James Gandolfini’s portrayal of Tony Soprano in HBO’s The Sopranos remains one of television’s most iconic performances. But while his character wrestled with the burdens of being a mob boss, his on-screen wife, Carmela Soprano (Edie Falco), had her own battles.

James Gandolfini and Edie Falco in The Sopranos | Credits: Max

As it turns out, Falco, just like Gandolfini, had a difficult past when it came to drugs and alcohol. Although a teetotaler as a kid, she, for years, found herself treating alcohol as the solution to her problems.

Edie Falco struggled with both drugs and alcohol! Edie Falco and James Gandolfini as Carmela and Tony Soprano in The Sopranos | Credit: Max

Falco’s journey to becoming one of television’s most celebrated actresses was far from smooth. She grew up around theater, with her mother often bringing her to rehearsals. Though she showed talent early, she struggled with confidence,...