Is it me or is James Gandolfini the best actor around at this moment in time?. I was watching Get Shorty and I thought he was excellent as Bear in it, he easily stole the movie. Cant wait to seem him in the sequel Be Cool.

I can think of many better ones although I enjoy him a lot.

Al Pacino
Robert DeNiro
Anthony Hopkins
Jack Nicholson
Johnny Depp
Ed Norton

and more....

I agree. Gandolfini is the best actor around at the moment, at least on TV. He's definitely better than the actors you listed, DonV--at the moment, anyway.

And to think that David Proval (Richie Aprile) auditioned for the role!

As great as Gandolfini is, though, Edie Falco is the greatest actor/actress on the show.

Mick

Best actor around? That may be pushing it. Gandolfini is definately a good actor, but to me a great actor is able to transcend the dreaded typecast. Throughout his relatively short career, James has rarely worked outside the mobster/hitman parts. By taking on more varied roles, actors like Pacino and Deniro were able to convey their talent to a broader audience and thus allowing them to climb the Hollywood ladder. Unless Gandolfini does the same, he'll be Tony Soprano forever. Since the show is entering it's last season, he seriously needs to start looking at scripts. Personality wise, Gandolfini has had publicized disputes the Sopranos execs, claiming he deserves more money. Whether or not he deserves the raises he's received is irrelevant since he IS the show. because of this, he has the producers by the balls. To be fair, he has shared some of his increased pay with fellow cast members, but was it necessary in the first place? So in short, Gandolfini is probably the best on T.V., but all around? I don't think so.