Steve Van Zandt (Silvio Dante) and David Proval (Richie Aprile) auditioned to play Tony Soprano. Ray Liotta was a prime candidate for the role of Tony Soprano but he turned it down.[44]
Holy shit that was very interesting Stu! I didnt know that! I think the casting was brilliant and Richie Aprille and Silvio were 2 of the best characters for me. No one could have played Tony Soprano like Gandolfini did.

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What difference does it make to the dead, the orphans and the homeless, whether the mad destruction is wrought under the name of totalitarianism or the holy name of liberty or democracy?

Mahatma Gandhi (1869 - 1948), "Non-Violence in Peace and War"