Steven Van Zandt Only Took ‘Sopranos’ Role Because He Needed the Cash

Steven Van Zandt is an iconic musician, best known for playing guitar in Bruce Springsteen‘s E Street Band. Many also know him as Silvio Dante in the hit HBO series The Sopranos. The series creator, David Chase, wanted Van Zandt to audition after seeing him perform and being impressed by his stage presence. He auditioned for Tony Soprano and while that role ultimately went to more experienced actor James Gandolfini, Van Zandt was cast in another lead role, which Chase wrote specifically for him.