Tony Soprano Tony Soprano Anthony John Soprano (born 1959) is a fictional character and the protagonist in the HBO television drama series "The Sopranos" (1999–2007), portrayed by James Gandolfini. Usually referred to as Tony, the Italian-American character was conceived by "Sopranos" creator and showrunner David Chase, who was also largely responsible for the character's story arc throughout the show's six seasons. The character is loosely based on real-life New Jersey mobster Vincent "Vinny Ocean" Palermo, a former "caporegime" ("capo") and "de facto" boss of the DeCavalcante crime family. Bobby Boriello and Mark Damiano II portrayed Soprano as a child in one episode
Sentimental Education (The Sopranos) Tony B hints that he screwed up and asks if he still needs someone to cover the airbag scheme. "It's hard doing business with strangers," responds Tony, smiling. Sentimental Education (The Sopranos) "Sentimental Education" is the 58th episode of the HBO original series "The Sopranos" and the sixth of the show's fifth season. Written by Matthew Weiner and directed by Peter Bogdanovich, it originally aired on April 11, 2004. "* = credit only" When Tony finds it increasingly difficult to take care of A.J., the boy is sent back to Carmela, who lets him move back in on the condition