Sarah Shahi Opens Up About Her Memorable On-Screen Kiss With James Gandolfini on The Sopranos

Sarah Shahi recently sat down on The Bossticks podcast to discuss her time on the hit series The Sopranos, sharing candid details about a memorable intimate moment with her co-star James Gandolfini.

The Paradise star, now 46, guest-starred in season 6's Emmy-winning episode "Kennedy and Heidi," where she played Sonya Aragon, a stripper and mistress to Christopher Moltisanti. Her character's storyline took an unexpected turn when she and Tony Soprano ended up together in Las Vegas, where they shared both a physical encounter and an experience with peyote.

During her podcast conversation, Shahi reflected on the chemistry between herself and Gandolfini. "I did a sex scene with Tony Soprano. One of the best kisses I've ever had," she explained. She admitted to initially wondering how the scene would work, recalling her internal doubts about the setup. However, what unfolded on set exceeded her expectations.

Shahi described how the filming process became increasingly passionate. She was required to sit on Gandolfini's lip during the kiss, but once the director called cut, the two continued their embrace. "When they called cut, we were still kissing," she revealed. "We did it three, four times, and every time they would call cut and we're still making out."

The Sex/Life actress also shared that Gandolfini made a thoughtful gesture before they even began filming together. When he failed to show up on their first scheduled day of shooting, he sent her a dozen roses with a note that read: "Sorry about today. Don't be nervous cuz I suck. Love, the fat man."

Shahi described Gandolfini's larger-than-life personality and recalled attempting to match his energy when they first met in person. She playfully challenged him about the flowers, suggesting he send her something more practical. That evening, when she returned to her hotel, she found a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes in her size waiting for her.

"He's incredible. He was incredible. He was a very troubled man, but the crew loved him," Shahi reflected on working with the late actor.

Earlier this year, Shahi opened up about her divorce from Steve Howey, noting that her work on Sex/Life played a role in her decision to make that significant personal change.