Gandolfini died after a suspected heart attack in Italy, where he was to attend the 59th Taormina Film Festival in Sicily. He was scheduled to participate in a festival event this weekend with Italian director Gabriele Muccino, reported TMZ Online.
"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," Gandolfini's management said in a statement.
Gandolfini shot to fame playing a hitman in the 1993 hit 'True Romance' and quickly became a Hollywood legend when he was cast as Tony Soprano in 1999. He won 3 Emmy awards for the role during the show's six season run.
Actress Olivia Wilde, Steve Carell, Russell Crowe and Jonah Hill are some of the celebrities who are mourning the death of the actor.
More From This Section
Joseph R Gannascoli, his co-star on 'The Sopranos', said, "James is one guy who never turned his back on me. He was the most humble and gifted actor and person I have ever worked with. He was a great man and I will forever be indebted to him."
Wilde wrote, "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." Carell tweeted, "James Gandolfini. Unbelievably sad news. A fine man."
Hill admitted, "I'm truly heartbroken to hear that James Gandolfini has passed away. He is one of my all time favorite actors. Tragic loss," while Christina Applegate posted on her Twitter, "I am so deeply saddened by the untimely passing of sweet James Gandolfini! My heart is broken for his family!! I'm in shock.