“The Sopranos’” Dominic Chianese Initially Thought the Series Was a Comedy After Reading the ‘Way-Out’ Script (Exclusive)

Dominic Chianese Thought ‘The Sopranos’ Was a Comedy at First

When Dominic Chianese first auditioned for the iconic television series, ‘The Sopranos’, he had no idea of the serious tone it would take. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the 94-year-old actor revealed that he initially thought the script he was given was for a comedy. Chianese, known for his role as Corrado ‘Uncle Junior’ Soprano on the show, shared, “The scene dealt with me telling my sister-in-law, ‘We’re going to have to kill your son, my nephew.’ I thought it was a comedy. I didn’t know.”

Despite already having experience in mob-related roles like in ‘The Godfather Part II’, something about ‘The Sopranos’ script felt different to Chianese. He mentioned, “This is crazy, but this must be a comedy,” before realising the true nature of the show. His unique take on the scene caught the attention of the show’s creator, David Chase, who promptly invited him back for further auditions. And just like that, Chianese was cast as Uncle Junior for the next seven years on the hit HBO series, earning two Emmy nominations for his outstanding supporting role.

As a native New Yorker, Chianese brought a certain authenticity to his portrayal of Uncle Junior. Being well-versed in the Bronx dialect and mannerisms, the character came naturally to him. Despite Junior’s mean and stingy nature, Chianese managed to infuse a sense of humour into the role that resonated with audiences. Interestingly, the actor’s journey on ‘The Sopranos’ began with a modest payment of $3,500 per episode, a figure that significantly increased over time thanks to James Gandolfini advocating for pay raises.

Reflecting on his newfound financial stability, Chianese shared that the first significant purchase he made was a $1,600 Ramírez guitar, which kick-started his musical pursuits. Growing up in a Bronx neighbourhood where cars were not a necessity, Chianese didn’t learn to drive until he was 52 years old, further cementing his loyalty to New York City. Despite the lure of Hollywood, he preferred to keep his dreams local, believing that success could be achieved without leaving his home turf.

Chianese’s commitment to his craft and determination to succeed serve as an inspiration to many aspiring actors. His upcoming appearance in the ‘Dominic Chianese: One Night Only’ concert event at New York City’s Town Hall on June 30 is a testament to his enduring talent and passion for performance. As he continues to captivate audiences with his storytelling and musical talents, Chianese’s legacy both on and off the screen remains a testament to the power of perseverance and dedication in the entertainment industry.