The Sopranos

		Biography
		Tony Soprano
		Awards & Nominations

The Sopranos is a television drama on the United States HBO television, about a Mafia family in Northern New Jersey. It has enjoyed five very successful seasons, and is now in its sixth season, which premiered on March 12, 2006. In August 2005, HBO announced it was also producing eight "bonus" episodes that would debut in January 2007. It has been confirmed by the producers that the eight episodes will be the last of the series.

Since it first aired in 1999, the show has become a cultural phenomenon, gaining wide popularity and exceptional critical acclaim for its groundbreaking approach to its view into the Mafia lifestyle, the American family, the Italian American community, and the effects of violence on the human soul. Like other HBO programs, The Sopranos is rated for mature audiences only—for the adult issues it deals with, depictions of violence, frontal nudity, and strong language.

The series stars actors James Gandolfini, Lorraine Bracco, Edie Falco, and Michael Imperioli and highlights the difficulties faced by Tony Soprano, Boss of the DiMeo Crime Family in suburban Essex County, New Jersey, as he tries to balance the often conflicting requirements of his wife and family, and his crime "family".

Overview: The series begins with Tony collapsing after suffering an anxiety attack, which prompts him to begin therapy with Dr. Jennifer Melfi. Gradually, it is revealed that Tony's mother is manipulative and possibly psychotic; someone in his organization is talking to the FBI; his children have troubled futures; and even his own superiors are plotting his death.

Title sequence: One of the most recognizable parts of The Sopranos is the program's opening, in which the theme song "Woke Up This Morning", performed by A3, is heard. The show's main character Tony Soprano is seen emerging from the Lincoln Tunnel, and entering the New Jersey Turnpike. Numerous landmarks in and around Newark, NJ (many of which are now famous due to the show's success) are shown in this opening. The sequence ends with Tony pulling into the driveway of his suburban home in Essex County.

Between Tony leaving the tunnel and entering the New Jersey Turnpike, an image of the World Trade Center towers can be seen in his rear view mirror. Just prior to the start of the fourth season, HBO and Sopranos creator and producer David Chase removed this cut altogether in response to the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001 in which the towers were destroyed.

Main characters

• Tony Soprano, played by James Gandolfini
• Carmela Soprano, played by Edie Falco
• Meadow Soprano, played by Jamie-Lynn Sigler
• Anthony Soprano, Jr., played by Robert Iler
• Dr. Jennifer Melfi, played by Lorraine Bracco
• Christopher Moltisanti, played by Michael Imperioli
• Silvio Dante, played by Steven Van Zandt
• Paulie Walnuts, played by Tony Sirico
• Junior Soprano, played by Dominic Chianese
• Janice Soprano, played by Aida Turturro (2000-present)
• Johnny "Sack" Sacramoni, played by Vince Curatola
• Bobby "Bacala" Baccalieri, played by Steve R. Schirripa (2000-present)
• Artie Bucco, played by John Ventimiglia
• Adriana La Cerva, played by Drea de Matteo (1999-2004)
• Furio Giunta, played by Federico Castelluccio (2000-2002)
• Sal "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero, played by Vincent Pastore (1999-2000)
• Ralph Cifaretto, played by Joe Pantoliano (2001-2002)
• Tony Blundetto, played by Steve Buscemi (2004)
• Livia Soprano, played by Nancy Marchand (1999-2001)

Secondary characters

• Brendan Filone, played by Anthony DeSando
• Matthew Bevilaqua, played by Lillo Brancato Jr.
• Sean Gismonte, played by Chris Tardio
• Vito Spatafore, played by Joe Gannascoli
• Hesh Rabkin, played by Jerry Adler
• Patsy Parisi, played by Dan Grimaldi
• Eugene Pontecorvo, played by Robert Funaro
• Jackie Aprile, Sr. played by Michael Rispoli
• Jackie Aprile, Jr. played by Jason Cerbone
• Dino Zerilli played by Andrew Davoli
• Mikey Palmice, played by Al Sapienza
• Richie Aprile, played by David Proval
• Benny Fazio, played by Max Casella
• Carmine Lupertazzi, played by Tony Lip
• Little Carmine, played by Ray Abruzzo
• Feech La Manna, played by Robert Loggia
• Phil Leotardo, played by Frank Vincent
• David Scatino, played by Robert Patrick
• Gloria Trillo, played by Annabella Sciorra
• Anthony Infante, played by Lou Martini, Jr.

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