James Gandolfini: Even ‘Sesame Street’ pays respects

There have been a lot of clips from “The Sopranos” posted online the last couple of days. And several from “Get Shorty,” “True Romance,” “The Mexican” and many other of James Gandolfini’s finest roles. But a tribute to the actor, who passed away in Rome on Wednesday, also came from a most unexpected place: “Sesame Street.”

Gandolfini was, without a doubt, an actor for adults. Most all of his roles came in films and TV written and directed explicity for grown-up audiences, and his characters carried enough edge and complexity that they would never have fit in anything meant for all ages. But he also made a very tender appearance on “Sesame Street” in 2002.

In one of his scenes, which Sesame Workshop posted to its YouTube channel on Thursday, Gandolfini talked to Zoe Monster a little bit about being scared, the things he’s scared of and what he does to overcome that fear.

PHOTOS: Gandolfini’s career highlights

Just what exactly is the great James Gandolfini afraid of? It isn’t bad reviews, mob violence or even death. It’s the dark, getting his haircut and, strangely, giant talking vegetables. It’s a tenderhearted moment and a great reminder that Gandolfini was capable of much more than threats, swearing and rage.

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