Jun 10, 2007, 11:00 GMT
James Gandolfini says leaving 'The Sopranos' was a "relief".
James Gandolfini attends HBO's World Premiere of two new episodes of 'The Sopranos' at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, Tuesday 27 March, 2007. EPA/PETER FOLEY
The actor, who has played mobster Tony Soprano in the hit TV series since 1999, has spoken of his sense of "calm" since the show ended.
Gandolfini said: "I was told it would be a big transition to move on. Not much. It's very calming to move on.
"The character has been with me for so long, it's a relief to let him go."
Gandolfini said his demanding schedules for the show, which will air its final episode in the US on Sunday (10.06.07), helped him get into character.
He said: "In a way, being tired helped me play the character. If the guy had to look good and be handsome and happy, the hours we worked would certainly not help. They helped me a great deal. I was allowed to be grumpy and tired and look like crap."
'The Sopranos', which centred on the trials and tribulations of modern-day gangster Tony's life, won the 2004 Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series and the Best Drama Series Golden Globe in 2000.
Gandolfini, 45, has won three Emmys, for Best Actor in a Drama, for his portrayal of troubled Tony.
(C) BANG Media International
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