In a new documentary, Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos, actress Drea de Matteo reveals the shock and secrecy surrounding her character’s dramatic exit from The Sopranos.
De Matteo, who portrayed Adriana La Cerva on the critically acclaimed HBO series, was unaware of her character’s fate until the episode aired. In the season 5 episode titled “Long Term Parking,” Adriana is murdered after being exposed as an FBI informant. Creator David Chase maintained strict confidentiality about Adriana’s ending to prevent any spoilers.
“David sat me down on set and told me he was going to film two versions of the scene—one where Adriana escapes and one where she is killed,” de Matteo, 52, recounted. “He said, ‘No one is going to know how it ends until it airs because we have confidentiality issues.’ I asked him if I was going to die and he just remained silent.”
Uncertain of her character’s fate, de Matteo accepted another acting role as a precaution. She expressed concern that her involvement in The Sopranos might typecast her for the rest of her career. “I was scared and had to take another job. I thought I’d never work again,” she said. “I knew playing Adriana for five seasons was a significant part of my life and feared being stereotyped forever.”
Despite the shock, de Matteo accepted Adriana’s death as necessary for the show’s narrative. However, other actors were not as prepared for their characters’ exits. Chase, 79, would often break the news to cast members over meals to soften the impact. “People were really broken up about it. Some would almost beg because it’s their job and livelihood,” Chase noted. “But this is a mob show. People have to go.”
There was one exception to this grim process. Chase originally planned for Tony Soprano’s mother, Livia (played by Nancy Marchand), to be killed off at the end of season 1. However, as Marchand battled lung cancer and emphysema, she requested to continue working. “That would have changed the whole story,” Chase explained. “So we kept her working until she passed away in June 2000.”
The documentary offers a behind-the-scenes look at the decisions and dynamics that shaped one of television’s most iconic series.