James Gandolfini Net Worth, Age, Biography, and Career

One of the highest-paid actors in the history of Hollywood, James Gandolfini, makes it eighth on the list of the highest-paid actors. Many people wonder how much James Gandolfini made through his acting journey. Here is James Gandolfini net worth, bio, age, and career.

James Gandolfini Net Worth

Jame Gandoflini net worth was a staggering $75 million. James Gandolfini net worth was sizable due to his outstanding roles in several series and films, which earned him a lot of money. James Gandolfini net worth was also boosted through his smart real estate purchases. His net worth makes him the eighth highest-paid actor in history.

Jame Gandolfini Biography

Before we discuss the life specifics of James Gandolfini, here is a mini bio that will let you in on all the essential details about James Gandolfini, including James Gandolfini net worth.

Full NameJames Joseph Gandolfini Jr.
Famous NameJames Gandolfini
Famous forRoles as Tony Soprano in The Sopranos
Date of BirthSeptember 18, 1961
BirthplaceWestwood, New Jersey, United States of America
Age51 (Deceased)
Zodiac SignVirgo
DeathJune 19, 2013
GenderMale
Sexual OrientationStraight
ReligionChristianity
EthnicityItalo-American
NationalityAmerican 
ParentsSanta (Mother), James Joseph Gandolfini Sr. (Father)
SiblingsSisters Letta and Johanna
Martial StatusMarried
SpouseMarcy Wudarski (Divorced), Deborah Lin
ChildrenMichael Gandolfini, Liliana
James Gandolfini net worth$75 million

Meet the Three Times Emmy Winning Actor James Gandolfini

He was born James Joseph Gandolfini. James Gandolfini had a slow start to his career, but his exceptional talent and a wide array of emotional displays in his acting helped him land the role of a lifetime. Tony Soprano became his new identity, the leading role of the series The Sopranos. Through his world-class acting skills, he won several awards, including three Emmy awards. 

Early Life

James Gandolfini was born on September 18, 1961, in Westwood, New Jersey, United States of America. His parents, who were strictly Roman Catholics, raised him with love and affection. He had two younger sisters, Letta and Johanna, who grew up alongside him. Together, they spent a memorable and sweet childhood filled with joy. 

Parents

His father was James Joseph Gandolfini Sr., a war veteran who earned a Purple Heart in WW2. James Gandolfini Sr. was an Italian immigrant who worked as head custodian at Paramus Catholic High School. James’ mother was Santa, an American who used to work as a food service worker in a local school. Both his parents strived to do the best for their children.

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Education

After graduating from Park Ridge High School in 1979, where he was given the nickname Class Flirt in the senior book and spent his time acting in class plays, he opted for a Bachelor in Arts and Communication degree from Rutgers University. After completing his degree, he learnt the Meisner Technique for two years. During this time, he worked as a bartender and bouncer to support himself. 

James Gandolfini Net Worth and Marriage

James Gandolfini Marriage

James Gandolfini married two women. He also dated a sex therapist, Lora Samoza, for two years after his divorce from Marcy Wudarski from 2003 to 2005. 

First Wife 

His first wife was Marcy Wudarski. They loved each other and married in March of 1999. James’ first child was Michael Gandolfini, who, just like his father, went on to become an actor. In 2002, differences developed between the two, and they divorced each other.

Second Wife

After splitting with Lora, he dated Deborah Lin for two years before marrying her on August 30, 2008. He stayed with her until his last breath. Deborah and James had a daughter named Liliana, who was born on October 12, 2010. 

James Gandolfini Career

James Gandolfini had a successful career in the film and television industry. His start in the film industry was dry, with getting one role every two years. His role as the hitman in the movie True Romance showcased his excellent and exceptional acting skills, which led him to land roles in several famous films and the HBO’s TV series The Sopranos.

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Movies

James Gandolfini has acted in many movies. The total number is close to 50s. He landed several roles across the years. Some of the most famous titles under his name are True Romance, Get Shorty, Zero Dark Thirty, The Taking of Pelham 123, Crimson Tide and 8 mm. His acting skills made all of the movies successful. 

The Sopranos

The main highlight of his career and the highest paying role was the role of Tony Soprano in the HBO TV series The Sopranos. His exceptional display in True Romance landed him the role of mafia boss Tony Soprano. The series proved to be highly successful, and it introduced the anti-hero genre. 

HBO and James Gandolfini

James Gandolfini received $1 million per episode of The Sopranos from HBO for the sixth season, the highest anyone has ever received for a single episode. He also gave all of his co-actors a check for $33,000 because they supported his salary negotiation. HBO also once gave James Gandolfini $3 million just to not appear as a guest star in a series. 

James Gandolfini Death

Unfortunately, James Gandolfini died on June 19, 2013. He was in Rome sightseeing with his family. When they returned to their suite, his son found him passed out on the bathroom floor. After calling the paramedics, who took him to the hospital, he was declared dead due to a heart attack. 

His body was sent back to the United States on June 23, 2013. His funeral was held on June 27, 2013 in Manhattan. 

James Gandolfini Will

James Gandolfini set up a will before dying. The will summarised that he gave 30% of his assets each to his two sisters and 20% each to Deborah and his daughter Liliana. James Gandolfini left Michael out intentionally because he already had $7 million insurance in his name.

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Conclusion

James Gandolfini was a great actor and was highly professional in his career. His acting was natural which made all the series and movies he worked in successful. 

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