Are you a made guy? Celebrating Tony Soprano's 66th birthday with his best friends

Happy birthday, Tony.

According to keen-eyed viewers, today is Tony Soprano's birthday - not James Gandolfini, the amazing actor who brought him to life, but the character.

When Soprano was in the hospital after his uncle shot him, his bracelet said he was born Aug. 22, 1957, making today his 66th birthday.

The show is long over, so we can't have cake. And what, no ziti?

NJ mobsters: 8 notorious Jersey Shore wise guys

Obviously his immediate family members will be there; they live with him. But who else would make Tony's jubilee a success one? I know some people think it's surprising enough to wake up in the morning, but we can't think like that.

Actor James Gandolfini, right, and David Chase, creator of the HBO television series "The Sopranos," pose for a photo after a panel discussion at the Writers Guild in Beverly Hills, Calif., in 1999.
Actor James Gandolfini, right, and David Chase, creator of the HBO television series "The Sopranos," pose for a photo after a panel discussion at the Writers Guild in Beverly Hills, Calif., in 1999.

So today, let's celebrate by breaking down 10 characters from the show who would make for the best birthday party. And if you're sad because you didn't get invited? Alright, but you gotta get over it!

(L-R) Actors Michael Imperioli & Drea De Matteo in scene from HBO cable TV series The Sopranos.  (Photo by Anthony Neste/The LIFE Images Collection/Getty Images)
(L-R) Actors Michael Imperioli & Drea De Matteo in scene from HBO cable TV series The Sopranos. (Photo by Anthony Neste/The LIFE Images Collection/Getty Images)

Honorable mentions

Christopher Moltisanti

Should have included him but "di-dent."

Phil Leotardo

He simply wouldn't compromise.

Furio Giunta

He went back to Italy.

Blank space: No cruel summer here: 5 spots Taylor Swift should have visited while on Long Beach Island

Richie Aprile

He asked for an invitation, but I shouldn't have to explain myself. I'm old school.

Mikey Palmice

He couldn't find a suit that fit properly.

Fran Felstein

Somebody else can sing happy birthday.

TONY SOPRANO'S CREW

10. Pie O'My

This was the only relationship Tony had that wasn't complicated. He loved the horse; the horse loved him. The horse didn't fly away when it got older, she never declined going to the movies to go to the mall. Tony's only true friend.

9. Artie Bucco

Prince Rogaine had been friends with Tony since grade school. Plus, who is going to turn down his cooking? They had their complications over the years, but as long as Benny Fazio, criminal mastermind, doesn't interfere, this is a safe one.

8. Agent Dwight Harris

Keep him and his crew out of the kitchen, and you'll be fine. When Tony needed someone to come through for him, his cop buddy helped him. This was no degenerate gambler with a badge, he was a top cop. He also was very knowledgeable about hot water heaters.

The Sopranos Monopoly board game
The Sopranos Monopoly board game

7. Bobby Baccalieri

The last man standing! Bobby is one character that Tony seemed to grow fonder of as the series went on. Can't say that about too many of his guys. As long as we keep the Monopoly board away, we should have no problem.

James Gandolfini, center, and Tony Sirico, left, prepare to film a scene for "The Sopranos" while on the boardwalk in Asbury Park on Dec. 12, 2000.
James Gandolfini, center, and Tony Sirico, left, prepare to film a scene for "The Sopranos" while on the boardwalk in Asbury Park on Dec. 12, 2000.

6. Paulie Gualtier

There he is, hehehehe! Next to Tony, Paulie was probably the most self-centered individual in the glorified crew, but he was mostly loyal to Tony, a few hiccups aside. He did the best he could under the circumstances. Plus, we know how Tony loves to relive old times with Paulie! It's one of his favorite forms of conversation.

5. Albert Barese

Can you imagine getting a facelift and being invited to Tony's party the next day? Can you imagine getting a facelift and being invited to Tony's party the next day!

4. Johnny Sacrimoni

He wouldn't have far to drive now that he lives in Jersey. You don't have to worry about him sticking his beak in, and if you don't invite him, he'll rain a storm on you the likes of which you've never seen. He was slippery, but nobody had a better vocabulary than Johnny Sack. A true pragmatist.

3. Hesh Rabkin

The end of their relationship was pretty sad. In fact, of all the terrible things Tony did during the course of the show, how he treated poor Hesh might have been the worst. OK, maybe killing people was worse, but he wasn't there for his friend when he needed him. You believe this guy? But you could tell these guys really cared about each other.

2. Silvio Dante

Who wouldn't want a rock star at their party? But more than that, you'll always need help behind-the-scenes, strategy at a party, and that was Sil's wheelhouse. Also, he probably would have a hook up for entertainment.

1. Corrado Soprano Jr.

Sure, his uncle tried to kill him, and sure Tony threw him under the bus so he could run the crew without feds thinking he was the man calling the shots, but who wouldn't want the man who played catch with him in his childhood at their party? Even when Tony didn't have the makings of a varsity athlete and it was tough for Jun to face his friends, he was still there for Tony.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Tony Soprano turns 66! Top Sopranos characters to party with