The cast of the Sopranos have reunited 20 years after the gangster TV series first aired on HBO and 12 years after its final episode.
Approximately 10,000 fans attended the first day of SopranosCon 2019 on Saturday – the first of a two-day event where 54 actors from the hit show participated in meet-and-greets, comedy skits and Q&A sessions.
Fans arrived at Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus, New Jersey – set near the roads featured in the opening title sequence – and were greeted by a huge mural made up of hundreds of small photographs that together resembled late actor James Gandolfini.
Fans Dylan DeVito and his wife MacKenzie DeVito were the best dressed costume winners thanks to their outfits in the style of chef Artie Bucco and the rabbit he killed in a 2006 episode.
Despite having the cutest ensemble, a 14-month-old child dressed as Corrado ‘Junior’ Soprano couldn’t outdo the pair but was named won runner-up in the contest.
Joseph Badalucco who played Jimmy Altieri) is pictured attending SopranosCon 2019 at Meadowlands Exposition Center Saturday in Secaucus, New Jersey
Costume contest winners were a couple who dressed as chef Artie Bucco and the rabbit he killed in a 2006 episode (left) but there was plenty more where that came from
Dominic Chianese (left) attends SopranosCon 2019. A 14-month-old child (right) dressed as Chianese’s character Corrado ‘Junior’ Soprano won runner-up in a best dressed contest
The actor took pictured with fans – many of whom came dressed as their favorite characters from the gangster show
From 9am to 5pm general admission ticket holders enjoyed food, comedy, meet-and-greets and a screening
A Mural made up of small photos of late James Gandolfini’s Tony Soprano character was focus of the event. His former wife Deborah Lin Gandolfini (right with actor Robert Funaro) attended the celebration which continued Sunday
The mini-me no doubt impressed Dominic Chianese who portrayed the character from 1999 to 2007.
He was one of the 54 cast members and reoccurring guests on the show that mingled among the fun and festivities – which included a cannoli eating competition.
Actors Jerry Adler, Robert Funaro, Andrea Donna de Matteo and Vincent Pastore were among famous names signing autographs at a table where stars were constantly rotating.
After the 2013 death of James Gandolfini – who played main character Tony Soprano – his former wife Deborah Lin Gandolfini was one of the well-known personalities enjoying the interactive, street festival which showcased Italian culture in New Jersey with food, drink, art, music, comedy, and more.
Fans grabbed selfies with the likes of David Proval (left) who played Richie Aprile and Vincent Pastore (right) who played Sal ‘Big Pussy’ Bonpensiero
Diana Lynn (left) attends as one of the original Bada Bing girls. A bar complete with stripper poles was modeled after the venue and enjoyed by guests (right)
VIPs were able to enjoy a Bada Bean Breakfast at 9am but fans also took part in a Cannoli Eating Contest at 3pm (pictured)
Themed merchandise on offer included Tony Soprano sneakers (left) and tomato sauce (right)
Josh Ostrovsky (aka The Fat Jew) is pictured, left, at a fan art gallery inside the convention on Saturday
One exhibition showed a coffin with clothing displayed around it – including a blood-splattered suit (right)
Fans were able to work out their post-Sopranos separation issues in a replica of Dr. Jennifer Melfi’s office (left on the show)
Sopranos stars Robert Funaro, Tommy James and Lou Martini were seen horsing around with Ralph’s filly Pie-O-My
Left image: attendees watched a sit down with the SopranosCon creators John Bianco (left), Michael Mota (center left), and Vincent Curatola (right). Right image: Lou Martini (who played Anthony Infante) is pictured right with Curatola
Sopranos stars Robert Funaro, Tommy James and Lou Martini were seen horsing around with Ralph’s filly Pie-O-My.
In the show the horse dies in a suspicious stable fire but in real life the thoroughbred animal actor is well asnd truly alive.
Goldee hung out and posed for snaps with guests.
With fan art galleries, exhibits, screenings, trivia and games, there was plenty more on offer aside from grabbing selfies.
A bar complete with stripper poles was modeled after Bada Bing and Diana Lynn who was one of the original dancers at the club showcased her talent at fans sipped on beers and cocktails at the replica venue.
Pretending to get lost in the Pine Barrens using a selfie backdrop designed to emulate the New Jersey woods no doubt got Sopranos lovers in the mood for a movie prequel due out next September.
Maureen Van Zandt is seen right on Saturday. She portrayed Gabriella Dante on the popular gangster show (left)
Kathrine Narducci, who portrayed Charmaine Bucco (seen left on the show), is pictured at a rotating meet-and-greet table where she signed autographs (right)
Federico Castelluccio (right) – who portrayed Furio Qunita – told the New York Daily News that he almost teared up walking into the venue Saturday. Ray Abruzzo who played Carmine ‘Little Carmine’ Luppertazzi (right) attends SopranosCon 2019
Jerry Adler who portrayed Herman ‘Hesh’ Rabkin signed autographs for fans on Saturday at SopranosCon
Artie Pasquale who portrayed Burt Gervasie is pictured left, Tony Sirico who portrayed Paulie Walnuts is pictured right
Robert Funaro, who portrayed Eugene Pontecorvo and Jeff Marchetti who portray Petey ‘Bissel’ LaRosa’ is pictured right
Left image; Paolo Colandrea who portrayed Emil Kolar is pictured right with Gary Pastore who played Jerry Basile. Right image; John Fiore who played Gigi Cestone right)and Frank Santorelli who played Georgie Santorelli (left)
Federico Castelluccio – who portrayed Furio Qunita from 2000 to 2002 – said that he almost cried walking into the venue.
‘I’ve never seen anything like this,’ he told the New York Daily News. ‘I almost teared up when I walked in. I got so nostalgic. We’re in Sopranos-land, man.’
Luckily Castelluccio had plenty to help him get through the emotional time.
Fans were able to work out their post-Sopranos separation issues in a replica of Dr. Jennifer Melfi’s office.
Dan Grimaldi who portrayed Patsy and Spoons Parisi (left) and Louis Crugnali who portrayed Carlo Renzi (right)
Michael Drayer (who played Jason Parisi, left) and Joe Perrino (who played Jason Gervasi, right) attend SopranosCon 2019