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The Sopranosis arguably the most influential television show of all time with the crime-drama series proving the gold standard for modern prestige television. Created by David Chase, the series follows mob boss Tony Soprano as he seeks therapy while balancing his violent professional life with a relatively normal family life.
In the series, actress Drea de Matteo played an important supporting role, appearing as Adriana La Cerva in all six seasons. However, de Matteo revealed in an interview that she was almost rejected from the series during the earlier stages and the reason might surprise some fans. Here is what de Matteo had to say about almost missing out onThe Sopranosrole.
The Sopranosstar Drea de Matteo was almost rejected from the series
Created byDavid Chase,The Sopranospremiered in 1999 and quickly established itself as one of the best television shows. In the series, actressDrea De Matteoplayed the role of Adriana La Cerva, the girlfriend of and, later, fiancée ofChristopher Moltisanti played by Michael Imperioli.
De Matteo appeared as a recurring cast member in the first season before being promoted to series regular until the final season where she again was a part of the recurring cast. However, the actress of Italian descent almost did not secure the role and spoke about it during an interview withVanity Fair.
David didn’t think I was Italian enough. He was like, ‘You don’t look Italian. You look like a hostess of a restaurant.’ And he asked me if I would read that part.
De Matteo made the above statement, explaining why she played a different character in the pilot episode before returning to audition for the part of Christopher’s girlfriend.
David Chase: “Tony would have had to have been f*****g Melfi, right?” on Why ‘The Sopranos’ Would’ve Never Worked Without HBO
The actress added that during her second audition, she knew what the makers were expecting and played up her Italian attributes, including her hairstyle and accent, whichsoon became troublesome for her. As a result, de Matteo was cast as Adriana La Cerva in the series after being initially turned down for the part.
Drea de Matteo revealed the real reason she joined OnlyFans despiteThe Sopranosfame
For her role as Adriana La Cerva inThe Sopranos, de Matteo won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 2004. She was also nominated for the Screen Actors Guild Award four times, as the series marked her breakout role.
Following the end of the series, de Matteo had a long recurring stint on the FX action crime-dramaSons of Anarchyappearing in the role of Wendy Case. She also had guest spots on several other popular shows, includingA Million Little ThingsandAgents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
However, in 2023, de Matteo admitted that she had turned tothe subscription platform OnlyFansamidst financial hardship. The actress revealed that her refusal to get the COVID-19 vaccine resulted in work drying up (viaUSA Weekly).
OnlyFans saved my life, 100 percent. I can’t believe I’m saying that, but it really did save us.
De Matteo made the above statement in a conversation withDaily Mail, highlighting how the service saved her from financial troubles.
“No, I don’t want to do that”: Martin Scorsese’s ‘Goodfellas’ Nearly Robbed Us of the Best Casting in ‘The Sopranos’ After James Gandolfini
The actress explained that she was able to pay off her mortgage and save her home from foreclosure with the money she made from the platform. However, de Matteo seems to have regained a steady flow of work, reprising her role as Wendy Case inMayans M.C.in 2023 and having a string of upcoming projects under her belt.
The Sopranosis streaming on Max.
Pratik Handore
Content Writer
Articles Published :1774
With a keen interest in comic book movies and blockbuster franchises, Pratik usually covers news and updates on the DCU, MCU, Star Wars, and more.A die-hard fan of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, Pratik spends most of his time exploring different storytelling mediums that invoke a sense of wonder and adventure. Other filmmakers whose works have deeply influenced him include Alfred Hitchcock, James Gunn, and Guillermo del Toro.
