The Sopranos

Charley Scalies -- a character actor who played tough-talking characters on two of the greatest shows ever -- has died ... according to reports.

The Hollywood Reporter says they spoke with Charley's daughter, Anne Marie Scalies ... who revealed her father passed away Thursday at a nursing facility in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, after a long battle with Alzheimer's.

Scalies began his acting career by grabbing a few bit parts in the mid-1990s ... appearing in the Al Pacino-led "Two Bits" and the sci-fi classic "12 Monkeys" starring Bruce Willis and Brad Pitt.

7/21 5:47 PM PT -- de Matteo's responding to haters who are calling her son editing her OF content creepy ... posting a pic to her Instagram story with the pic in question, saying it doesn't show anything inappropriate for a 13-year-old.

She adds people need to focus on bigger issues -- like what's going on with America's politics -- instead of her personal parenting choices. Basically, Drea's telling everyone to move right along ... 'cause there's nothing to see here!

When it comes to business, Drea de Matteo's motto is ... you gotta keep it in the family.

The "Sopranos" star revealed on the "Not Today, Pal" podcast her 13-year-old son, Waylon "Blackjack," edits her OnlyFans photos.

Hosts Robert Iler and Jamie-Lynn Sigler were discussing de Matteo's girl-on-girl content when she mentioned her son, and 16-year-old daughter, Alabama, were waiting outside for her.

'Sopranos' star Drea de Matteo says OnlyFans empowers her to take care of her family financially ... and now she's feeling like a mob boss.

Drea's among the celebs stripping it off on sites like OnlyFans and making an absolute fortune in doing so ... and TMZ is examining the growing trend in Hollywood of getting naked on the internet.

When her bank account dwindled down to only a few hundred bucks, Drea says she bit the bullet and joined the OnlyFans trend ... because she didn't have a choice.

Drea de Matteo's not backing down when her son, Waylon, calls her out for her OnlyFans career ... revealing how her winning argument puts him in his place in an instant.

The "Sopranos" star calls her 12-year-old a "greedy little bastard" on the latest episode of "The Sage Steele Show" ... and she reminds him of all the luxuries he's enjoying when he brings up her ass-showing ways on the platform.

Drea recalls asking him once, "Do you like that jacket you just asked me to buy you? You like all the things that you want that make you happy? You like that new PC that you begged for for Christmas? Because you wouldn't have that s*** if Mommy didn't show her ass!"

The mob wife trend is all about in-your-face fashion, so you already know the celebs ain't holding back on this one! Inspired by iconic films and shows like "Goodfellas" and "Sopranos", mob wife fashion is bringin' sexy back with animal prints, fuzzy coats and all the boots n' heels!

Kim Kardashian, Chrissy Teigen and Heidi Klum dove into the exotic/animal print aesthetic, while Dua Lipa joined this fashion resurgence in a black-lace ensemble, topped with a lavish furry black coat.

The parlor booth where Tony Soprano sat down with his family in the final scene from "The Sopranos" just sold at auction ... and someone shelled out five figures.

Tony's booth was a tourist attraction for years at Holsten's ice cream parlor in Broomfield, NJ ... but the shop needs a renovation and the parlor booth had to go ... to the highest bidder.

Holsten's put the famous furniture -- booth, table, divider and a custom plaque reserving seats for the Sopranos family -- on eBay last week with a $3,000 opening bid ... and an all-out bidding war ensued.

When the dust settled Monday, the auction closed and the booth had sold for $82,600 ... more than enough to cover costs for Holsten's upcoming renovations for new floors and booths.

Not included for the $82K ... the jukebox Tony drops a quarter in to play Journey's classic tune "Don't Stop Believin'" as he orders onion rings and waits for his wife, son and daughter to join him in the booth.

The jukebox was added by the film crew ... and after the show, Holsten included a plaque reading, "THIS BOOTH RESERVED FOR THE SOPRANO FAMILY."

