LaPaglia Broke After Sopranos, Django Passes — SkimNews
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- Anthony LaPaglia loved cocaine in the 1990s, describing it as 'the Gollum of drugs,' and became a 'bingeing addict' before quitting due to the 'stupidity' of his behavior, though he retained his dealer’s number years later due to dyscalculia.
- Anthony LaPaglia was David Chase’s first choice for Tony Soprano in The Sopranos but passed after committing to a Broadway role in A View from the Bridge, leading to James Gandolfini’s iconic casting.
- Anthony LaPaglia turned down a role in Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained to honor a commitment to an Australian TV film, prompting Tarantino to 'flip out' and hang up on him during a phone call.
- Anthony LaPaglia confronted Harvey Weinstein at a charity event, calling him a 'prick' after learning Weinstein had assaulted his then-girlfriend, warning him 'it’ll catch up with you sooner or later.'
- Anthony LaPaglia almost hit director John Landis during filming of Innocent Blood due to extreme stress, later linking his rage to his abusive father and seeking therapy after production ended.
- Anthony LaPaglia now lives in a rented Santa Monica apartment and admits he is 'pretty much broke' after selling all his properties and assets, blaming three divorces and failing to manage his finances, especially after his accountant’s death in 2024.
Why it matters: LaPaglia’s financial collapse and career near-misses reveal the personal costs of unmanaged trauma and loyalty in Hollywood—three divorces and a dead accountant left him cleaned out, while principled choices cost him roles in two major films, altering his legacy despite sustained success.
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