The late James Gandolfini made Tony Soprano one of the most iconic characters in television history, but he almost missed out on the role due to a specific concern from the show’s creator, David Chase. In Jason Bailey’s new biography about the beloved actor, Gandolfini: Jim, Tony, and the Life of a Legend, an excerpt of which was published by Vulture, the author and historian shares details of The Sopranos casting process, which includes a story from Nancy Sanders, one of Gandolfini’s managers. After reading the script for the HBO pilot, Sanders recalled, “I went, ‘Oh my God, I think I have Tony Soprano.'” She then called Chase, who told her, “He sounds familiar. I’m totally into having this conversation with you, but I may not remember it. Call me tomorrow morning and send me the VHS.” Sanders sent Gandolfini’s tape to Chase, and...