Dominic Chianese Opens Up About Life, Love, And Loss

“Listen, I’ve been married four times — or maybe six, if you count the annulments,” Dominic Chianese confesses to Closer Weekly in their latest issue, currently on newsstands. The 87-year-old actor, who could’ve easily been cast as the loveable uncle in any family sitcom, shares stories from his life that go beyond the comedic character we’ve come to know from The Sopranos. With a rich history in acting and music, Dominic has lived a life worth listening to. He’s not just Uncle Junior; he’s a father of six, an accomplished singer, and a guitarist with tales that span decades.

Before he was Uncle Junior, Dominic was a young man from the Bronx with dreams of making it big in the world of entertainment. He credits his screen career not to the late James Gandolfini but to another iconic actor, Al Pacino. “Al was my godfather,” Dominic shares, speaking about his co-star in The Godfather: Part II. “He always hired his friends, and if it weren’t for him, I probably wouldn’t have gotten into the movies.” Al Pacino played a crucial role in Dominic’s career, opening doors that otherwise might’ve remained closed.

Through the highs and lows of his career, his true confidant has been his wife of 15 years, Jane. She plays a pivotal role in his life and is one of the "angels" he writes about in his new memoir, Twelve Angels: The Women Who Taught Me How to Act, Live, and Love. In this exclusive interview with Closer, Dominic dives deep into his marriages, the lessons he’s learned, and the profound impact of losing James Gandolfini. Let’s dive in and explore the man behind the legend.

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Was There Any Connection Between You and Your Sopranos Character?

Oh, absolutely. Junior had that quintessential Italian sense of humor, something I could relate to deeply. I grew up in Belmont, a neighborhood in the Bronx that was so Italian, it made Mulberry Street in Little Italy look like a tourist trap. There were real racketeers in that area, and their humor and way of life influenced me in ways I didn’t realize until I played Uncle Junior.

What Was It Like Working on The Sopranos?

Let me tell you, it was a blast! Every Thursday, we’d gather for table reads, and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the scripts. They always gave me the funniest lines. Everyone knows someone like Uncle Junior—whether it’s an uncle or a grandparent, some old-timer who thinks they know it all. It was a joy to bring that character to life.

Do You Have a Favorite Memory from the Show?

Oh, there are so many! But one moment that stands out was working with Nancy Marchand. Her presence was commanding; she had this piercing gaze that could make you stop in your tracks. Then, of course, there was Jimmy Gandolfini. Watching him play Tony Soprano, this complex mob boss who could be both a psychopath and vulnerable, was incredible. In one scene, Tony asks, “Don’t you love me?” and I just looked at him with tears in my eyes. Junior loved his nephew deeply, but he also had a way of being critical. It was raw, real emotion.

How Did You Feel When James Gandolfini Passed Away in 2013?

I was devastated. It hit me hard. I cried like a baby. Jimmy was like a fine, homemade wine—rich, complex, and unforgettable. Losing him was like losing a part of myself. He’ll always have a place in my heart, and his impact is woven into the story of my life, as detailed in my book. There’s no fluff in there; it’s all personal, all real. I’ve worked with legends like Pacino and George C. Scott, and every experience shaped who I am today.