Since the finale and it's open-ended cut to black, Holsten's has been a destination for 'Sopranos' fans making the pilgrimage to Tony's last known location ... but wear and tear over the years forced the ice cream parlor to sell off the piece of TV history.

As Holsten's explained ... "Please understand that we don't want to do this. But the integrity of the booths are now compromised. They have been repaired many times and this furniture is over 60 years old. Obviously, we do not want to do this, however it has come to a point where they are structurally not safe anymore as a whole and we need to think about the safety of our patrons first."

The ice cream parlor says it's getting a much-needed facelift, but things will look the same as they did when the Sopranos came through.

Drea de Matteo dice que cuando su familia atravesó tiempos difíciles, fueron salvados por el más improbable de los héroes... Los suscriptores de OnlyFans.

La actriz de "Los Soprano" le concedió una entrevista a DailyMail donde reveló que puso en marcha la cuenta en línea de nuevo en agosto, porque su casa iba en ejecución hipotecaria, y ella dijo que solo tenía alrededor de $10 en el banco.

Mientras que esto genera opiniones divididas, Drea le da crédito al sitio, y dijo que no se siente mal, ya que hizo lo que cualquier buena madre haría, sacrificar el orgullo personal por sus hijos.

Drea admitió que no tenía dinero en aquella época, diciendo que tan solo apareció en 48 episodios de "Los Soprano" y eso fue hace bastante -a participado en otros proyectos desde luego-, pero los cheques de pago se terminan.

Sin embargo, dijo que consiguió suficiente dinero para salvar su casa de la ejecución hipotecaria a los cinco minutos de comenzar su OnlyFans, por el que cobra $15 al mes. Sinceramente, es increíble.

Drea dijo que le pidió a sus hijas su bendición antes de crear la cuenta y le dijeron que estaban totalmente de acuerdo.

En cuanto a su trabajo como actriz, Drea ha mantenido que hablar en contra de la vacuna COVID-19 y negarse a recibir la vacuna ha limitado sus oportunidades en Hollywood, lo que hizo que OnlyFans fue algo aún más urgente.

Además, pudo obtener el dinero que necesitaba para iniciar su nueva marca de ropa (Ultrafree), una nueva empresa de la que habló con nosotros a principios de este mes en "TMZ Live".

Drea de Matteo says when her family hit hard times, they were saved by the most unlikely of heroes ... OnlyFans subscribers who helped pay their bills.

The 'Sopranos' actress sat down for an interview with DailyMail where she revealed she launched the online account back in August because her house was going into foreclosure, and she said she only had about $10 in the bank.

While it might be seen as polarizing for some, DDM credited the subscribers-based site with saving her family ... and she said she's comfortable with anyone judging her because she did what any good mother would do -- sacrifice personal pride for her children.

Drea admitted she wasn't exactly flush with cash at the time ... saying most of her acting career was spent working from paycheck to paycheck despite appearing in 48 episodes of "The Sopranos" ... plus other projects, of course.

But, she says she had enough money to save her home from foreclosure within five minutes of starting her OnlyFans -- for which she charges $15 a month. Honestly, that's incredible.

She's all good on the family front though ... 'cause Drea said she asked her daughters for their blessing before firing up the OF account -- and they said it was totally OK.

As for acting work ... Drea's maintained that speaking out against the COVID-19 vaccine and refusing to get the jab has limited career opportunities in Hollywood, which made starting OnlyFans that much more essential.

But, OF seems to be funding more of Drea's dream ... 'cause she said it gave her the money she needed to start her new clothing brand, Ultrafree -- a new venture she talked about with us earlier this month on "TMZ Live."

Richard Romanus -- famous from his memorable role in "Mean Streets" -- has died.

The actor's son, Robert, broke the sad news this weekend, telling THR his father had passed away Dec. 23 at a private hospital in Volos, Greece. The exact circumstances of his death remain unclear, and an official cause has yet to be announced.

Romanus hadn't acted in much since the early 2000s, with his last credited role being in Disney's "The Young Black Stallion" from 2003. Still, his career was noteworthy ... especially his turn as the villain in one of Scorsese's first films.

