2022 passing represented the loss of a cinematic giant whose brief acting role introduced him to a new generation unfamiliar with his directorial masterpieces.
15. Paul Herman (Beansie Gaeta) – Age 76
Herman’s pizza shop owner turned wheelchair-bound victim created one of the show’s most sympathetic characters. Despite Richie Aprile’s brutal attack leaving him paralyzed, Beansie maintained his dignity and even his sense of humor.
A familiar face in gangster films including Goodfellas and Once Upon a Time in America, Herman was part of Martin Scorsese’s trusted ensemble. His March 2022 death on his birthday saddened castmates who recalled his generosity and authenticity that made even small scenes memorable.
16. Charley Scalies (Coach Molinaro) – Age 84
Scalies brought unexpected warmth as Tony’s former baseball coach in a pivotal flashback episode. His character represented a rare positive influence in young Tony’s turbulent childhood, making his gambling problem all the more tragic.
A veteran character actor with roles in The Wire and Law & Order, Scalies specialized in authentic blue-collar characters. His passing in early 2025 marked the most recent loss from the legendary cast, with former colleagues praising his ability to create memorable characters with minimal screen time.