James Gandolfini 's first role was in a feature film in 1989 . Gandolfini did n't get paid for the performance in `` Eddy , '' but he left a lasting impression on the director David Matalon . Years before Tony Soprano , he played a tough guy character named Tony . The film 's director recalls he was ` ` really intense and always prepared '' on Tony .
James Gandolfini 's first role was in a feature film in 1989 . Years before Tony Soprano , he played a tough guy character named Tony . The film 's director recalls he was ` ` really intense and always prepared '' on Tony .