GANDOLFINI Jim, Tony, and the Life of a Legend

Edoardo Ballerini's excellent storytelling turns this biography into a fascinating listen. Born in New Jersey to working-class parents, James Gandolfini focused on acting after moving to New York City. Before becoming Tony Soprano, he was a hardworking stage actor, who earned the respect and friendship of actors, directors, and critics. Ballerini details a bighearted, generous, master craftsman who was also plagued by self-doubt. Once "The Sopranos" was a megahit, Gandolfini's mind-numbing Sopranos schedule--he would work sometimes until 2 am, go home, learn lines for the next day's shoot, and get very little sleep--makes his struggle with alcohol and drugs seem inevitable. His sudden death at 51 left everyone reeling. While the narration feels rushed, Ballerini's artistry, Bailey's well-researched biography, and Gandolfini's huge talent make this audiobook must-listening. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2025]