Shared with you
The concept of family is an essential ingredient of this series about La Cosa Nostra ("Our Thing"), a fact also reflected in the show's production. Besides the LuPone and LaPaglia connections mentioned above, David Chase cast his daughter Michele DeCesare in six episodes as Meadow's friend, Hunter. Even more familial is the casting of real-life husband-and-wife Steven Van Zandt and Maureen Van Zandt as Silvio and Gabriella Dante. As well, on the series' production team, longtime writers and producers Robin Green and Mitchell Burgess are a married couple. In addition, Lorraine Bracco's sister Elizabeth Bracco appeared as Marie Spatafore in eight episodes. Dominic Chianese, Jr., son of the actor portraying Uncle Junior, appears in three final season shows as a soldier in the Lupertazzi crime family. Then there's Michael Buscemi, brother of the noted director and cast member Steve Buscemi, who showed up early on in the series' fourth episode. Finally, Joyce Van Patten, half-sister of The Sopranos (1999) veteran director Timothy Van Patten, appears in one episode in season four, while his daughter, Grace Van Patten, appeared twice in the final season.
James Gandolfini said that he was often contacted by real-life "wise guys," complimenting him on the authenticity of the series, as well as giving him advice.
It is said that during some scenes, James Gandolfini inserted a small stone in his shoe to anger him, making him play the role of Tony Soprano more authentically. He would also stay awake all night for some of the breakfast scenes, to achieve a tired look.
After the pilot aired, a real-life "wise guy" told James Gandolfini never to wear shorts again. The encounter seems to have been incorporated into season four, episode one, "For All Debts Public and Private," when New York City mob boss Carmine tells Tony that he'd heard about his recent backyard party, and that "a don doesn't wear shorts." However real life ex-mob capo and street boss Michael Franzese disputes this claim whereas his father Sonny wore shorts on a regular basis.
To settle salary disputes after season four, James Gandolfini gave each main cast member $33,333 from his own pocket.