{
  "id": 8730135,
  "title": "James Gandolfini's Sopranos Co-Stars Say HBO Paid Millions To Block Him From A Classic Sitcom",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/20/james-gandolfinis-sopranos-co-stars-say-hbo-paid-millions-to-block",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-20T16:52:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "TVLine",
    "slug": "tvline",
    "url": "https://www.tvline.com/2252558/james-gandolfini-the-sopranos-hbo-millions-block-sitcom-the-office/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In 2011, James Gandolfini, star of HBO's The Sopranos, was offered a role in The Office during its final season. However, HBO paid him $3 million not to accept the part. Gandolfini's co-stars Michael Imperioli and Steve Schirripa discussed this unlikely casting possibility during a 2021 podcast. Schirripa revealed that HBO had offered Gandolfini $4 million to take on the role, but he turned it down due to a deal he had with HBO. Gandolfini, who had not been deeply familiar with The Office, admitted he was unsure about taking on the comedic role. After The Sopranos concluded in 2007, Gandolfini continued to work, starring in notable films such as The Taking of Pelham 123, Where the Wild Things Are, and Killing Them Softly. He was 51 years old when he tragically died in 2013.",
  "summary": "The Sopranos' Michael Imperioli and Steve Schirripa say HBO paid James Gandolfini a fortune to keep their leading man from taking a hilarious gig elsewhere.",
  "key_points": [
    "HBO offered Gandolfini $3 million to decline The Office role in 2011",
    "Co-stars Michael Imperioli and Steve Schirripa revealed this in 2021 podcast",
    "Gandolfini turned down $4 million offer due to existing HBO deal"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}