The Sopranos really blew up in a way that no one could have imagined.
You're just an actor trying to find some work, and all of a sudden you've got paparazzi in your face and red carpets and clothes and premieres and parties. It's all wonderful and exciting, but sometimes it's hard to pull yourself back to reality.

Does it ever bother you, getting interrupted at dinner and that kind of thing?
There are certain times ... but I always take a deep breath and realize, Okay, I should be appreciative. Because the second it stops you wonder, What's going on?

When are you due back on the Sopranos set?
April of 2005. I've been done since November.

Anything could happen until then. You could get pregnant, have a kid ...
Yeah, but we're careful! (Laughs) We love children, we want children, it's something we're very much looking forward to, but I think that won't happen until Sopranos are completely done.

Plot-wise, any big surprises coming up for Meadow?
There's definitely one big surprise toward the end of the season with my character. It was really cool. You get to see her be really emotionally vulnerable for the first time, which was exciting for me because (in real life) I cry at the drop of a hat, at commercials, anything. But Meadow's like her father – she feels that any show of emotion means weakness.

So you're not getting whacked or anything?
No. I made it to the sixth season, and that's all I care about. That's going to be the last, so if they kill me off, I won't mind!