James Gandolfini - America's Favorite Mob Boss

This e-single, a selection of reviews, interviews and stories from The New York Times archives, traces the career of the actor James Gandolfini, who died suddenly of a heart attack on June 19, 2013 while vacationing in Italy.

In 1999 Mr. Gandolfini, a little-known character actor at the time, shot to fame for his visceral portrayal of New Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano on HBO’s groundbreaking series “The Sopranos,” which ran until 2007. Mr. Gandolfini’s multi-layered performance as the brutal yet likableTony — a Mafia kingpin who was also a suburban family man with everyday problems — won widespread critical acclaim, winning the actor three Emmy Awards.

During his career, Mr. Gandolfini also played a variety of roles in Hollywood movies and on Broadway. But his legacy as an actor will be indelibly linked with the iconic Tony Soprano.