See the Cast of ‘The Sopranos’ Then and Now

Then: Back when 'The Sopranos' was killing it in the ratings, James Gandolfini (Tony Soprano) became not only a star but also known for his brute onscreen personality. Much to everyone's surprise, Gandolfini's true persona is that of a pacifist. Before 'The Sopranos' took to HBO, Gandolfini had played memorable tough guys in films such as 'Get Shorty' and 'True Romance.'

Now: Since the show's end in 2007, Gandolfini seems to have held back on his performances. It can only be assumed that after 'The Sopranos' wrapped he was inundated in offers but 'T' -- as he was often called on the show -- seems to have made sporadic appearances in films such as 'In The Loop' 'Not Fade Away' and the recent success, 'Zero Dark Thirty.'

Then: The role of Tony's wife Carmela Soprano wasn't the first time Edie Falco worked with HBO -- she was known to fans of the network's prison drama 'OZ' for her role as Diane Whittlesey. A struggling actress at the age of 30, she was given small breaks with roles in 'Law & Order,' 'Homicide: Life on the Street' and 'Laws of Gravity,' and a big break with Woody Allen's 'Bullets Over Broadway.' Yet among them all, her portrayal of Carmela would be one that would change her life.

Now: Since her 'Sopranos' days, Falco's career has been a continued success, having jumped to Showtime to star in the hit 'Nurse Jackie' as a woman battling a bit of a dependency problem. Aside from her successes but on the screen, Falco has found herself appearing in numerous Broadway plays that have garnered high praise from critics and audiences alike.

Then: Certainly no stranger to the mob-motif (Bracco co-starred in the Scoresese classic 'Goodfellas'), the actress we know as Dr. Melfi was originally offered the role of Carmela Soprano. Thinking it was too close to her 'Goodfellas' role, Bracco instead asked to play Dr. Jennifer Melfi, Tony Soprano's psychiatrist. The choice turned out to be the right one.

Now: Today, Bracco plays Angela Rizzoli on TNT's 'Rizzoli & Isles.' Outside of acting, she owns Bracco Wines, a line of wines that was featured on the Season One finale of 'Top Chef.'

Then: Another 'Goodfellas' cast member, Michael Imperioli played Christopher Moltisanti,Tony's nephew who was in a constant struggle with drugs and alcohol. His character dreamed of being a Hollywood screenwriter, which is the exact path Imperioli took, directing and writing a few 'Sopranos' episodes himself.

Now: Since his 'Sopranos' fame, Imperioli's credits have continued, starring in the now defunct 'Life on Mars' and 'Detroit 1-8-7' and appearing in various films. However, perhaps his most notable performance since 'The Sopranos' is the popular 1800 Tequila commercials in which he ruggedly mocks a bottle of Petron while "his" tequila pours him a shot. Yes, it's very intimidating.

Then: Before his acting career took off, Sirico, aka Paulie Walnuts, was an actual mobster, having served 20 months in the early '70s. Since then, it was goodbye crime and hello Hollywood. Oddly enough, despite his lengthy list of credits, Sirico is mainly know for playing... you guessed it, mobsters! Word has it that he agreed to play Paulie on one condition, that his character would not be a "rat."

Now: Sirico seems to have slowed down since 'The Sopranos' ended, making appearances on shows such as 'Chuck' and 'Medium.' Lately he's transitioned from mobsters to cops, donning badges in films like 'Zarra's Law' and the awesomely named 'Jersey Shore Shark Attack.'

Then: Before 'The Sopranos' began Van Zandt was a struggling musician in some musical combo called The E Street Band headed by a guy from Jersey named Bruce Springsteen. Already having the world in the palm of his hands, Little Steven's career hit a new high when he took on the role of Silvio Dante.

Now: Age means nothing to this guy, who consistently tours with Springsteen and the E Street Band. Aside from his first love, Van Zandt starred in the acclaimed Netflix series 'Lilyhammer' and served as an Executive Producer on the 2013 film, 'Not Fade Away,' which was written and directed by 'Sopranos' creator David Chase.

Then: Beginning her acting and singing career at the age of seven, Jamie-Lynn Sigler was cast as Meadow Soprano at just 18. In the earlier seasons, Meadow was intelligent yet somewhat troubled. However, as the show rolled on she grew into a young woman who learned the consequences of life -- often first hand, given her father's "business."

Now: Life post-'Sopranos' has been rather bright for Sigler, who guest starred on 13 episodes of HBO's 'Entourage' and five episodes of 'Ugly Betty.' Today she stars as Emily on NBC's 'Guys with Kids.'

Then: Iler played Anthony Soprano, Jr. (A.J.), the youngest Soprano child. His character could be seen as that of a slacker, often lazy and finding various hardships during his adolescence. Iler didn't do much television acting before 'The Sopranos' picked him up, mainly appearing in commercials. However, once HBO cast him it was smooth sailing... sort of.

Now: With just one television credit post-Sopranos (he appeared on 'Law & Order' in 2009), Iler doesn't seem to be doing much acting today. But he did show up on the '2010 World Series of Poker.' Acting aside, Iler's had multiple run-ins with the law for cases ranging from marijuana possession to larceny. We can only guess that Tony Soprano would be proud!

Then: Back in the early '90s, Schirripa was working in Las Vegas when he got a part as an extra in the 1995 Scorsese film, 'Casino.' It seems quick but it was just five years after his 'Casino' role that he was cast in 'The Sopranos' as Bobby Baccalieri.

Now: Today, Schirripa is doing just fine, with minor appearances on shows such as 'Ugly Betty' and 'Brothers' to more prominent television roles like 'The Secret Life of the American Teenager.' He also serves as the host and narrator of 'Nothing Personal,' a true-crime series on Investigation Discovery.

Then: Having already held an impressive acting resume before joining 'The Sopranos' -- appearing anywhere from 'The Goonies' to 'The Matrix' -- Pantoliano's character Ralph Cifaretto pushed him to new heights. Playing a largely unlikable mobster, his character held an immense presence from the day he stepped foot on set to the very moment of his death -- which was certainly a gruesome one.

Now: Even today, Pantoliano pops up everywhere, having recently appeared in 'How to Make it In America' as Felix. Aside from Hollywood, he is an author, having scribed two memoirs titled 'Who's Sorry Now' and the more recent, 'Asylum,' in which he discusses his diagnosis with clinical depression.

Then: Starting his career in Off-Broadway plays and cabarets way back in 1952, Chianese got his first televised role in 1974's 'East Side/West Side.' He would then go on to appear in 'The Godfather II,' which sparked a friendship with fellow actor Al Pacino. However, among his lengthy list of accomplishments, his portrayal of Junior Soprano garnered him arguably the most attention.

Now: Life post-'Sopranos' is rather busy for Chianese,  even at the age of 82. As of just last year, he regularly performs music in New York. He is also featured on HBO's 'Boardwalk Empire' (created by 'Sopranos' writer Terrance Winter).

Then: Ending our list is the lovely Drea de Matteo, who played Adriana La Cerva, the sexy foul-mouthed girlfriend of Christopher Moltisanti who unfortunately met her end by the hand (or gun) of Silvio Dante. (What? The show's been off the air for years. Catch up, already.)

Now: 'The Sopranos' was one of Matteo's earliest acting gigs, which certainly helped launch her career. Nowadays, she continues to act, having been seen on 'Sons of Anarchy,' 'Californication,' and 'Desperate Housewives.' (She recently turned up as a mouthy patient on 'The Mindy Project.') She is currently engaged to Shooter Jennings, the son of country singer Waylon Jennings.