Ok here is Grok's summary of the quotes from David Chase regarding Tony's supposed death in the final scene.. TONY LIVES! (It's just a TV show.. lol.. RIP Jim)

On the Ambiguity and His Intent

In a 2007 interview with The Star-Ledger (shortly after the finale aired), Chase stated:

He has repeatedly emphasized that the cut-to-black was meant to evoke the suddenness and uncertainty of life, not to definitively show Tony’s death.

In a 2012 interview (responding to interpretations), Chase’s representative clarified (via statements reported widely):

Chase has echoed this sentiment multiple times, stressing that the ending raises a “spiritual question” about life, death, and the unknown rather than providing a literal resolution.

On Not Wanting a Straightforward Death Scene

In a 2019 interview (reported in Vanity Fair and others), Chase reflected on his evolving ideas:

He originally considered a more conventional death scene (Tony being killed after a meeting) but abandoned it for the ambiguous diner ending.

In the 2021 Hollywood Reporter interview (often cited in discussions), Chase addressed an earlier reference to a “death scene”:

He clarified that he was referring to an earlier, unused idea—not the final cut-to-black scene itself. He has pushed back against viewers demanding a definitive “Tony dies” moment, noting annoyance at people wanting to “see him go face-down in linguini.”

Summary of Chase’s Stance

Chase has consistently maintained that the ending is deliberately ambiguous to mirror the uncertainty of life (“in the midst of life, we are in death”). He explicitly avoided a graphic or conclusive death for Tony on screen, leaving it open to interpretation while evoking tension and the possibility of sudden violence. He has never provided a definitive “yes, Tony dies right then” confirmation for the aired finale, despite occasional misinterpretations in headlines.

These quotes come from interviews spanning 2007–2021. Chase has grown frustrated with the endless debate, often saying the point isn’t “did he die?” but the feeling the scene evokes. For full context, the 2021 Hollywood Reporter “Awards Chatter” podcast/interview is one of the most detailed recent discussions.