The iconic New Jersey-focused HBO drama 'The Sopranos' is celebrating its 25th anniversary. The cast, including Steve Schirripa who played Bobby Baccalieri, Tony Soprano's brother-in-law, recently reunited at the Tribeca Film Festival. The occasion also marked the premiere of the documentary 'Wise Guy: David Chase and the Sopranos'.
Schirripa shared his thoughts on why the show continues to captivate audiences worldwide. "Because the writing was incredible. Because of streaming, it’s all over the world. More people watch 'The Sopranos' now than watched it when it was on originally,” he said.
The series, which ran for 86 episodes across six seasons between 1999 and 2007, won 21 Emmy Awards. It followed the life of mobster Tony Soprano, played by the late James Gandolfini, as he juggled his personal and professional lives. Gandolfini, who won three Emmy Awards for his work on the show, passed away in 2013. Tony Sirico, who played 'Paulie Walnuts' Gualtieri, died in 2022.
The cast fondly remembered their late co-stars. "He was a very loyal guy. Tony and Paulie are one, and they broke the mold when they made Tony Sirico. He was a wonderful guy,” Schirripa said about Sirico.
The documentary 'Wise Guy: David Chase and the Sopranos' will be released by HBO later this year.