Rest in Peace James Gandolfini

I had the pleasure of meeting actor James Gandolfini on a number of occasions, and he will be sorely missed.  For me, I will always remember being with him one day on the set of “The Sopranos.”

James Gandolfini

James Gandolfini and Ronn Torossian – Courtesy my albums.

In 2005, my Public Relations Firm, 5WPR was representing Rasheeda Ali, Muhammad Ali’s daughter and Muhammad came to town with very little notice, and we were tasked with finding something for him to do. This was no easy assignment, I assure you.

Rasheda was visiting New York City promoting a children’s book. After some brainstorming, and arm-wrestling we arranged for Muhammad Ali a walk-on to the set of The Sopranos. They did a few scenes (which never aired), and James Gandolfini spent time with us. He was in awe of Ali, and clearly the boss of the set much like his character. But aside his presence and position in his craft, Gandolfini was a humble, decent man.

We kept in touch after that day, and I was able to spend time with him on a number of occasions after that and liked and admired him. HE was a funny, sincere good man who will be sorely missed. A Shocking loss.

Rest in peace James Gandolfini.

About Ronn Torossian

Ronn Torossian is the Founder and CEO of 5W Public Relations. He is an experienced leader in the public relations industry with over 20 years of experience. Ronn Torossian has been named as Public Relations executive of the year by the American Business Awards, and has run countless award-winning Public Relations programs.

Ronn Torossian

Ronn Torossian is the Founder and Chairman of 5WPR, one of the largest independently-owned PR firms in the United States. With over 25 years of experience crafting and executing powerful narratives, Torossian is one of America’s most prolific and well-respected Public Relations professionals. Since founding 5WPR in 2003, he has led the company’s growth, overseeing more than 275 professionals. With clients spanning corporate, technology, consumer and crisis, in addition to digital marketing and public affairs capabilities, 5WPR is regularly recognized as an industry leader and has been named “PR Agency of the Year” by the American Business Awards on multiple occasions. Throughout his career, Torossian has worked with some of the world’s most visible companies, brands and organizations. His strategic, resourceful approach has been recognized with numerous awards including being named the Stevie American Business Awards 2020 Entrepreneur of the Year, the American Business Awards PR Executive of the Year, twice over, an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year semi-finalist, Metropolitan Magazine’s Most Influential New Yorker, a 2020 Top Crisis Communications Professional by Business Insider, and a recipient of Crain’s New York 2021 Most Notable in Marketing & PR. Torossian is known as one of the country’s foremost experts on crisis communications, and is called on to counsel blue chip companies, top business executives and entrepreneurs both in the United States and worldwide. Torossian has lectured on crisis PR at Harvard Business School, appears regularly on CNN & CNBC, is a contributing columnist for Forbes and the New York Observer, and has authored two editions of his book, “For Immediate Release: Shape Minds, Build Brands, and Deliver Results With Game-Changing Public Relations,” which is an industry best-seller. A NYC native, Torossian is a member of Young Presidents Organization (YPO), and active in numerous charities.

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