Michael Imperioli, the Emmy-winning actor best known for his portrayal of Christopher Moltisanti in HBO’s seminal drama The Sopranos, believes a significant portion of the show’s characters would likely be supporters of Donald Trump if the series were unfolding in today’s political climate. Imperioli shared his observations in a recent interview with The Independent, sparking a conversation about the intersection of immigrant identity, the American dream and contemporary political allegiances.
“The show is about the American dream, especially through the eyes of immigrants,” Imperioli explained. “I think that would be one of the big themes if it was made today: the current climate in the U.S. And what they’re doing to immigrants.” He continued, “The fact is that these characters are all immigrants, but I think a lot of them would probably be Trump supporters, oddly enough. So how do they reconcile those things?”
The observation is particularly striking given the show’s exploration of Italian-American identity and the complexities of navigating life within the criminal underworld. Imperioli pointed out a historical nuance often overlooked: “When Italians came over – and people forget this, or they don’t want to see it – a lot of them were undocumented.” This historical context, he suggests, might contribute to a surprising alignment with Trump’s populist rhetoric, despite the current administration’s policies towards immigration.
The Sopranos, which ran for six seasons from 1999 to 2007, remains a touchstone of television history, lauded for its nuanced characters, unflinching portrayal of violence, and exploration of themes like family, loyalty, and the search for meaning. The show followed Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) as he juggled the demands of his Mafia leadership with the challenges of suburban family life and his own struggles with mental health. Imperioli’s Christopher Moltisanti served as Tony’s protégé, a volatile and ambitious figure grappling with addiction and his own place within the organization.
The actor’s comments arrive as creator David Chase returns to television with new projects. Chase is developing a limited series titled Project: MJUltra, a deep dive into the CIA’s infamous mind control experiments. This marks his first showrunning role since concluding The Sopranos, signaling a renewed engagement with the medium. In recent years, Chase has also revisited the legacy of his landmark series, contributing to a biography of James Gandolfini, where he recounted initial reservations about Gandolfini’s suitability for the role of Tony Soprano, initially finding him not “threatening” enough to convincingly portray a mob boss.
Imperioli’s speculation about the characters’ potential political leanings isn’t simply a thought experiment. It highlights a broader trend of working-class voters, including those with immigrant backgrounds, gravitating towards conservative ideologies in recent years. The appeal of Trump’s message – focused on economic nationalism, border security, and a rejection of established political norms – has resonated with communities feeling left behind by globalization and economic shifts.
The question of how The Sopranos would be written in the current political landscape is a compelling one. The show’s strength lay in its ability to present morally ambiguous characters and explore the complexities of human behavior without easy answers. Introducing a contemporary political dimension could add another layer of nuance, forcing characters to confront their own values and allegiances in a deeply divided America.
Imperioli’s insights offer a provocative lens through which to view the enduring legacy of The Sopranos. The show’s exploration of the American dream, the immigrant experience, and the pursuit of power remains remarkably relevant, even two decades after its conclusion. His suggestion that characters like Tony and Christopher might find common ground with a figure like Donald Trump is a testament to the show’s enduring ability to provoke thought and challenge assumptions about identity, loyalty, and the ever-shifting landscape of American politics.
The actor’s comments, reported by NME, Variety, and through Google News, have quickly gained traction, prompting discussion among fans and critics alike. The enduring cultural impact of The Sopranos ensures that any new perspectives on its characters and themes will continue to resonate with audiences for years to come.
