Steve Schirripa, known for his role as Bobby "Bacala" Baccalieri in The Sopranos, recently revealed he would have returned to the iconic show's universe if James Gandolfini was still alive. In an exclusive interview, the 67-year-old actor shared candid thoughts about potential revivals of the beloved series.
"I think we would have [returned] if Jim didn't pass away," Schirripa explained. He noted that Gandolfini, who played Tony Soprano, had expressed interest in revisiting the role after taking a few years to distance himself from the character. However, with Gandolfini's passing in 2013 and the cast's current age, Schirripa believes the opportunity has passed.
The Blue Bloods actor reflected on The Sopranos' enduring impact, calling it "if not the greatest show in TV history, certainly one of them." His appreciation for the series deepened when he rewatched it while hosting the Talking Sopranos podcast with co-star Michael Imperioli.
Since The Sopranos concluded in 2007, the only addition to its universe has been The Many Saints of Newark, a prequel film featuring Gandolfini's son Michael portraying a young Tony Soprano. The original series featured an acclaimed ensemble cast including Edie Falco, Michael Imperioli, and Lorraine Bracco.
Looking back on his involvement with the groundbreaking series, Schirripa compared landing the role to "hitting the lottery twice," acknowledging both the show's lasting legacy and its continued relevance. "I think 25 or 50 years from now, they'll still be watching it," he added.