James Gandolfini Biography: Three-time Emmy award-winner James Gandolfini was born on September 18, 1961. The Italian-American actor is known for portraying sinister, unforgettable roles on the big screen. Before his famous role in the hit HBO drama series The Sopranos, he played pornographer Eddie Poole in the move 8mm, and Virgil the mob enforcer in True Romance. Tony Soprano is portrayed by James Gandolfini in HBO's hit drama series The Sopranos. Tony is the boss of the DiMeo Crime Family, and although being the number one guy in the organization has its numerous perks, it also has its downsides. Tony has been forced to have some of his friends and relatives killed. His sons either hate him or are engaged in behavior unbecoming of a boss' son. Plus, his wife Carmela asked for a divorce. He managed to fix up all his problems, but as the ultimate mob boss, there will always be more to come.