So heartbreaking!!!
The news of James Gandolfini‘s unexpected and untimely death shocked the entire world today.
As we told you earlier, the Emmy-winning Sopranos star was vacationing in Rome when he suffered a heart attack that proved fatal.
The supremely gifted actor was only 51 and his premature loss will surely be felt across the industry.
HBO, proud home to The Sopranos for six seasons, issued this statement:
“We’re all in shock and feeling immeasurable sadness at the loss of a beloved member of our family. He was 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 terrible time. He will be deeply missed by all of us.”
Many of James’ friends, co-stars, and fans also took to Twitter this afternoon to express their grief and offer their condolences to his family.
Here are but a few of the kind words:
The Incredible Burt Wonderstone co-star Steve Carell:
James Gandolfini. Unbelievably sad news. A fine man.
— Steve Carell (@SteveCarell) June 20, 2013
Sopranos co-star Joseph R. Gannascoli:
I will be forever indebted to Jimmy http://t.co/1sm17Nfnui
— Joseph R. Gannascoli (@JoeGannascoli) June 20, 2013
The Incredible Burt Wonderstone co-star Olivia Wilde:
James Gandolfini was a kind, funny, wonderful guy. I'm so lucky to have worked with him. Sending love to his family. Such a sad, sad day.
— olivia wilde (@oliviawilde) June 19, 2013
Kevin Smith:
RIP James Gandolfini! Your iconic portrayal of mob boss Tony Soprano gave soul to a monster and fostered perverse pride in the Garden State!
— KevinSmith (@ThatKevinSmith) June 19, 2013
David Boreanaz:
In shock over the passing of James Gandolfini. Way to young to leave us. R.I.P. #GodBless
— David Boreanaz (@David_Boreanaz) June 20, 2013
Dulé Hill:
RIP James Gandolfini. The bar has been set.
— Dul├â┬⌐ Hill (@DuleHill) June 20, 2013
Sophia Bush:
So, so sad. A huge loss for storytellers…RT @nytimes: Actor James Gandolfini, Star of 'The Sopranos,' Dead in Italy http://t.co/0CYtXfwF2c
— Sophia Bush (@SophiaBush) June 20, 2013
John McCain:
RIP James Gandolfini, one of the nicest guys I've ever met
— John McCain (@SenJohnMcCain) June 20, 2013
Kristin Chenoweth:
NO. Not James Gandolfini. He was in my top 5 favorite actors EVER. 🙁
— Kristin Chenoweth (@KChenoweth) June 20, 2013
Piers Morgan:
Amazing outpouring of tributes to James Gandolfini – reflective of the huge impact he had as Tony Soprano, one of TV's greatest characters.
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) June 20, 2013
Ron Perlman:
Sweet journey home, James Gandolfini… The brightest stars burn the fastest….
— Ron Perlman (@perlmutations) June 20, 2013
Ewan McGregor:
Jesus. The world just lost one of its great actors. James Gandolfini has passed away. Thoughts to his family. Such a talent. I'm saddened.
— Ewan McGregor (@mcgregor_ewan) June 20, 2013
Octavia Spencer:
RIP James Gandolfini. So sad!!
— octavia spencer (@octaviaspencer) June 20, 2013
Susan Sarandon:
So sad to lose James Gandolfini. One of the sweetest, funniest, most generous actors I’ve ever worked with. Sending prayers to his family.
— Susan Sarandon (@SusanSarandon) June 20, 2013
Bette Midler:
The great James Gandolfini passed away today. Only 51. I can't believe it.
— Bette Midler (@BetteMidler) June 20, 2013
Molly Ringwald:
James Gandolfini. You will be missed.
— Molly Ringwald (@MollyRingwald) June 20, 2013
Bethenny Frankel:
Just heard TV icon James Gandolfini has died. I'm shocked. I'm sad. I loved his work. My heart goes out to his family.
— Bethenny Frankel (@Bethenny) June 20, 2013
B.J. Novak:
James Gandolfini on "Inside The Actors Studio": one of the most inspiring interviews about acting I have ever seen. http://t.co/mNeUqzw8E6
— B.J. Novak (@bjnovak) June 20, 2013
Ugh. We’re truly all in mourning right now.
Our hearts are with him and his family.
[Image via WENN.]
