Sarah Shahi Reflects on Memorable Scene with James Gandolfini

Sarah Shahi recently shared insights into her intense scene with “Sopranos” star James Gandolfini. During an appearance on the “Bossticks” podcast, Shahi highlighted a memorable kiss with Gandolfini, calling it “one of the best” she has experienced.

Shahi recalled her initial reservations about the scene. She questioned how she would find herself attracted to Gandolfini at that moment, but soon found that the scene worked well. She emphasized the chemistry, stating, “Oh boy, did it work for me!”

The actress appeared briefly on “The Sopranos,” including a scene where both actors engaged with mushrooms before she sat on Gandolfini’s lap to kiss him. Describing Gandolfini’s method acting approach, Shahi mentioned the use of props, aiming for a genuine reaction through spicy, dehydrated mushrooms.

“Oh boy, did it work for me!” — Sarah Shahi

She explained, “There’s a scene where I’m sitting on his lap, and we’re taking these mushrooms, and then we have to kiss. Even when they called ‘cut,’ we were still kissing.” She noted that the scene was filmed multiple times, with both continuing to kiss each time.

The role of Sonya Aragon on “The Sopranos” saw Shahi as both a stripper and a college student involved with Christopher Moltisanti, played by Michael Imperioli. Her appearance in the series came during its sixth season in 2007.

James Gandolfini, who portrayed Tony Soprano, sadly passed away on June 19, 2013, in Rome, Italy. He was 51, and an autopsy identified a heart attack as the cause of death.