What the F***!

For someone who never achieved top billing in Holywood, James Gandolfini still went to the big retirement home in the sky - as one of the best known actors of his generation.

Courtesy of The Sopranos, of course, in which he played the part of Tony Soprano - a cruel and brutal New York mafia boss with a vulnerable, feminine side.

I can't think of many ugly characters in a TV programme about whom people cared so much - even if only for the duration of the show.

But Gandolfini played his part so convincingly, with such menace and charm, that the words to describe his performance come easily - compelling and riveting, spring to mind.

Some of my more dreary weekday nights just flew by in a flash, as as result of Tony and his motley crew going about their murderous work - sometimes with more success than others.

I can well remember the tension of waiting to see if the Pussy really would sleep with the fishes for betraying his mafia friends - or if Christopher and Paulie, through their own stupidity, really would freeze to death in the woods after a 'hit gone wrong'.

The quality of the script was matched by the quality of the actors who all seemed to fit their parts like a well-worn glove - including Steve Van Zandt, of course, who played  one of Tony's most loyal lieutenants, Silvio, as the world weary minder of the Bada Bing Club.

Before The Sopranos came along, Steve Van Zandt was better known as lead guitarist in the E Street Band - a great friend of Bruce Springsteen - yet for an hour every week I had no trouble in believing that he was a psychopathic killer. 

So, it's sad that James Gandolfini (51) had his life cut short - he had a lot more to offer, I think.

But it was such great fun while it lasted - entertainment of the very highest quality - and for that I am truly grateful.