The Only Sopranos Character To Appear In Every Episode

During the show's 86-episode run, James Gandolfini's Tony Soprano is the only character to appear in each and every installment of "The Sopranos" (per IMDb). This might be somewhat surprising as the show featured an ensemble cast of characters, but even the most important supporting cast members were absent for an episode or two.

For example, Michael Imperioli (who played youthful wise guy and wannabe Hollywood star Christopher Moltisanti) had fewer appearances than Gandolfini, even if you count his credit-only appearances after his character's death in Season 6. His first absence is in the Season 2 episode "Bust Out," which focuses almost entirely on the fallout of David Scantino's (Robert Patrick) fateful poker game with Tony's associates.

Just behind Tony at 85 total appearances is Edie Falco's Carmela Soprano. The only episode which does not feature her character in any way is Season 5, Episode 3, "Where's Johnny?" The episode is mainly concerned with Tony's Mafia life, as tensions between the DiMeos and the Lupertazzis reach a peak. Interestingly enough, Lorraine Bracco's Dr. Jennifer Melfi is relatively far down the list, with only 71 appearances. No other character apart from Tony, Carmela, and Christopher appears in 80 or more episodes — though Steven Van Zandt's Silvio Dante comes closest, with 79 total appearances.