Few shows in television history have the same type of legacy as The SopranosThe series gave way to iconic moments and legendary performances as it went on, and now that the dust has settled, its place in history remains unquestioned. A prequel project is in the works, and fans cannot wait to see how it plays out.

On the series, Steven Van Zandt played Silvio Dante, and he was exceptional in the role. Turns out, Van Zandt had no acting experience prior to getting the gig, but he was still able to make the most of what turned into a golden opportunity.

So, how did Van Zandt land the gig of a lifetime? Turns out, the right person saw him at the right place at the right time.

Van Zandt Is A Legendary Rocker

Depending on who you ask, Steven Van Zandt is someone who is recognized for a number of different things. Prior to landing on The Sopranos, however, Van Zandt was known worldwide as a guitarist for Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, leaving a lasting legacy in the music industry.

Bruce is the songwriter and the leader, of course, but the live shows would simply not be what they are without the added benefit of the E Street Band. The New Jersey outfit rose to prominence decades back and continued to crank out hits and put on amazing shows for legions of fans ever since.

Not only did Van Zandt make a name for himself while playing with Bruce Springsteen, but he went the solo route and has released plenty of solo music, as well.

The rocker eventually made a seamless transition into acting on The Sopranos, and some thought that he must have had plenty of experience. Turns out, this wasn’t the case at all.

Related: Where Are 'The Sopranos' Star James Gandolfini's Kids Today?

He Had No Acting Experience Before ‘The Sopranos’

Now, it might be hard to believe, but prior to landing his role on The Sopranos, Steven Van Zandt didn’t have a lick of acting experience. It’s mainly hard to believe because his acting on the show was fantastic and because landing one of the greatest shows of all time for your first acting gig is virtually impossible. Yet, Steven Van Zandt defied all odds and he made it happen.

Despite the lack of acting experience, creator David Chase knew that Van Zandt needed to be part of what he was cooking up.

Creator David Chase said, “I had always been a Bruce Springsteen and E Street fan. I used to listen to music a lot on headphones and look at the LP, and Steven Van Zandt’s face always grabbed me. He had this similarity to Al Pacino in The Godfather. Then we were casting the pilot, and my wife, Denise, and I were watching TV. Steven came on VH1, when they were inducting the Rascals into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and Steven gave the speech. He was very, very funny and magnetic. I said to my wife, “That guy has got to be in the show!”

Related: The Sopranos: What The Cast Did After The End Of The Groundbreaking Series

How He Got The Gig

Initially, Van Zandt was up for the lead role of Tony Soprano, but it has been speculated that HBO wanted an established name playing the lead on the series.

“David wanted me for Tony, and we have the formality of going out and auditioning for HBO. It was a very funny moment. In the waiting room—I swear to God this is true—I’m going out to audition, and I see Jimmy Gandolfini sitting there. Now, I don’t know if he was there because HBO had decided they were not going to cast me because I’d never acted before—which is what they ended up telling David—or whether Jimmy was there for another part. I never asked him,” said Van Zandt.

Being from Jersey proved to be an added bonus for Van Zandt, who said his “New Jersey pedigree really counted for [Chase].”

The Jersey connection certainly helped, but it was also a hindrance to the show initially.

According to Van Zandt, “The reason all the TV networks apart from HBO passed on The Sopranos is because Chase insisted on filming in New Jersey. Nobody films in New Jersey. Not unless they have to. And who looks at a hippy rock ’n’ roll guitarist and says, ‘I’m going to cast him as the lead in my new TV show’? It was a crazy idea.”

Related: The Real Reason Vito Got A Love Story On 'The Sopranos'

There were obstacles in the way, but Van Zandt was cast in the perfect role on the show, and The Sopranos went down in history as a classic.

Next: Fans Compare 'School Of Rock' Couple To Young Tony And Carmela Soprano