James Gandolfini

Gandolfini in 2008, photo by PRPhotos

Birth Name: James Joseph Gandolfini, Jr.

Date of Birth: September 18, 1961

Place of Birth: Westwood, New Jersey, U.S.

Date of Death: June 19, 2013

Place of Death: Rome, Lazio, Italy

Ethnicity: Italian

James Gandolfini was an American actor and producer. He is known for starring as Tony Soprano on the series The Sopranos, and for his roles in the films The Mexican, Enough Said, The Drop, and 8mm, among others.

James was the son of Santa (Penna), an Italian American, and James Joseph Gandolfini, Sr., a native of Tiedoli, Borgotaro, Province of Parma, Emilia-Romagna. James spoke Italian at home, as a child, and strongly related to his Italian heritage. He died at the age of 51, in Rome, Italy.

James was married to model and actress Deborah Lin, until his death. He had a son, actor Michael Gandolfini, with his former wife, Marcy Wudarski; and a daughter with Deborah. Michael played James’s character Tony in the Sopranos film The Many Saints of Newark.

James’s paternal grandfather was named Attilio Gandolfini (the son of Angelo Gandolfini). Attilio was born in Borgotaro.

James’s paternal grandmother was named Maria/Marie Tosta.

James’s maternal grandfather was named John/Giovanni Penna. Giovanni was from Rottofreno, Piacenza, Emilia-Romagna.

James’s maternal grandmother was named Maria Cipelli. Maria was from Borgonovo Val Tidone, Emilia-Romagna.

Source: Genealogy of James Gandolfini (focusing on his father’s side) – http://www.geni.com