Movies - TV
The Sopranos Was Actually Inspired By This Real-Life Mobster
By RYAN LESTON
The hit HBO series “The Sopranos” is renowned for its authenticity. As it turns out, the story of mobster Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) was not entirely fictitious.
Former New Jersey boss of the DeCavalcante crime family, Vincent Palermo, is said to be the inspiration behind Tony Soprano. Per FBI recordings, even the mob saw similarities.
The mobsters commented, "Hey, what's this f****** thing, Sopranos? What the f*** are they? Is that supposed to be us? Every show you watch, more and more, you pick up somebody.”
The recordings, and their discussion of "The Sopranos," were used in court to convict four men of murder, racketeering, extortion, illegal gambling, bribery, and organized crime.