Of course, he played Michael the loan shark in 'MS' ... his character grows impatient with Robert De Niro's Johnny Boy after constantly ducking/dodging him on a fat debt owed.

Fans might also remember him for playing Richard La Penna in a few episodes of "The Sopranos" ... not to mention roles in other big shows like "Tenspeed and Brown Shoe," "Foul Play," "Strike Force," "Hill Street Blues," "The A-Team," "Cagney & Lacey," "Johnny Bago" and more.

Outside of "Mean Streets," Romanus' movie credits include ... "Wizards," "Sitting Ducks," "Heavy Metal," "Pandemonium," "Strangers Kiss," "Protocol," "Murphy's Law," "Oscar" and many others.

He's survived by his son, his wife and his famous younger brother, Robert. Romanus was 80.

Richard Romanus -famoso por su memorable papel en "Mean Streets"- ha muerto.

El hijo del actor, Robert, dio la triste noticia este fin de semana, diciendole a THR que su padre había fallecido el 23 de diciembre en un hospital privado de Volos, Grecia. Las circunstancias exactas de su muerte aún no están claras y una causa oficial aún no ha sido anunciada.

Romanus no había actuado mucho desde principios de la década de 2000. Su último papel acreditado fue en la película de Disney "The Young Black Stallion" de 2003. Aun así, su carrera fue notable, especialmente su papel de villano en una de las primeras películas de Scorsese.

Por supuesto, interpretó a Michael, el usurero, en "Mean Streets". Su personaje se impacienta con el Johnny Boy de Robert De Niro después de eludirle constantemente el pago de una cuantiosa deuda.

Los fans también podrían recordarlo por interpretar a Richard La Penna en algunos episodios de "Los Soprano", por no mencionar papeles en otras grandes series como "Tenspeed and Brown Shoe", "Foul Play", "Strike Force", "Hill Street Blues", "The A-Team", "Cagney & Lacey", "Johnny Bago" y más.

Aparte de "Mean Streets", los créditos cinematográficos de Romanus incluyen, "Wizards", "Sitting Ducks", "Heavy Metal", "Pandemonium", "Strangers Kiss", "Protocol", "Murphy's Law", "Oscar" y muchas otras.

Le sobreviven su hijo, su esposa y su famoso hermano menor, Robert. Romanus tenía 80 años.

American actress Jamie-Lynn Sigler was 18 years old when she first played the role of Meadow Soprano -- the stubborn and entitled daughter who graduates from Catholic School and heads to Columbia University -- in HBO's "The Sopranos" from 1999-2007.

Sigler was part of an ensemble cast including the late James Gandolfini as the temperamental Italian-American mobster and father who winds up fooling around on his wife, Tony Soprano, Edie Falco as Tony's wife who is witty and committed to her family, Carmela Soprano and Lorraine Bracco as Tony's notable and wealthy therapist, Jenifer Melfi.

Actor Frank Vallelonga Jr., famous for his work in the Oscar-winning "Green Book," has died ... TMZ has confirmed.

The NYPD tells TMZ ... police responded Monday morning to a 911 call about an unconscious man in the Bronx, and when they got there they found a dead body in the street, which was later identified as Frank.

Cops say the Medical Examiner will determine an official cause of death. Meanwhile, police tell us a suspect has been criminally charged with dumping Frank's corpse. Cops also say the suspect told police Frank overdosed.

Frank's late father is "Sopranos" star Tony Lip, who played New York mob boss Carmine Lupertazzi in the HBO series ... and his brother, Nick Vallelonga, is the co-writer and producer for "Green Book," which won two Academy Awards for Best Original Screenplay and Best Picture.

In fact, "Green Book" is about Frank's father ... Tony worked as a bouncer and was hired to drive and protect pianist Don Shirley during an early 1960s tour through the Jim Crow South. In the movie, Viggo Mortensen portrays Tony and Frank plays his other brother, Rudy Vallelonga.

