Lora Somoza Did Not Become James Gandolfini's Wife, Yet Remained His Dear Friend to the End

Lora Somoza became James Gandolfini's fiancée after dating for a few years. Although their relationship did not lead to marriage, the duo continued to share a wonderful friendship and were in contact with each other until the actor's last days.

Lora Somoza never became James Gandolfini's wife, but their relationship was just as talked about as his actual marriages.

Before tying the knot with his second wife, Deborah Lin, Gandolfini was married to Marcella Wudarski. Gandolfini and Wudarski's three-year marriage ended in a quiet and private divorce that some called a peaceful separation.

Marcella Wudarski had nothing but kind words to say about her ex-husband after their breakup, calling him a career-oriented and family man. Together, they shared one son, Michael.

"The Sopranos" star later married his longtime girlfriend, Deborah Lin, in 2008. Four years later, the duo welcomed a daughter, Liliana Ruth Gandolfini. However, there was another woman that Gandolfini fell in love with and wanted to marry: his co-star and fellow actress, Somoza.

Lora Somoza Wasn't Meant to Become James Gandolfini's Wife

Somoza and Gandolfini first met in 2000 on the set of the comedy film "The Mexican," where the actor played a gay hitman. Somoza had worked in other on-screen productions by that time, including "Bachelor Pad" and "Mouse Hunt."

Somoza also passed away at 51, the same age Gandolfini was when he died. Somoza was found lifeless after hitting her head and slipping into her mom's swimming pool.

By 2004, the couple announced their engagement, delighting their many fans. However, the duo never made it to the altar. The following year, Gandolfini and Somoza ended their relationship in what was a mutual decision.

Lora Somoza Denied That James Gandolfini Wanted to Leave His Wife for Her

Years later, rumors that Gandolfini was willing to leave his wife, Lin, for Somoza emerged in the press. However, Somoza denied such gossip and clarified that her relationship with Gandolfini was nothing more than friendship. She said:

"I was happy that he felt like he had found a woman in his life that made him happy and that he was in a good place. We were friends, and we were going to stay friends. He was happily married, and I am happily with somebody."

James Gandolfini passed away in 2013, but he and Somoza remained good friends and on speaking terms until his death. The actor suffered a heart attack in the bathroom of Hotel Boscolo.

His then-teen son, Michael, found the lifeless body of Gandolfini and called for help. Although the medical personnel tried to resuscitate him, Gandolfini was already gone. His cause of death was later revealed to be natural causes.

James Gandolfini's wealth was estimated to be $70 million following his death. According to his will, his son did not receive any sum but inherited his father's belongings, including jewelry, clothes, and Gandolfini's New York apartment.

Lora Somoza Was 51 When She Died in a Tragic Accident

Sadly, Somoza also passed away at 51, the same age Gandolfini was when he died. Somoza was found lifeless after hitting her head and slipping into her mom's swimming pool in Los Angeles. By the time her mother found her, Sozora had already drowned in what was called a freak accident.

Somoza spent the last years of her life as a therapist, columnist, and podcast host of her show, "Between the Sheets with Lora Somoza." Her death was undoubtedly a tragic and untimely one, while quite similar to Gandolfini's demise. Nevertheless, she was able to live her best life before moving on to a better place.