James Gandolfini is an American actor. James Gandolfini mother was born in the U.S. and raised in Naples, Italy. His father was the head custodian at Paramus Catholic High School, New Jersey, and also earned a Purple Heart in World War II.

James Gandolfini has a strong sense of being Italian, and regularly visits Italy. James graduated from Park Ridge High School in 1979, where he played basketball and acted in school plays. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from Rutgers University.

James Gandolfini worked as a club manager before embarking on an acting career. Gandolfini was introduced to acting when he accompanied friend Roger Bart to a technique acting class. In 2003, he appeared in a series of television commercials.