Actor James Gandolfini, most well known for his role as crime boss Tony Soprano on HBO’s groundbreaking television show The Sopranos, passed away today at age 51 due to a massive heart attack.
Gandolfini’s death occurred while attending the 59th Taormina Film Festival in Sicily, where he was supposed to partake in a festival event with Italian director Gabriele Muccino.
Winner of three Emmy awards for Best Actor In a Drama, thanks to his tremendous performance as New Jersey mafia boss Tony Soprano, Gandolfini was a highly respected actor who went on to take on some pretty fantastic roles after David Chase’s acclaimed show ended in 2007.
Check out some of the reactions that are currently pouring out from Gandolfini’s colleagues on Twitter:
R.I.P James Gandolfini. One hell of an actor.
— Albert Brooks (@AlbertBrooks) June 19, 2013
I am so deeply saddened by the untimely passing of sweet James Gandolfini! My heart is broken for his family!! I’m in shock
— christina applegate (@1capplegate) June 19, 2013
Terribly Sad News: R.I.P. James Gandolfini
— Greg Grunberg (@greggrunberg) June 19, 2013
I couldn’t be more depressed about James Gandolfini. My husband and I were just rewatching the entirety of The Sopranos. He was fantastic.
— Elizabeth Hackett (@LizHackett) June 19, 2013
Rest in peace James Gandolfini. It was a pleasure working with and getting to know you. You will be remembered.
— Steven McQueen (@McQueeninchains) June 19, 2013
I am heartbroken about James Gandolfini. He was a gentle giant and great man. I love this picture, I loved him. pic.twitter.com/Y1wdbeUDfK
— rose mcgowan (@rosemcgowan) June 19, 2013
James Gandolfini as Tony Soprano. Always imitated, never duplicated.
— Jon Lovett (@jonlovett) June 19, 2013
Fareforward James Gandolfini. One of the great reasons we have so much wonderful television now is his single and singular performance.
— rufus jones (@rufusjones1) June 19, 2013
Now THAT’S an ending. RT: @TMZ REPORT: James Gandolfini Dead — ‘Sopranos’ Star Reportedly Dies in Italy http://t.co/Oy7aiLw9X6
— Cousin Sal (@TheCousinSal) June 19, 2013
James Gandolfini reportedly dead at the age of 51. RIP Tony Soprano. http://t.co/SCdoSkRv37
— Anish Shroff (@AnishESPN) June 19, 2013
Terrible news about James Gandolfini. Very sad.
— Jim Norton (@JimNorton) June 19, 2013
But apparently it is true: RIP #JamesGandolfini
— Kurt Loder (@kurt_loder) June 19, 2013
http://t.co/td9DdRnODW SO SAD! PRAYING FOR HIS FAMILY- wow- Shocked by this news today….
— Carson Daly (@CarsonDaly) June 19, 2013
Rip James Gandolfini. One of the greatest actors of our generation.
— Jerry Ferrara (@jerrycferrara) June 19, 2013
James Gandolfini aka Tony Soprano of the Sopranos has died at the age of 51 #SoSad
— opie radio (@OpieRadio) June 19, 2013
RT @GlobalGrind: RIP James Gandolfini… http://t.co/TpfJNywu8X
— Russell Simmons (@UncleRUSH) June 19, 2013
HBO confirms death of James Gandolfini. RIP
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) June 19, 2013
Shocked at reading about the untimely passing of James Gandolfini. A man of enormous talent. What shocking and sad news.
— Marlee Matlin (@MarleeMatlin) June 19, 2013
I AM SO SAD TO READ THAT JAMES GANDOLFINI PAASED AWAY OF A STROKE IF THIS ATIRY IS TRUE MY HEART HURTS FOR HIS FAMILY
— Dot-Marie Jones (@dotmariejones) June 19, 2013
So sorry to hear this! RT @JasonKennedy1: Hbo just confirmed that actor James Gandolfini has died. Wow
— Melinda Doolittle (@mdoolittle) June 19, 2013
Devastated to hear that James gandolfini died today. We were just talking about how much we loved him at lunch @jerrycferrara
— Doug Ellin (@mrdougellin) June 19, 2013
James Gandolfini. You created an icon. And you cut to black way too abruptly. Thank you, and rest in peace.
— Damon Lindelof (@DamonLindelof) June 19, 2013
With recent roles in Killing Them Softly, Not Fade Away and Zero Dark Thirty, among others, the actor showed no signs of slowing down anytime soon. He also had a number of projects still in production when he passed away, including a new film from Nicole Holofcener and the Tom Hardy drama, Animal Rescue.
The death of James Gandolfini is truly tragic and he will definitely be missed. Always a reliable actor, Gandolfini was an enjoyable screen presence, a truly talented individual and from what we’ve heard, a fantastic person. We are deeply saddened by his death and and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time.
RIP James, we’ll always remember you.
