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James Gandolfini has died at the age of 51.



The award-winning Sopranos star suffered a suspected heart attack in Rome, Italy, HBO has confirmed.

The network said in a 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 humour, 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.”

Gandolfini had been on his way to the Taormina Film Festival in Siciliy, where he was expected on Thursday.

Gandolfini was best known for playing Tony Soprano on the iconic mobster drama, which won him three Emmy Awards.

He also had notable film roles in Get Shorty, Zero Dark Thirty, In the Loop and Where the Wild Things Are.

The actor was currently in pre-production on his new HBO limited series Criminal Justice, in which he was also due to star.
The New Jersey-born actor is survived by his wife Deborah Lin, who gave birth to the couple’s daughter in October. He also has a teenage son from a former marriage.

His managers Mark Armstrong and Nancy Sanders said. “It is with immense sorrow that we report our client James Gandolfini passed away today while on holiday in Rome, Italy.

“Our hearts are shattered and we will miss him deeply. He and his family were part of our family for many years and we are all grieving.”