it actually began as
Goodfellas the Show, not surprising since that is a far better movie than Godfather.
Ray Liotta was the top choice to play Tony Soprano but he turned it down stating he did not want to commit to a television series.
Lorraine Bracco was originally asked to play the role of Carmela Soprano, but she felt that the part was too similar to her character in
Goodfellas (1990). She decided the role of Dr. Melfi would be more challenging.
Six of the regular cast members appeared in
Goodfellas (1990):
Lorraine Bracco,
Michael Imperioli,
Tony Sirico,
Vincent Pastore,
Frank Vincent, and
Joseph R. Gannascoli. Ten recurring cast members also appeared in the film:
Nicole Burdette,
Tony Darrow,
Tony Lip,
Frank Pellegrino, 'John 'Cha Cha' Ciarcia' ,
Suzanne Shepherd,
Paul Herman,
Marianne Leone,
Daniel P. Conte, and
Frank Albanese. Eleven one-time guest stars also appeared in the film:
Nancy Cassaro,
Anthony Caso (as
Martin Scorsese),
Chuck Low,
Tobin Bell,
Gene Canfield,
Gaetano LoGiudice,
Vito Antuofermo,
Frank Adonis,
Anthony Alessandro,
Victor Colicchio and
Angela Pietropinto.
In all 27 former cast members of Goodfellas have appeared in the Sopranos.