Drea de Matteo, known for her role in The Sopranos, is fiercely defending her late co-star James Gandolfini against claims made in a new book. The novel, On Locations: Lessons Learned from My Life on Set with The Sopranos and in the Film Industry, penned by Mark Kamine, paints a troubling picture of Gandolfini’s behavior on set. Kamine, a location scout for the show, alleges that the actor became “increasingly unreliable,” prompting HBO to implement a clause making him responsible for shoot-day costs if he missed work due to excessive partying.
One particular excerpt shared by Page Six recounts the filming of Season 4’s “Pie-O-My” episode. Kamine describes Gandolfini arriving four hours late after a night in Atlantic City, struggling through his lines, and oscillating between sheepish and churlish behavior. The book also details an incident during Season 5 where Gandolfini supposedly forgot the name of a homeowner, shedding light on his personal struggles.
De Matteo, who shared a close bond with Gandolfini’s family, has publicly denounced the book. “It’s just kind of a money grab for that guy,” she told Page Six, asserting that the portrayal of Gandolfini is inaccurate. She defended him as a “really incredible person,” much more complex than Kamine’s depiction.
She also questioned the timing of the book’s release, which coincided with the 25th anniversary of The Sopranos. “To go and cash in like [that] — like, the Italians don’t like that,” she remarked, emphasizing her disdain for what she sees as an opportunistic move.
Despite the controversy, Gandolfini’s legacy remains intact among his peers. Steven Van Zandt, another Sopranos alum, praised Gandolfini's talent in a recent 60 Minutes interview, stating, “When you do a scene with James Gandolfini, you walk away a better actor.”
While Kamine has chosen not to comment further, saying, “Everyone’s entitled to their opinion, whether they read the book or not, I guess,” the debate continues. Gandolfini’s struggles with addiction have been previously documented, but his co-stars and fans remember him for his exceptional talent and generosity.
As Drea de Matteo put it, “Jim was an angel, and I guess because he was an angel, you know, he’s not here.” This heartfelt defense ensures that Gandolfini’s memory is cherished, despite the swirling controversies.
