James Gandolfini at a protest during the 2004 Republican National Convention in NYC

[WilliamPitt]

I was in New York for the Republican Convention in 2004. There were dozens of protests over the course of the thing, but one stands out vividly tonight: a labor-sponsored protest a few blocks away from the big show, and James Gandolfini came to the stage and took the microphone.

I quote from memory: "I don't do politics, but I just wanted to say that it makes me sick...after everything that has happened, for these people to come to THIS town, it just makes me sick."

It was that short and sweet.

[Historic NY]

1. I'm friends with his cousins...

its going to be a sad week.

[alp227]

2. salon.com account of the protest by Sidney Blumenthal

http://www.salon.com/2004/09/01/labor_9/

Is there video? The quote as Blumenthal put it: "I can't tell you how mad I am these people are in my city."

[WilliamPitt]

4. Thanks.

That's exactly it.

[mountain grammy]

3. So young. He'll be missed.