In a candid reflection on one of television's most iconic series, Michael Imperioli, the actor who portrayed Christopher Moltisanti in HBO's The Sopranos, shared his thoughts on the political inclinations of the show's mobster characters. Speaking to The Independent in a recent interview, the 59-year-old Imperioli suggested that many of the figures from the gritty drama, which aired from 1999 to 2007, would likely align with former President Donald Trump. "The show is about the American dream, especially through the eyes of immigrants," Imperioli said. "I think that would be one of the big themes if it was made today: the current climate in the U.S., and what they’re doing to immigrants."
Imperioli's comments highlight the complex interplay of identity and ideology in the series, which followed the life of New Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano, played by the late James Gandolfini. The actor noted the immigrant roots of the characters, many of whom are Italian-Americans navigating a world of crime and assimilation. "The fact is that these characters are all immigrants, but I think a lot of them would probably be Trump supporters, oddly enough," he continued. "So how do they reconcile those things? When Italians came over – and people forget this, or they don’t want to see it – a lot of them were undocumented."
This perspective comes at a time when discussions about immigration and politics remain heated in the United States, especially amid ongoing debates over border policies and national identity. Imperioli's remarks underscore how The Sopranos, often praised for its nuanced portrayal of family, loyalty, and the underbelly of American society, continues to resonate two decades after its finale. The series, which concluded its six-season run on June 10, 2007, earned 21 Emmy Awards, including for outstanding drama series, as well as accolades for supporting actors and actresses, lead performers, and more.
Imperioli's interview revives interest in the show's enduring legacy, particularly as its themes of the American dream clash with contemporary realities. The characters, drawn from Italian immigrant stock, embody a paradox: descendants of those who arrived without papers now potentially supporting policies that restrict similar journeys. Imperioli did not specify which characters might lean that way, but his observation invites viewers to revisit episodes where themes of heritage and opportunity surface, such as Tony's therapy sessions grappling with his dual life or Christopher's struggles with addiction and ambition.
Beyond politics, recent tributes to the cast have focused on the late James Gandolfini, whose portrayal of Tony Soprano defined a generation of prestige television. Gandolfini, who passed away on June 19, 2013, at age 51 from a heart attack while vacationing with his family in Rome, Italy, left an indelible mark on the industry. His son, Michael Gandolfini, then just 14 years old, stepped into his father's shoes for the 2021 prequel film The Many Saints of Newark, released on October 1, 2021, and directed by Alan Taylor.
Michael Gandolfini, now 25, reflected on the emotional challenge of embodying the younger version of his father in an interview with The Wall Street Journal. "Once the audition process started, I started watching the show. ... The audition process was the hardest part," he said. "Just watching for the first time. Seeing my dad and seeing how good my dad was — which pissed me off in some regard and made me feel so proud." The film, set in the 1960s and 1970s amid Newark's racial tensions, explores Tony's formative years and features a cast including Alessandro Nivola, Leslie Odom Jr., and Vera Farmiga.
Co-star Drea de Matteo, who played Adriana La Cerva, Tony's mistress and Christopher's fiancée, has shared warm memories of Gandolfini that paint him as more than just a star—he was a generous leader on set. In a March 2024 interview with Fox News Digital, de Matteo recounted how Gandolfini once summoned cast members to his trailer individually. "I mean, this is a man who called us into his trailer one by one and gave us each checks for $30,000," she recalled. "And we're like, ‘What is this for?’ He's like, 'We just cut a deal for DVDs, and they didn't include you guys.'"
De Matteo's anecdotes reveal Gandolfini's commitment to his colleagues during the show's production, which filmed primarily in New Jersey locations like Kearny and Paterson to capture the authentic Jersey mob aesthetic. She also described his post-award generosity: after winning Emmys, he handed out expensive watches to the cast. Additionally, every Friday, he would order food for the entire crew and cast, fostering a sense of camaraderie amid the intense shooting schedule that often ran 12-hour days.
"He was a gem. He was humble," de Matteo said of Gandolfini, emphasizing his down-to-earth nature despite the fame. Gandolfini secured three Emmy Awards for lead actor in a drama series—for the years 2000, 2002, and 2003—along with Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild honors. His performance, blending vulnerability with menace, earned critical acclaim and helped launch HBO's golden era of original programming.
De Matteo expressed a desire for Gandolfini's legacy to be tied foremost to his on-screen creation. "Watching those performances, watching his performance as an actor, just what an incredible performance," she said. "I want people to remember Tony Soprano, No. 1. I mean, that was the legacy he left. Then, within his family, he left a personal legacy, and the friends that he knew and the cast members he knew." This sentiment echoes broader reflections from the cast, who have spoken in recent years about the show's impact on their careers and personal lives.
The ensemble, including Edie Falco as Carmela Soprano, Lorraine Bracco as Dr. Jennifer Melfi, and Jamie-Lynn Sigler as Meadow Soprano, brought depth to the family's dynamics. Falco won three Emmys for her role, while Bracco earned two. The series, created by David Chase, drew from real-life mob lore but fictionalized it into a psychological thriller, influencing shows like Breaking Bad and Mad Men.
Imperioli's political musings add a fresh layer to these discussions, prompting fans to debate online whether characters like Paulie Walnuts or Silvio Dante might indeed back Trump's "Make America Great Again" slogan, given their blue-collar, anti-establishment vibes. Social media reactions have been mixed, with some praising the insight into the show's immigrant narrative and others questioning the assumption. No other cast members have publicly weighed in on Imperioli's take, but it aligns with ongoing cultural analyses of how 1990s and 2000s media foreshadows today's divides.
As The Sopranos streaming on platforms like Max reaches new audiences, its relevance grows. The prequel's modest box office—grossing about $13 million worldwide against a $50 million budget—did little to dim enthusiasm, with critics lauding Michael Gandolfini's debut. Future projects, including rumored spin-offs, could further explore these themes, potentially addressing Imperioli's points on immigration head-on.
Gandolfini's death shocked Hollywood, coming just months after he had been working on projects like Criminal Justice. Tributes poured in from co-stars and fans, cementing his status as a once-in-a-generation talent. De Matteo's stories, shared amid the 25th anniversary of the show's premiere on January 10, 1999, remind industry insiders of the human side of stardom.
Ultimately, Imperioli's comments invite a reevaluation of The Sopranos not just as entertainment, but as a mirror to America's evolving soul. Whether the characters would truly support Trump remains speculative, but the conversation underscores the show's timeless grip on issues of belonging and power. As the nation heads into another election cycle, such reflections from its creators keep the series alive in public discourse.