James Gandolfini Dies At Age 51

James Gandolfini, best known for his role as Tony Soprano in the long running Sopranos, has passed away. Gandolfini suffered a heart attack while on vacation in Italy. Gandolfini’s managers Nancy Sanders and Mark Armstrong confirmed that the actor died while in Rome, Italy. He was there for a film festival.

“Our hearts are shattered and we will miss him dearly,” said Armstrong and Sanders in a joint statement. “We’re all in shock and feeling immeasurable sadness at the loss of a beloved member of our family. He was a special man, a great talent, but more importantly, a gentle and loving person who treated everyone no matter their title or position with equal respect. He touched so many of us over the years with his humor, his warmth and his humility. Our hearts go out to his wife and children during this time. He will be deeply missed by all of us.”

James Gandolfini starred in the groundbreaking HBO series The Sopranos for many years, but also acted in many other projects. Gandolfini was also in True Romance, Get Shorty, 8MM, All The King’s Men, and most recently, Zero Dark Thirty.

Gandolfini was born in Westwood, NJ. He leaves behind his wife, Deborah Lin, and two children, Liliana and Michael.

Shanika Simmons