Backstory: Jamie-Lynn Sigler

A brief encounter with the young woman behind the smart, tough character in The Sopranos inspired me to keep chasing my dreams.

Actress Jamie-Lynn Sigler appeared in “Mademoiselle” (2001).

I found this magazine clip while combing through an old work portfolio. This is my own “The Sopranos” memory – a show that I watched religiously every week.

Picture it: New York City, 2001. “The Sopranos” was must-watch TV, and Jamie-Lynn Sigler was a young rising star. The 19-year-old actress had played Tony Soprano’s daughter Meadow for two years and still hadn’t gone all Hollyweird.

Sigler was interviewed for “Firsts & Lasts,” a Q&A section in “Mademoiselle” with up-and-comers talking about their “first” and “last” experiences. (Hers were cute for a 19-year-old. First outrageous fashion statement: “In first grade, I thought the new fashion was a sweatshirt and tights, no skirt.”)

At “Mademoiselle,” I shopped the market (i.e., pulling clothes and accessories at PR firms and showrooms) and coordinated photo shoots for feature stories and other editorial sections. The work was grueling, glamorous, and extremely low-paying. I was young, broke, and full of dreams.

On set, Sigler was kind and gracious, just a young lady having fun while living the dream. She laughed with the hair and makeup crew and nibbled on snacks at the catering table while music blasted in the background. After combing through a rack of sumptuous designer blouses, she fell in love with a white silk Peter Som top. Picture perfect.

Watching the young actress that day made me hopeful that I, too, could pursue and achieve my passions.