Cops say the suspect dumped Frank's body from a car owned by Nick -- but Nick told police the suspect did not have permission or authority to drive the car.

Frank was 60.

"The Sopranos" actor and broadway legend Robert "Bob" LuPone has died.

The Tony-nominated actor passed following a 3-year battle with pancreatic cancer, according to his rep.

The MCC Theater, an off-broadway space Bob founded, released a statement, saying he "lived fearlessly and with great curiosity, good humor, a boundless passion for connection, and a whole lot of heart. We will miss him deeply and always."

Fans of "The Sopranos" will remember his work as Dr. Bruce Cusamano -- the family physician and next-door neighbor to Tony. He also starred in "Sex and the City," "Guiding Light," and "All My Children," for which he got a Daytime Emmy nom.

Bob, the brother of Patti LuPone, was born in 1946 in Brooklyn -- he graduated from Juilliard School in '68 with a degree in dance. His Broadway debut was the same year, in a production of Noel Coward’s "Sweet Potato."

He later was nominated for a Tony award for his work in the original run of "A Chorus Line" ... even convincing the director to play the role of Zach after the original cast member left the show. He received a best-featured actor Tony nomination for the role.

Bob is survived by his wife Virginia, his son Orlando, his sister Patti, and his brother, William.

He was 76.

Tony Sirico, one of the main stars of "The Sopranos," is dead ... TMZ has confirmed.

Tony played Paulie "Walnuts" Gualtieri, one of Tony Soprano's main guys for every season of the HBO hit show. His brother Robert announced his passing on Facebook saying "It is with great sadness, but with incredible pride, love and a whole lot of fond memories, that the family of Gennaro Anthony "Tony" Sirico wishes to inform you of his death."

Robert says Tony passed Friday morning. Sources connected to the family tell us Tony had been living in an assisted living home in Fort Lauderdale, FL for a couple years, and had been in failing health.

Of course, Tony will be most remembered for his 'Sopranos' role -- he won 2 Screen Actors Guild Awards for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble Cast.

Fun fact: He'd actually auditioned for the role of Tony Soprano's Uncle Junior -- which, of course, ultimately went to Dominic Chianese. Instead, David Chase gave him the Paulie role. He had one rule about his acting gigs ... he never played "rats."

He also got a lot of voice acting roles on animated hits like "Family Guy" and "American Dad" -- and played a mobster or gangster in tons of movies, including "Goodfellas," "Mighty Aphrodite," "Gotti," "Cop Land" and "Mickey Blue Eyes."

Sirico was a big supporter of the U.S. military -- he and James Gandolfini once traveled to Iraq for a rally for the troops there. He continued to support the Wounded Warrior Project organization too.

He's survived by his 2 children, Joanne and Richard, several grandchildren and his siblings.

Tony was 79.

Peter Bogdanovich -- the filmmaker behind big movies like "The Last Picture Show" and "What's Up, Doc?" -- has died.

Peter passed away Thursday at his home in Los Angeles as a result of natural causes ... his daughter, Antonia Bogdanovich, told The Hollywood Reporter.

PB vaulted to fame when he directed the critically-acclaimed 1971 black-and-white classic, 'Last Picture Show,' which earned 8 Oscar nominations ... including one for best director. He also famously directed movies like "Mask" and "Paper Moon" plus "Daisy Miller" and there's even a musical on his Hollywood resume, "At Long Last Love."

While he was known for his work behind the camera, Peter also appeared on-screen ... most notably in a recurring role playing Dr. Melfi's therapist, Elliot Kupferberg, on "The Sopranos."

Peter was twice married, but both marriages ended in divorce, he was known for dating 'Last Picture' star Cybill Shepherd, and also Dorothy Stratten ... back in 1980 when the Playboy Playmate was infamously murdered by her estranged husband.

At the time of the murder, Peter railed against Playboy founder Hugh Hefner, blaming Hef and the "Playboy sex factory" for Dorothy's demise.

Peter was 82.