Source: BroBible
Summary
John Turturro discussed taking over James Gandolfini’s role in HBO’s *The Night Of* after Gandolfini’s death. Turturro said he sought Gandolfini’s wife’s approval before accepting the part. He described Gandolfini as complex, vulnerable, and struggling with self-doubt. Turturro also reflected on working with Gandolfini on *Romance & Cigarettes*, where he cast him despite not wanting to be the lead. The actor praised the writing of *The Night Of* and expressed pride in his performance.
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Author: Evan Null
John Turturro and the Art of Rebranding a Role
John Turturro took over James Gandolfini’s role in *The Night Of* after the actor’s death. He made sure to get Gandolfini’s wife’s blessing before stepping into the part. Turturro said he wanted to make the character his own, but also respected Gandolfini’s legacy. He described Gandolfini as a complex man with a delicate side and a lot of self-doubt. Turturro also worked with Gandolfini on *Romance & Cigarettes*, where he cast him despite not wanting to be the lead. The actor praised the writing of *The Night Of* and said it was a role he could lose himself in. He shot for eight months and said he felt lost in the part.
James Gandolfini’s Legacy and the Power of Vulnerability
Gandolfini’s role in *The Night Of* was written by Richard Price and Steve Zaillian. Turturro said the writing was brilliant and that the character was capable of being a great lawyer but lacked the constitution for it. He described Gandolfini as having a femininity and delicacy that made him a compelling performer. Turturro also said Gandolfini struggled with self-doubt and self-loathing. He said he wanted to honor the character but also make it his own. He said he had to push Gandolfini at times, but the actor was complex and didn’t always take care of himself.
The Posthumous Rebranding of a Role
Turturro said he asked Gandolfini’s wife if she was comfortable with him taking over the role. She said she was, and that gave him extra motivation. He said the role was a challenge, but he felt he could make it his own. He also said he had to do a lot of research and that he got lost in the part. The show was praised for its writing and acting, and Turturro said he was proud of his performance. He also said he would have loved to do another case with the character, but the show never continued.
The Role of Self-Doubt in Performance
Turturro described Gandolfini as a man with a lot of self-doubt and sometimes self-loathing. He said that vulnerability was part of what made Gandolfini a great performer. Turturro also said that he saw that same vulnerability in his own work, especially in *The Only Living Pickpocket in New York*. He said he brings warmth to wounded, imperfect characters and that people root for them even when they make the wrong choices. He said that was something he and Gandolfini had in common as performers.
The Business of Taking Over a Role
Turturro said he had to push Gandolfini at times, but the actor was complex and didn’t always take care of himself. He also said that Gandolfini had a deal for *Bobby Fischer*, but Turturro was cast in *Romance & Cigarettes* instead. He said he didn’t want to be the lead, so he cast Gandolfini. Turturro also said that the writing of *The Night Of* was brilliant, and that the character was well-written. He said he felt lost in the role and that it was a challenge he was proud of.
