James Gandolfini is one of the finest actors of his era,” said Xaverian president Dr. Salvatore C. Ferrera. “We are honored to have him as the sole recipient of the DiMaggio Award this year.”

A graduate of Rutgers University, Mr. Gandolfini has combined the intellectual with pop culture. While a major box office draw gracing over 20 movies, Mr. Gandolfini has not forgotten his Italian-American roots.

Mr. Gandolfini has played Broadway and off Broadway. He has starred in 12 Angry Men and AStreetcar Named Desire; he won the 2002 American Film Institute Award, the Biarritz Festival Award; he is a three-time winner of the Emmy, a winner of the Golden Globe Award, the LA Outfest Screen Idol Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and a Television Critics Award. With such a wide-range of portrayals, Mr. Gandolfini is one of the most well-known actors of his time.

Besides his earlier work with Oscar winning directors Sidney Lumet and William Friedkin, playing in roles penned by Tennessee Williams, and being recast in such classic movies as On the Waterfront, Mr. Gandolfini has brought The Sopranos to the pinnacle of HBO and television ratings. His portrayal of the neurotic, menacing Tony Soprano stands in great contrast with his true nature … generous, pensive and kind-hearted.

Mr. Gandolfini is slated for a starring role in a movie about Ernest Hemmingway. With a tireless work ethic, Mr. Gandolfini has earned his success. He worked as a bouncer and also as a night club manager. He graduated from dinner theater in Scandinavia to small parts in movies. The 43-year-old actor is widely considered one of the top actors in Hollywood.