Sopranos star drops lawsuit

Sopranos star James Gandolfini has dropped his lawsuit against the HBO cable network, resolving a salary dispute that threatened the future of the award winning television series.

Gandolfini, who filed a breach-of-contract lawsuit against HBO earlier this month, also agreed to meet the terms of his original contract, meaning a fifth season of the Mafia drama will be filmed as scheduled, The New York Times said today.

Gandolfini won Emmy Awards in 2000 and 2001 for his role as New Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano. HBO, which had filed a counter-claim against Gandolfini, said it would drop its lawsuit once both conditions were met.

The resolution came after private negotiations last weekend between Gandolfini and Brad Grey.

“It’s gratifying because like everyone else I love the show,” said Brad Grey, one of the show’s executive producers.

Gandolfini, 41, who earns $4.6m (€4.3m) a year, has claimed he is underpaid compared to other television stars.

His representatives had sought a deal worth $15m (€14m) a year, but HBO has said it won’t offer more than $10.6m (€10m).