James Gandolfini's portrayal of Tony Soprano is iconic, but the role almost cost him his career. The emotional weight and grueling hours of filming were so overwhelming that Gandolfini tried to quit the show almost daily, often lamenting he should have been a plumber instead. As David Chase and Steven Van Zandt recall, the intensity of the character's complexity and the demands of the role took a toll, but Gandolfini's commitment ultimately gave us one of the greatest performances in television history. Let’s dive into the struggles that almost led to his exit from The Sopranos...