"A New York Treasure" --Village Voice

A Death in the Family

James Gandolfini, 51. But also, Dave Jennings. And Slim Whitman. A mournful day for sure.

10 comments

1 Matt Blankman   ~  Jun 19, 2013 10:45 pm

I highly recommend this piece on Gandolfini by Glenn Kenny:

http://somecamerunning.typepad.com/some_came_running/2013/06/james-gandolfini-1961-2013.html

What a goddamn shame.

2 Matt Blankman   ~  Jun 19, 2013 11:45 pm

Another really moving and deeply felt piece, by Matt Zoller Seitz

http://www.vulture.com/2013/06/james-gandolfini-obit-matt-zoller-seitz.html

3 Alex Belth   ~  Jun 20, 2013 7:36 am

Thanks for those, Matt.

4 Bluenatic   ~  Jun 20, 2013 8:42 am

Lupica takes a lot of abuse, most of it deserved. But that was a nice tribute. Credit where it's due.

5 RagingTartabull   ~  Jun 20, 2013 10:34 am

I have never, in my life, been this upset by the passing of a celebrity. It's my favorite show of all time, I'm 100% Italian, I'm from North Jersey, and anyone who has met my Dad immediately says "Oh...just like Tony"

This just sucks.

6 RagingTartabull   ~  Jun 20, 2013 10:34 am

[4] he annoys me, but he always is excellent when it comes to obits and tributes

7 Alex Belth   ~  Jun 20, 2013 10:43 am

5) Big hug goes out to you, B.

8 RagingTartabull   ~  Jun 20, 2013 11:07 am

[7] ah thanks, I mean I feel dumb saying that but I guess that's what great artists can do for you. Affect you in that way, I mean. People sobbing in Central Park over John Lennon makes a little more sense to me today.

I was in High School when "The Sopranos" premiered, and I remember watching the first episode with my parents and when it was over we looked at each other slackjawed. It was like our little, stupid corner of the universe was actually on TV. Not just the locations, but the people, the dialogue, the situations. I'm not talking about the mob stuff (although, that was mostly accurate too), but just everything about growing up in that place with that background.

And then, if that wasn't enough, it became a phenomenon! Not only was there a show that reminded us of the people and world we grew up in (again, beyond the mob stuff), it was being called the greatest television show of all time...which it is, by the way. It's still hard to fathom.

I've enjoyed shows since, but I can't imagine ever feeling that same kind of personal connection with any piece of art (a show, a film, a book, an album) again.

9 Alex Belth   ~  Jun 20, 2013 12:12 pm

I don't think there is anything "dumb" or "stupid" about any of what you shared. But I thank you for sharing it.

10 Boatzilla   ~  Jun 20, 2013 9:48 pm

Wow, I didn't hear about Dave Jennings. How many punts did I see him kick? At least a hundred, maybe more.

Shit, these people are falling too damn young. I turn 50 in August. Gotta get back into fighing shape.

BTW, there's a great tribute to Gadolfini on Slate. Like me, you might have forgotten about his non-Sopranos roles.

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"This ain't football. We do this every day."
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