Who played the role of Tony Soprano?

James Gandolfini played the role of Tony Soprano in HBO's The Sopranos.

Gandolfini portrayed Tony throughout the show's six seasons, which originally aired from 1999 to 2007. Tony is the central character: a New Jersey mobster balancing family life, criminal leadership, and treatment for panic attacks with psychiatrist Dr. Jennifer Melfi. Gandolfini's performance made the character both intimidating and psychologically vulnerable, helping establish Tony as one of television's defining antiheroes.

The casting followed Gandolfini's acclaimed supporting performance in the 1993 film True Romance. Casting director Susan Fitzgerald noticed a clip of his work and invited him to audition. He ultimately won the part over several other contenders, including actors connected with the production. Steven Van Zandt auditioned for Tony but was instead given the newly created role of Silvio Dante.

For playing Tony, Gandolfini won three Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, along with a Golden Globe and multiple Screen Actors Guild awards. He died in Rome in 2013 at age 51.