Thanks to an online petition done by Park Ridge residents New Jersey now officially celebrates ‘James Gandolfini Day’, a celebration of the life and memory of the Sopranos actor.
December 1 marked the inauguration of the ‘James Gandolfini Day’ in Park Ridge, Gandolfini’s hometown. The event was held in one of the actors usual haunt spots, the Ridge Diner. Hundreds of people attended the ceremony including his Sopranos co-stars Tony Sirico, Vincent Curatola, Steve Schirripa, Dominic Chianese and Vincent Pastore. Also in attendance was the TV show director, Timothy Van Patten.
According to The Record newspaper, Gandolfini’s 14-year-old son, Michael, said at the event that he has strong memories of eating with his father at the local diner and hearing about “every place in the town.”
Gandolfini’s big screen credits include the upcoming Animal Rescue, as well as The Incredible Burt Wonderstone, Zero Dark Thirty, In the Loop, All the King’s Men, The Mexican, Fallen, 12 Angry Men, Get Shortly, and more.
He appeared on Broadway in God of Carnage for which he was Tony-nominated in 2009, and then reprised the role in 2011 in LA. He also appeared in On the Waterfront and made his Broadway debut with Jessica Lange and Alec Baldwin in A Streetcar Named Desire.