All about James Gandolfini

James Gandolfini was a famous actor who is best known for playing a character named Tony Soprano on a TV show called "The Sopranos." He was born on September 18, 1961, in New Jersey, USA. When James was a kid, he liked to play sports and perform in school plays. After he finished school, he went to college and got a degree in communications.

James didn't start acting right away. He worked different jobs, like being a bartender and a bouncer. But he loved acting, so he took acting classes and started performing in plays and small movies. His big break came when he got the role of Tony Soprano, a mob boss with a complicated life. People loved his performance, and he won many awards for it.

Besides acting, James was known for being a kind and generous person. He helped many people and supported different charities. Sadly, James Gandolfini passed away in 2013 when he was on a vacation in Italy, but people still remember him for his amazing acting and his big heart. His work continues to entertain and inspire many people around the world.

1. What was the name of the TV show that made James Gandolfini famous?
2. Where was James Gandolfini born?
3. What did James study in college?
4. Why do you think people loved James Gandolfini's performance as Tony Soprano?
5. How do you think James Gandolfini's kindness and generosity affected others around him?

Symbols and Traditions

Hi! My name is Molly, and I am 8 years old. I want to tell you about a really cool place I visited. Have you ever heard of The Sopranos? It’s a TV show that my parents like, and it has this famous guy named James Gandolfini. He played a character named Tony Soprano.

So, we went to this place called Holsten's in New Jersey. It’s famous because it was in the last episode of The Sopranos! James Gandolfini was there, too. When we went inside, it looked just like on TV. They had these old-fashioned booths and a jukebox. I got to sit in the same booth where Tony Soprano sat! It was really exciting.

We even ordered ice cream because that’s what they had in the show. I got vanilla with sprinkles. My dad said it felt like we were in the TV show. I think James Gandolfini must have liked this place a lot.

If you ever get a chance to visit, you should go too! It’s like stepping into a real TV show!

1. Who is the main character that James Gandolfini played in The Sopranos?
2. Can you name the place Molly visited that was featured in The Sopranos?
3. Why do you think Molly’s dad said it felt like they were in the TV show?
4. What might be some reasons why Holsten’s became a tourist attraction?
5. If you could visit a place from your favorite TV show, where would it be and why?

Profile of James Gandolfini

A Timeline of James Gandolfini to another Festival

After learning all about James Gandolfini, your job is to create a timeline of their life. You should add all the important events in their life but you can be inventive and add some interesting things that people might like to read about. You can make it as simply as you like with pen and paper or you can be very inventive and create a 3D diorama or hanging banner. The sky's the limit - go for it!

Slideshow - James Gandolfini
A full set of teaching plans for James Gandolfiniteaching.