James Gandolfini's punishing role as Tony Soprano required him to delve into the violent psyche of the character, an experience that began to take its toll on the late actor as the show wore on, a recently released book excerpt reveals.
In January 2002, during the filming of The Sopranos, Gandolfini failed to show up for work for several days, leading many to fear the worst, according to the excerpt, published in GQ's July 2013 issue.
PHOTOS: James Gandolfini: 15 Iconic Movie and TV Roles
By that time, Gandolfini had become prone to fits and absences on the Sopranos set, according to Brett Martin's Difficult Men: Behind the Scenes of a Creative Revolution. He would often refuse to work. The next day, he would feel so bad about his behavior, that he'd treat the cast and crew to luxury gifts like massages or a sushi chef at lunch.
So when he didn't show up one Friday night, for the filming of Furio Giunta's final appearance, few people panicked, Martin claims.
STORY: Tim Goodman on James Gandolfini: 'You Couldn't Look Away From Him'
But, his absence ended up lasting three days. The production team had shot the scenes that could be done without him, but people affiliated with the show and HBO began to expect the worst, possibly that Gandolfini was dead, and began to prepare a response.
However, on the fourth day of his absence, Gandolfini called the main number of the show's production office from a beauty salon in Brooklyn, which he'd wandered into off the street. He called the only number he could remember and asked for a car to take him home.
