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James Gandolfini’s portrayal of Tony Soprano in HBO’sThe Sopranosremains one of television’s most iconic performances. But while his character wrestled with the burdens of being a mob boss, his on-screen wife, Carmela Soprano (Edie Falco), had her own battles.
As it turns out, Falco, just like Gandolfini, had a difficult past when it came to drugs and alcohol. Although a teetotaler as a kid, she, for years, found herself treating alcohol as the solution to her problems.
Edie Falco struggled with both drugs and alcohol!
Falco’s journey to becoming one of television’s most celebrated actresses was far from smooth. She grew up around theater, with her mother often bringing her to rehearsals. Though she showed talent early, she struggled with confidence, especially during her time at SUNY Purchase, where she studied alongside Stanley Tucci and Ving Rhames.
“They said he was a bully”: Only One Actor in ‘The Sopranos’ Made David Chase Change the Script, It Wasn’t James Gandolfini
Her shyness led her to alcohol, as she revealed in an interview: (via The Guardian)
I was a non-drinker for years, then I had my first drink at college and I found nirvana. It was the answer to all my problems, and the cause of all my other problems.
However, that was not the end of it, as Falco had even grown familiar with some more intense drugs:
I was a big fan of cocaine if it was around, but I could never afford any, and marijuana just gave me anxiety.
The actress even let her vices dictate her relationships, and thankfully, she eventually managed to turn things around.
Edie Falco’s career took off when she changed her habits
At 29, Falco had a moment of reckoning when she woke up after a long night of drinking and found her apartment door wide open. That was the moment she knew she had to change. Soon after, her career began taking off with roles inCop LandandTrust. Still, she spent years waiting tables before landingThe Sopranos.
Falco initially believed bigger names like Marisa Tomei or Annabella Sciorra would get the role of Carmela. But when she secured the part, she knew she was ready.
An Italian-American housewife – this was someone I grew up with.
And needless to say, the devoted fans ofThe Sopranoswill agree. Not only did Falco produce one of the most memorable performances in television history, but it was also the result of extreme hard work, behind the scenes.
The Sopranoscan be streamed on Hulu and Max.
Rishabh Bhatnagar
Editor/Reviewer
Articles Published :315
Rishabh Bhatnagar is an Entertainment and pop culture journalist/editor with Fandom Wire. He has more than 6 years of experience working for multiple major platforms and is himself an avid consumer of worthwhile content. A natural storyteller, Rishabh has a unique way with words and is always looking to improve, as a storyteller, writer, and a journalist.
