Earlier today it was announced that actor James Gandolfini, Tony Saprano in The Sapranos, died of a heart attack. He was 51. Mr. Gandolfini’s managers at HBO confirmed that he was on vacation in Italy when he had the heart attack. He was set to attend the Taromina Film Festival.
HBO released 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.”
While Gandolfini has a prolific screen and stage resume, he is best known for his role as Tony Saprano in the Emmy winning show, The Sapranos. More recently he appeared in Zero Dark Thirty as CIA Director Leon Panetta
Gandolfini was born September 18, 1961. Gandolfini is survived by his wife Deborah Gandolfini, their daughter Liliana Ruth and his son Michael.