#’Sopranos’ star ‘James filmed classic scene while hungover

James Gandolfini’s old “Sopranos” co-stars are reminiscing about the late great TV star. Actor Robert Patrick, who portrayed Davey Scatino on the HBO drama, sat down with the show’s Michael Imperioli and Steve Schirripa on their podcast “Talking Sopranos.”

The three discussed Patrick’s character arc, starting with “The Happy Wanderer” (Season 2, Episode 6). Patrick, 62, explained that on his first day on set, he tried to jokingly provoke Gandolfini about coming to work hungover.

“I had never met Mr. Gandolfini,” Patrick said. “I am out front on a bench smoking a cigarette with Jimmy after we’d just done this read through. And we’re trying to get to know each other a little bit because we’re supposed to be high school buddies.”

He continued, “As the conversation was winding up, I said to him, ‘You know the scene where you come to get your money, you better bring your f – – king A-game.’ And he looked at me said, ‘Oh, I’ll bring my f – – king
A-game.’ ” Before walking off, Gandolfini threw his cigarette at Patrick.

When the two actors saw each other again, it was during the scene where Tony arrives to collect the $45,000 that Davey borrowed and lost in a high-stakes poker game “[Gandolfini] came in and said, ‘How’s your balls?’ I said, ‘They’re fine.’ And he said, ‘I’m hungover, let’s do this f – – king scene,’ ” Patrick said. “And man, it was one take. And he scared the living s – – t out of me. I was so intimidated. What a fantastic experience.”

“The Sopranos” aired from 1999 until 2007. Over six seasons, 86 episodes aired, chronicling mob boss Tony Soprano as he juggles his violent business, home life, relationships and his conscience.

Gandolfini died in June 2013 at 51 in Rome after suffering a heart attack. His son, Michael, will portray an adolescent Tony in the “Sopranos” prequel “The Many Saints of Newark.” Gandolfini won three Emmys for his role as the New Jersey mob boss.

“The Many Saints of Newark” will hit theaters Oct. 1 and be on HBO Max for the month of October.