During 1997–98, LaPaglia appeared in a Broadway production of Arthur Miller's "A View From the Bridge" with the Roundabout Theatre Company and later received a Tony Award for his portrayal of the protagonist, Eddie Carbone. LaPaglia also played Tito Merelli in Ken Ludwig's "Lend Me a Tenor" on Broadway. Before "A View From the Bridge" opened, LaPaglia was sent a script for the pilot of "The Sopranos" and met its creator, David Chase, to discuss the role of protagonist Tony Soprano. However, various factors, including Fox and his Broadway role, prevented LaPaglia from obtaining the role.