Aida Turturro, best known for her role as Janice Soprano on the acclaimed HBO series The Sopranos, has revealed that she initially mistook her heart attack symptoms for ordinary chest pains. The 63-year-old actress discussed the frightening near-death experience during an appearance on the MeSsy podcast, hosted by her former co-star Jamie-Lynn Sigler and Christina Applegate, on Tuesday.
Ignoring the Warning Signs
Turturro explained that she had been experiencing chest pain for some time but attributed it to a hiatal hernia, a condition where the stomach bulges through the diaphragm. 'I was having chest pains for a while, but a hiatal hernia can imitate it [a heart attack],' she said. Despite a friend urging her to call an ambulance, she declined, saying, 'Nah, I'm fine.' She then drove home and contacted a doctor recommended by her cousin. After an examination, the doctor informed her, 'Yeah, you had a heart attack.'
Emergency Surgery and Recovery
Further tests revealed that 88 to 90 per cent of her arteries were clogged, leading to an emergency quadruple bypass surgery. 'I could've died, I should've died then, but I didn't,' Turturro admitted. She credited her survival to timely medical intervention and acknowledged the role of her type 2 diabetes, which she noted is the leading cause of heart disease. Since the surgery, she has prioritised self-care, stating, 'You have to take care of yourself. You can't help your kids or family if you don't do you.'
Health Battles and Career Highlights
Turturro has been open about her health struggles, including a type 2 diabetes diagnosis in 2001 and rheumatoid arthritis since age 12. Her portrayal of Janice Soprano, the volatile sister of mob boss Tony Soprano (played by the late James Gandolfini), earned her two Emmy nominations. The show, which aired from 1999 to 2007, remains a cultural touchstone. Gandolfini himself died of a heart attack in 2013 at age 51. Beyond The Sopranos, Turturro has made recurring appearances as Judge Felicia Catano on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
